Porcelain Onlays
In Richardson, TX
Save damaged teeth with a conservative restoration. Dr. Morgan uses custom porcelain onlays to repair teeth that need more than a filling but don't require a full crown in Richardson.
WHAT ARE ONLAYS?
An onlay is a custom-made restoration that repairs a tooth when the damage is too extensive for a filling but not severe enough to need a crown. Think of it as a middle ground that preserves more of your natural tooth structure.
Onlays are made from high-quality porcelain in a dental lab, just like crowns. The difference is that an onlay only covers the damaged portion of the tooth instead of the entire tooth. This means Dr. Morgan can leave the healthy parts of your tooth untouched.
The porcelain is matched to your tooth color and bonded permanently in place. Once it's on, you won't be able to tell which tooth has the onlay. It looks, feels, and functions just like your natural tooth.
WHO NEEDS AN ONLAY?
You might need an onlay if you have a large cavity, a fractured tooth, or a tooth with a failing filling that's too big to replace with another filling. Onlays work especially well for back teeth that have damage on the chewing surface or extending to one or more cusps.
Some teeth crack from normal wear and tear over time, especially if you grind your teeth or have large old fillings. An onlay can restore the tooth's strength and protect it from further damage without requiring a full crown.
Dr. Morgan takes a conservative approach to dental care. If she can restore your tooth with an onlay and preserve healthy tooth structure, she'll recommend that over a crown. The goal is always to keep as much of your natural tooth as possible.
THE benefits OF COMPOSITE ONLAYS
Onlays offer advantages over both large fillings and full crowns. Here's what makes them a smart choice for Richardson patients.
.svg){kind=icon}
Preserve Natural Tooth
Onlays require removing only the damaged portion of your tooth. Healthy tooth structure stays intact, which is always better for the long-term health of your tooth.
Stronger Than Fillings
Large composite fillings can shrink slightly over time and may not hold up to heavy chewing forces. Porcelain onlays are much stronger and more durable for big restorations.
Natural Appearance
The porcelain is custom-made to match your tooth color perfectly. Onlays blend in seamlessly with your smile and don't stain like composite fillings can over time.
THE ONLAY PROCEDURE
Onlays require two visits to our Richardson office. Here's what to expect at Ellem Dental.
BOOK ONLINEStep 1: Examination and Preparation
Dr. Morgan will examine the damaged tooth and take X-rays. Once you're numb and comfortable, she'll remove any decay and damaged tooth structure. The tooth is shaped to receive the onlay, leaving all the healthy parts intact.
Step 2: Impressions
Detailed impressions are taken of the prepared tooth and your bite. These are sent to a dental lab where skilled technicians will craft your custom onlay from high-quality porcelain. This takes about two weeks.
Step 3: Temporary Restoration
Dr. Morgan will place a temporary onlay to protect the tooth while your permanent one is being made. Be careful with sticky foods during this time, as the temporary is held in place with temporary cement.
Step 4: Onlay Placement
When your custom onlay is ready, you'll return to have it fitted. Dr. Morgan will check the fit, color, and bite carefully. Once everything is perfect, the onlay is permanently bonded to your tooth using strong dental adhesive.
Step 5: Final Adjustments
Dr. Morgan will polish the onlay and make sure your bite feels comfortable. Most patients adjust to their onlay within a day or two and can't tell the difference from their natural teeth.
How to Make Your Onlay Last
Brush twice a day and floss daily, paying attention to where the onlay meets your natural tooth. This area needs to stay clean to prevent decay on the remaining tooth structure.
Avoid chewing on very hard objects like ice, hard candy, or popcorn kernels. While porcelain onlays are strong, excessive force can crack them. If you grind your teeth at night, wear a night guard to protect both your onlay and your natural teeth.
Come in for regular cleanings and checkups every six months. Dr. Morgan will examine your onlay to make sure it's still fitting properly and that the tooth underneath stays healthy.
The porcelain doesn't decay, but the tooth around it can. Good oral hygiene is essential to prevent cavities from forming at the edges of the onlay. With proper care, your onlay should last many years.
DENTISTRY THAT feels different
At Ellem Dental, exceptional care is our standard. Discover how Dr. Morgan's advanced expertise, personalized service, and commitment to your comfort can transform not just your smile, but your entire dental experience.
We use advanced digital X rays and intraoral cameras with comprehensive screening protocols to detect problems early. This preventive approach helps identify issues before they become painful, complex, or costly.
We're one of the few practices in Richardson with Kois Center-trained doctors, a distinction that represents hundreds of hours studying functional occlusion, esthetics, and evidence-based dentistry. This isn't just continuing education; it's mastery.
Experience truly personalized care with one-on-one consultations with Dr. Morgan and treatment from our team of experts. We don’t rush, and we don’t double-book. When you’re at ELLEM Dental, you’re always our number one priority.
Dental fear keeps too many people from care. We offer multiple sedation levels and comfort amenities so your treatment happens on your terms, relaxed, informed, and in control.
Our doctor and master ceramist will create a 3D model of your proposed new smile, so you can try in and visualize your new smile before committing to treatment.
From the moment you walk through our doors you’ll be met with the serene and spa-like atmosphere of ELLEM Dental. With individual treatment rooms you can sit back and relax in privacy and comfort during your visit.
Diagnostic Precision
We use digital imaging and comprehensive screening protocols that catch problems early. Think of it as preventive intelligence, identifying issues before they become painful or expensive.
