Porcelain Inlays & Onlays in Tribeca
A tooth-colored repair for damage too large for a filling, made to fit like a puzzle piece and keep as much of your own tooth as possible.
Inlays and onlays are custom porcelain pieces made in a dental lab and bonded into a damaged back tooth. An inlay fits within the grooves of the chewing surface. An onlay extends over one or more of the cusps. Both sit between a filling and a crown, and they are a good fit when decay or an old filling is too big to patch.
Because they cover only the damaged area, inlays and onlays save more healthy enamel than a crown. Porcelain is strong, resists staining and matches your natural tooth color. Dr. Patricia Moezinia often recommends them when replacing large old silver fillings that have started to crack the tooth around them.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Patricia Moezinia, DDS, cosmetic and general dentist · Updated October 2026
Is this for you?
- I have a large old silver filling I’d like to replace
- A dentist told me a filling is too big but a crown feels like too much
- I chipped a cusp on a back tooth
- I want a tooth-colored repair that lasts
- I’d like to keep as much of my natural tooth as I can
What to expect
- 01
Exam and imaging
We look at the tooth and take X-rays to see how deep the damage goes and whether an inlay, onlay or crown is the right fit.
- 02
Preparing the tooth
With the area numbed, Dr. Moezinia removes decay or the old filling, shapes the space and takes an impression. A temporary covers the tooth.
- 03
Lab-made porcelain
Your inlay or onlay is crafted from porcelain in a shade matched to your tooth. This usually takes about two weeks.
- 04
Bonding and polishing
We check the fit and bite, bond the restoration in place and polish it smooth so it feels like part of the tooth.
Why Empower Your Smile
Conservative by habit
Dr. Moezinia has cared for Tribeca patients for more than 30 years. She will suggest the smallest restoration that protects the tooth well.
An eye for natural color
Training in aesthetic dentistry at NYU means close attention to shade and shape, so your repair disappears into the tooth.
Plans that work with yours
We are in network with Delta Dental, Cigna, Aetna, Guardian, MetLife and Anthem PPO plans, and we accept CareCredit.
Inlay, onlay or crown?
If the damage sits inside the chewing surface, an inlay is often enough. If one or more cusps are weak or broken, an onlay covers and protects them.
If the tooth is cracked through, badly broken or has had a root canal, a crown usually offers better protection. We will show you on your X-rays why we recommend one over another.
Questions, answered
Something else on your mind? Call us at (212) 274-8338.
What is the difference between an inlay and an onlay?
An inlay fills the space between the cusps on the chewing surface of a back tooth. An onlay goes further and covers one or more cusps. Both are made in a lab and bonded in place.
Are inlays and onlays better than fillings?
For small cavities, a tooth-colored filling is usually the simpler choice. For larger areas, a porcelain inlay or onlay tends to be stronger and more durable because it is made in one solid piece. Dr. Moezinia will recommend based on the size of the damage.
How long do porcelain onlays last?
With good care, porcelain onlays commonly last many years, often ten or more. Grinding and gum disease can shorten that. Regular checkups help us catch any wear early.
Can you replace my old silver fillings with porcelain?
Often, yes. Smaller silver fillings can be replaced with composite fillings, and larger ones are good candidates for inlays or onlays. We only replace fillings that are worn, cracked or leaking, or when you want a change in appearance.
You may also consider
Crowns & BridgesPorcelain crowns and bridges that bring a cracked, worn or missing tooth back to full strength and blend in with the rest of your smile.
Tooth-Colored FillingsCavities repaired with mercury-free composite, shaded to your tooth and polished so it looks and feels like nothing was ever there.
Exams & CleaningsA full, unhurried look at your teeth and gums, with a gentle cleaning in the same visit.
Come say bonjour.
35A Walker Street, in the heart of Tribeca, one block south of Canal Street.
Subway: Canal St (A, C, E, N, Q, R, W, J, Z and 6) and Franklin St (1), each a few minutes on foot. Just south of SoHo, and a short walk from Hudson Square, Chinatown and City Hall.
| Mon, Tue, Thu | 8 am – 6 pm |
|---|---|
| Wednesday | 9 am – 6 pm |
| Friday | 9 am – 2 pm |
| Sat – Sun | Closed |