Reviewed By Dr. Tyler N Davis, DMD
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Teeth can weaken over time from decay, wear, or injury, but modern restorations make it possible to repair the damage with precision. Crowns, inlays, and onlays strengthen the tooth’s structure and restore natural function, helping you maintain a healthy, balanced smile.
Table of Contents
Restoring Strength and Shape with Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a custom restoration that covers the entire visible surface of a tooth. It is used when the tooth is too weak or damaged for a filling but can still be preserved. A crown restores strength, stability, and a natural appearance so you can chew comfortably and protect the tooth from further damage.
Common reasons to get a crown include:
- Cracked or broken teeth: When a tooth splits or breaks down from wear, a crown seals and stabilizes it.
- After a root canal: The treated tooth becomes more fragile, and a crown provides protection from fracture.
- Large fillings or decay: When too much of the tooth structure is lost, a crown provides the strength and coverage a filling cannot.
- Cosmetic improvement: Crowns can cover severe discoloration or reshape a misshapen tooth.
Front teeth are especially visible, so a crown made from porcelain or zirconia can restore both strength and aesthetics. These materials mimic the color and translucence of natural enamel, blending seamlessly with your smile.
The crown process usually takes two appointments. During the first, the dentist removes decay, shapes the tooth, and takes impressions. A temporary crown protects the tooth while your permanent one is made in the lab. At the second visit, the final crown is cemented in place and adjusted for comfort and bite.
Partial Coverage Options: Inlays and Onlays
Sometimes, the damage doesn’t require a full crown. That’s where inlays and onlays come in. Both are custom restorations made in a dental lab and bonded directly to your tooth.
Inlays fit neatly inside the tooth’s chewing surface and are ideal for cavities or fractures between the cusps (the raised points on your molar).
Onlays cover one or more cusps and sometimes the entire chewing surface. They’re often called “partial crowns” because they preserve more natural tooth structure than a full crown.
When dentists recommend inlays or onlays:
- The tooth damage is too extensive for a filling but not severe enough for a crown.
- You want a long-lasting restoration that blends naturally with your teeth.
- The goal is to preserve as much healthy enamel as possible.
Like crowns, inlays and onlays are usually completed in two visits, one for preparation and impressions, and another for placement once the lab has crafted your restoration.
Dental Crown vs Inlay vs Onlay
Each type of restoration serves a different purpose depending on the extent of tooth damage. The chart below outlines how crowns, inlays, and onlays compare in coverage, durability, and preservation of natural enamel.
| Feature | Dental Crown | Inlay | Onlay |
| Coverage | Covers the entire tooth | Fits within the chewing surface | Covers one or more cusps, partial crown |
| Used For | Severely damaged or weakened teeth | Small to moderate decay between cusps | Larger damage extending to one or more cusps |
| Tooth Preservation | Requires more enamel removal | Preserves most of the tooth | Preserves more enamel than a crown |
| Durability | Extremely strong and long-lasting | Highly durable for smaller restorations | Very durable, suitable for moderate damage |
| Aesthetics | Excellent, especially with porcelain or zirconia | Natural appearance | Natural appearance |
| Typical Material | Porcelain, zirconia, metal, or combination | Porcelain or composite resin | Porcelain or composite resin |
| Appointments Needed | Two | Two | Two |
Your dentist will examine your tooth and use imaging to determine which option provides the best balance of strength, longevity, and aesthetics.
Repair Damaged Teeth at Power Road Dental Care
If you have a chipped, broken, or weakened tooth, professional restoration can save it before the damage worsens. Dr. Tyler N. Davis, DMD and the team at Power Road Dental Care provide custom crowns, inlays, and onlays to strengthen and protect your smile with precision and care.
If you are in the Phoenix East Valley, book an appointment at our dental office in Mesa, AZ. Call (480) 664-1438 or visit us at 2500 South Power Road, Suite 102, Mesa, AZ.
FAQs
What is more expensive, inlay or crown?
Crowns usually cost more because they cover the entire tooth and require more material and time to make. Inlays are smaller restorations, so they tend to be less expensive, but the final cost depends on the material and the extent of damage being repaired.
Is an overlay the same as a crown?
An overlay, often called an onlay, covers only part of the tooth, such as one or more cusps, while a crown covers the entire visible surface. Overlays are a more conservative option when enough healthy tooth structure remains.
Where can I find restorative dentistry near me?
If you’re looking for trusted restorative care anywhere in the Phoenix East Valley, Power Road Dental Care provides high-quality crowns, inlays, and onlays tailored to your needs. The team focuses on preserving natural teeth and restoring both comfort and confidence in your smile.