Dental Inlays & Onlays in New York City
Serving Midtown East, Upper East Side & Surrounding Areas
Your teeth are made of the strongest substance in the human body — even harder than bone, but they can become vulnerable due to an affected tooth. But despite their strength, they are vulnerable to decay, fractures, and wear. Everyday sugars fuel bacteria in plaque, producing acids that erode enamel layer by layer. Once enamel is compromised, restorative care is necessary to preserve your tooth structure.
For minor tooth decay and small cavities, traditional fillings are effective. But for larger areas of damage or weakened teeth, custom inlays and onlays provide a stronger, longer-lasting, and more natural solution.
Book Your Consultation Today
Take the first step toward a more confident, natural-looking smile by preserving your existing teeth. Whether you're looking to fix a small imperfection or enhance your entire smile, our team is here to guide you with personalized, minimally invasive care. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and discover how a simple solution can make a significant difference. We look forward to welcoming you to our office and helping you feel your best—starting with your smile.
What Are Dental Inlays & Onlays?
Dental inlays and onlays are advanced restorations that replace or reinforce damaged tooth structure. Unlike standard fillings that can shrink or leak over time, inlays and onlays are custom-fabricated pieces that bond securely to the tooth.
Inlays: Fit within the grooves of a tooth (between the cusp tips). Often used for molars and premolars.
Onlays: Cover one or more cusps, sometimes extending over the biting surface. Often called partial crowns because they restore more of the tooth without removing as much natural structure as a crown.
Both are designed to look and feel like natural teeth while providing exceptional durability, thanks to the technology used in a dental lab .
Why Choose Inlays or Onlays Over Fillings or Crowns?
Stronger than fillings: Fillings can contract or expand, causing micro-fractures or leakage. Inlays/onlays avoid this issue.
Tooth preservation: Unlike full crowns, these treatments conserve more natural tooth structure.
Long-term durability: When crafted from porcelain or ceramic, they can last decades with proper care.
Natural appearance: Tooth-colored materials blend seamlessly with your smile.
Before and After
Who Is a Candidate?
Patients with large cavities or fractured teeth but enough healthy tooth remaining.
Those with damaged or failing fillings.
Patients seeking a more conservative option than a crown.
The Treatment Process
First Visit: Damaged tooth structure is gently removed, preserving as much healthy enamel as possible. An impression is taken and a temporary cover is placed.
Laboratory Fabrication: Your inlay or onlay is crafted from durable materials such as porcelain, ceramic, or composite resin. Gold is also an option for those who prefer traditional strength.
Second Visit: The restoration is bonded in place using advanced dental resin. Dr. Lazare ensures a perfect fit, bite alignment, and polished finish.
Advantages of Dental Inlays & Onlays
Increased tooth strength and durability
Aesthetic, tooth-colored finish
Long-lasting restoration (often decades)
Better protection against decay compared to fillings
Success Stories
Just Recieved
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Amazing service, everyone is super nice, Therese was super friendly and gentle, and thank Dr. Lazare for the nice conversation we had 😁
Samantha Ospina
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Knowledgeable, thoughtful, careful, pain-free and caring dentist! Great dental hygienist, precise, thorough and gentle…everything one would want in a dental office!
Cathy Rikhye
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Dr. Lazare is a master dentist. He did perfect dental work every time I, my mother and my sister visited his office. We are so grateful for his expertise and his wonderful office. Dr. Lazare is an expert. We could not recommend him more highly.
Nina Rosenblum
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Why Choose Dr. Marc Lazare for Inlays & Onlays in NYC?
Expertise in biomimetic dentistry: prioritizing minimally invasive care that mimics natural teeth.
Customized, tooth-colored restorations that blend seamlessly.
Convenient Upper East Side location with a reputation for precision and excellence.
Call us today at 212-861-2599 or book your consultation online to restore your smile with strong, natural-looking inlays or onlays.
What is Inlays?
Dental inlays can be thought of as a larger filling within a back tooth, like a molar. A synthetic material will replace a portion of the tooth and fits between the cusp tips (or the raised areas) of a tooth. The inlay often addresses restoration in the middle of the tooth as well.
What is Onlays?
Similar to inlays, dental onlays cover a greater area of the tooth and provide a more extensive restoration. Also called a partial crown, onlays are intended to replace one or more cusp tip. An onlay can also be bonded to the entire top side of the tooth, called the biting surface.
AQ: Dental Inlays & Onlays
What is a dental onlay?
A dental onlay is a custom restoration that covers one or more cusps of a tooth. It is stronger than a filling but more conservative than a crown, making it ideal for larger cavities or fractures.
Is an onlay better than a crown?
Onlays are less invasive because they preserve more natural tooth structure. Crowns are used when a tooth is too damaged for an onlay. Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate option, whether it's inlays and onlays or another treatment.
How long does a tooth onlay last?
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits, an onlay can last 10–30 years, depending on the material used.
What are the disadvantages of onlays?
Onlays require two visits instead of one, and they can be more costly than fillings. However, their durability often makes them more cost-effective long-term.
How long do dental inlays last?
Like onlays, dental inlays typically last 10–30 years, especially when made from porcelain or ceramic and cared for properly.
Is inlay better than filling?
Inlays are stronger and longer-lasting than fillings, especially for larger areas of decay. Fillings are best for small cavities, while inlays provide better reinforcement.
How much does a dental inlay cost?
The dental inlay cost in NYC typically ranges from $800 to $2,500 per tooth, depending on the material and complexity.
Are dental inlays worth it?
Yes. While more expensive upfront than fillings, they last significantly longer, preserve natural tooth structure, and reduce the risk of future complications.
Which is better, onlay or inlay?
It depends on the size of the damage. Inlays restore the grooves between cusps, while onlays cover one or more cusps. Both strengthen teeth, but onlays address larger areas.
Why would a dentist use an inlay?
Dentists use inlays when a filling is not strong enough but a crown would remove too much healthy tooth. They are a conservative solution for moderate decay or damage.
What is the difference between inlay and onlay graft?
An inlay/onlay is a tooth restoration. An onlay graft is a gum or bone grafting term unrelated to dental restorations.
Why are inlays not covered by insurance?
Some insurance plans consider inlays and onlays “cosmetic” if a filling could technically be used. Coverage varies by plan — our office helps patients maximize insurance benefits and offers flexible payment options.
Explore Our Full Range of Dental Services
At Lazare Biomimetic Dentistry and Smile Design, located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, we offer a comprehensive suite of services designed to support your long-term oral health and smile goals. From advanced cosmetic enhancements to preventive care and biomimetic restorative techniques, each treatment is delivered with precision and a deep respect for preserving what’s healthy and natural.
Whether you’re just beginning care or continuing it with us, we’re committed to supporting the lasting health and beauty of your smile.
Browse our full list of services to learn more.
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Contact us
Our Office in New York City
Phone
+1 (212) 861-2599
Office Hours
Monday - 8:30am to 5:00pm
Tuesday - 8:30am to 5:00pm
Wednesday - 8:30am to 5:00pm
Thursday - 10:00am to 7:00pm
Friday - 8:30am to 4:00pm
Saturday - Call for Availability
Sunday - Closed