We're one of the few practices in Richardson with Kois Center-trained doctors, a distinction that represents hundreds of hours studying functional occlusion, esthetics, and evidence-based dentistry. This isn't just continuing education; it's mastery.
Experience truly personalized care with one-on-one consultations with Dr. Morgan and treatment from our team of experts. We don’t rush, and we don’t double-book. When you’re at ELLEM Dental, you’re always our number one priority.
Dental fear keeps too many people from care. We offer multiple sedation levels and comfort amenities so your treatment happens on your terms, relaxed, informed, and in control.
Our doctor and master ceramist will create a 3D model of your proposed new smile, so you can try in and visualize your new smile before committing to treatment.
From the moment you walk through our doors you’ll be met with the serene and spa-like atmosphere of ELLEM Dental. With individual treatment rooms you can sit back and relax in privacy and comfort during your visit.
faqs
Common questions about porcelain onlays in Richardson, TX
A porcelain onlay is a custom-made restoration used to repair moderate tooth damage while preserving more natural structure than a crown. At Ellem Dental in Richardson, TX, porcelain onlays restore strength and appearance to teeth with large cavities or fractures.
Placeholder: Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front of teeth to improve shape, color, and alignment. At Ellem Dental in Richardson, TX, veneers provide a long-lasting, natural-looking cosmetic solution for a brighter, more confident smile.
Onlays at Ellem Dental in Richardson, TX typically range from $800 to $1,800 per tooth without insurance (average $1,000–$1,400 for custom porcelain cases, including prep, lab work, and placement). Insurance often covers a portion for restorative needs; CareCredit financing available. Call (972) 231-7104 for your personalized estimate.
Placeholder: Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front of teeth to improve shape, color, and alignment. At Ellem Dental in Richardson, TX, veneers provide a long-lasting, natural-looking cosmetic solution for a brighter, more confident smile.
You may need a porcelain onlay when a cavity or crack is too large for a standard filling but the tooth does not require a full crown. Patients in the Richardson and Plano areas often benefit from onlays for moderate damage.
Placeholder: Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front of teeth to improve shape, color, and alignment. At Ellem Dental in Richardson, TX, veneers provide a long-lasting, natural-looking cosmetic solution for a brighter, more confident smile.
Porcelain onlays typically last 10 to 15 years or longer with proper care. Many North Texas patients enjoy long-term durability with consistent oral hygiene and routine checkups.
Placeholder: Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front of teeth to improve shape, color, and alignment. At Ellem Dental in Richardson, TX, veneers provide a long-lasting, natural-looking cosmetic solution for a brighter, more confident smile.
Most patients in the Richardson area experience minimal discomfort during onlay placement. Local anesthesia is used to ensure comfort throughout the procedure.
Placeholder: Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front of teeth to improve shape, color, and alignment. At Ellem Dental in Richardson, TX, veneers provide a long-lasting, natural-looking cosmetic solution for a brighter, more confident smile.
An onlay covers only part of the tooth (top and cusps), preserving more healthy structure. A crown covers the entire tooth. Onlays are more conservative when the damage isn't extensive enough for a full crown.
Placeholder: Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front of teeth to improve shape, color, and alignment. At Ellem Dental in Richardson, TX, veneers provide a long-lasting, natural-looking cosmetic solution for a brighter, more confident smile.
Porcelain onlays usually require two visits — one for preparation and impressions, and one for placement. Some cases may qualify for same-day restoration depending on technology availability.
Placeholder: Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front of teeth to improve shape, color, and alignment. At Ellem Dental in Richardson, TX, veneers provide a long-lasting, natural-looking cosmetic solution for a brighter, more confident smile.
Porcelain onlays preserve more natural tooth structure than crowns. In the Richardson and Garland areas, onlays are often preferred when the damage does not require full coverage.
Placeholder: Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front of teeth to improve shape, color, and alignment. At Ellem Dental in Richardson, TX, veneers provide a long-lasting, natural-looking cosmetic solution for a brighter, more confident smile.
Yes. Porcelain onlays are color-matched to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Patients in the Dallas area appreciate their aesthetic and lifelike appearance.
Placeholder: Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front of teeth to improve shape, color, and alignment. At Ellem Dental in Richardson, TX, veneers provide a long-lasting, natural-looking cosmetic solution for a brighter, more confident smile.
Care for a porcelain onlay just like a natural tooth — brush twice daily, floss regularly, and attend routine dental visits in Richardson, TX.
Placeholder: Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front of teeth to improve shape, color, and alignment. At Ellem Dental in Richardson, TX, veneers provide a long-lasting, natural-looking cosmetic solution for a brighter, more confident smile.
Most dental insurance plans in the Richardson area provide partial coverage for porcelain onlays when they are medically necessary. Coverage varies by plan.
Placeholder: Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front of teeth to improve shape, color, and alignment. At Ellem Dental in Richardson, TX, veneers provide a long-lasting, natural-looking cosmetic solution for a brighter, more confident smile.
Have more questions?
Give us a call to speak with one of our friendly team members, and schedule a consultation with Dr. Morgan .
Don’t Wait to Feel Your Best
Get in Touch
Simple secure and safe paid parking located on-site.
Conveniently located in Richardson, we proudly serve patients from Plano, Garland, North Dallas, Addison, Murphy, Wylie, Sachse, and surrounding areas.
Phone
Call us now!
Address
Get directions
702 W Arapaho Road Ste. 100
Richardson, TX, 75080
Hours
Mon
7:30am - 4:30pm
Tue
7:30am - 4:30pm
Wed
8:00am - 5:00pm
Thu
7:30am - 4:30pm
