RESTORATIVE & PROSTHODONTIC DENTISTRY
Inlays & Onlays in Ball Ground, GA
A conservative, highly precise restoration for teeth that need more than a filling but do not yet require a full crown. Inlays and onlays preserve more of your natural tooth structure while delivering results that are both durable and beautiful.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Your inlay or onlay, step by step.
1
Examination
We evaluate the extent of damage or decay and determine whether an inlay, onlay, filling, or crown is the most conservative appropriate solution.
2
Tooth Preparation
The damaged area is cleaned and shaped. Impressions are taken and a temporary restoration is placed while your inlay or onlay is crafted.
3
Custom Fabrication
Your restoration is crafted in a dental lab from high-quality porcelain or gold — the material selected based on the location of the tooth, bite forces, and patient preference — precisely shaped to fit your tooth.
4
Bonding & Polish
The inlay or onlay is bonded into place, adjusted for a perfect fit with your bite, and polished to a natural finish.
- Custom fabrication — available in porcelain or gold, selected based on the location of the tooth, your bite forces, and your preference
- Bonding and polish — restorations are bonded or cemented depending on the material and clinical situation
Inlays vs. Onlays vs. Crowns — what's the difference?
A filling fills a cavity from within the tooth. A crown covers the entire tooth from the outside. An inlay or onlay sits in between — more conservative than a crown, more durable than a filling.
An inlay fits within the cusps of the tooth, like a puzzle piece sitting inside the chewing surface. An onlay extends over one or more of the outer cusps as well, covering more of the tooth while still preserving the underlying structure that would need to be removed for a crown.
When are inlays and onlays recommended?
Inlays and onlays are an excellent option when a tooth has:
- A cavity or damage too extensive for a standard composite filling
- An old, failing filling that needs to be replaced with something more durable
- Structural compromise that can be addressed conservatively without a full crown
- Chewing surface damage where precise fit is critical to long-term function
Why porcelain?
Porcelain inlays and onlays are the gold standard for this type of restoration. Porcelain is exceptionally durable, stain-resistant, and virtually indistinguishable from natural tooth enamel. Unlike composite resin, which can shrink slightly as it cures, a lab-crafted porcelain restoration fits with a level of precision that chairside filling materials simply cannot achieve.
Why gold?
Gold has been used in dentistry for over a century — and for good reason. It is one of the most biocompatible materials available, remarkably gentle on opposing teeth, and extraordinarily durable in areas of heavy chewing force. A well-placed gold restoration can last decades with minimal wear.
Gold inlays and onlays are an excellent choice for back teeth where strength matters more than appearance. Patients who grind or clench heavily, or who have had porcelain restorations chip or crack in the past, are often ideal candidates for gold.
Dr. Hewgley is a particular advocate for gold restorations and works with a trusted dental laboratory that specializes in precision gold fabrication. If you are interested in gold as an option for your restoration, just ask — we are happy to walk you through whether it is right for your situation.
Is an inlay or onlay right for you?
Book a consultation and we’ll assess the best conservative option for your tooth.
Practice Info
📍 310 Gilmer Ferry Rd, Ste 200
📍 Ball Ground, GA 30107
⏰ Mon–Thu 8am–5pm
⏰ Fri by appointment
Insurance & Fees
Ireland Restorative Dentistry is a fee-for-service practice. We will submit insurance claims on your behalf as a courtesy. Transparent estimates are provided before any treatment begins.
PATIENT STORIES
Trusted by families across Ball Ground and beyond.
★★★★★
“My wife and I had our first visit to Ireland Dental. They have AMAZING staff from Amanda, Celeste, Amber, Dr. Ireland & Dr. Hewgley! Dr. Ireland & Dr. Hewgley made us feel very comfortable and explained everything and it’s like we have known them all for years!!”
Ted Fountain
Google Review · 5 Stars
★★★★★
“Dr. Ireland is absolutely fabulous!!! I am so grateful I found her. She is compassionate and absolutely excellent. I highly recommend her and her entire team! Her dental hygienist, Brooke, is also first in class. Would give 10 stars, if I could!”
Denise L.
Google Review · 5 Stars
★★★★★
“Our entire family loves the staff at Ireland Dental! The staff is fabulous, professional, kind and they truly make it an enjoyable experience. Dr. Ireland is the best! She has such a calming spirit and makes everyone feel extremely comfortable.”
Michele Champagne
Google Review · 5 Stars
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