Inlays and Onlays with Dr. Daniel Min — Upper East Side Prosthodontist Serving All Manhattan and New York City

Why Choose Dr. Min for Inlays/Onlays

Columbia-trained prosthodontist with advanced training in adhesive dentistry and occlusion.
Award-winning precision and military-honed planning for meticulous fit and contact points.
Conservative, tooth-preserving approach—strengthen what remains instead of over-prepping for a crown.
Digital workflow for accurate design, seamless bite, and natural esthetics.

What Are Inlays and Onlays?

Inlay: Restores the chewing surface within the cusps of a tooth—ideal for medium cavities or failing fillings.
Onlay: Covers one or more cusps to reinforce weak areas—“partial crown” strength with less removal of healthy enamel.
Both are bonded restorations that seal tightly, restore anatomy, and distribute bite forces efficiently.

When They’re Better Than Fillings or Crowns

• Defects too large for a simple filling but not severe enough to justify a full crown.
• Cracked or weakened cusps needing reinforcement (onlay).
• Replacement of leaky, fractured, or stained old fillings with a durable, esthetic solution.
• Patients seeking longevity, strength, and a natural look.

Materials We Recommend

• Lithium disilicate (ceramic): High strength, lifelike translucency for esthetic zones.
• Zirconia: Maximum durability for heavy bite or grinders (case-dependent).
• Composite inlay/onlay: Conservative and reparable option when indicated.
  Material choice is tailored to your bite, location in the mouth, esthetic goals, and parafunctional habits.

The Process at a Glance

Consultation & Diagnostics

Digital photos, bite/occlusion analysis, and radiographs to confirm candidacy.

Tooth Preparation (Conservative)

Remove decay/old filling and shape for optimal bonding while preserving enamel.

Digital Impression & Design

Comfortable intraoral scan—no messy trays; precise margins and contact design.

Provisional (If Needed)

A smooth temporary may be placed for comfort between visits.

Bonding & Bite Refinement

Try-in for fit/shade, adhesive bonding under isolation, and careful occlusal tuning.

Maintenance Plan

Hygiene coaching, nightguard when indicated, and scheduled checks for long-term success.

Benefits You’ll Notice

• Stronger than large fillings; reinforces tooth structure.
• Excellent seal to reduce recurrent decay risk.
• Natural esthetics—color, gloss, and anatomy that blend with adjacent teeth.
• Tooth preservation versus full-coverage crowns in appropriate cases.

Comfort, Cost, and Insurance

Gentle anesthesia and step-by-step guidance for a comfortable visit.
Transparent, itemized estimates before treatment; phased options when combining multiple teeth.
Often eligible for insurance benefits as a major restorative service (coverage varies—please call to confirm your plan).

Longevity & Care

With proper hygiene and bite protection, ceramic inlays/onlays often last many years.
Avoid chewing ice or hard objects; wear a nightguard if you clench or grind.
Use non-abrasive toothpaste and maintain regular professional cleanings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do inlays/onlays compare to crowns?
They’re more conservative—preserve more natural tooth while providing crown-like strength where needed.

Will they look natural?
Yes. Shade, translucency, and surface texture are customized to match your neighboring teeth.

Can they be repaired if chipped?
Minor chips can often be polished or repaired; larger issues can be addressed by rebonding or replacing the restoration.

How many visits are required?
Typically two (prep/scan, then bond). In select cases, same-day options may be available depending on indication and scheduling.

About Dr. Daniel Min

BA, University of Texas at Austin
DDS, University of Texas (American Esthetic Dental Association award; “Student of the Year” in clinical performance)
MS in Prosthodontics, Columbia University; former part-time clinical professor
U.S. Army veteran; current Army Reserve officer
Member: Academy of Prosthodontics; International Congress of Oral Implantologists

Service Area

Conveniently located on the Upper East Side and serving patients across Manhattan and the greater New York City area.

Call to Action

Need a durable, natural-looking fix for a cracked or heavily filled tooth? Book a consultation with Dr. Daniel Min to see whether an inlay or onlay is your most conservative, long-lasting option.