Dental Onlays in Northwest Oklahoma City

Conservative Care for Compromised Teeth

Dental onlays — sometimes called partial crowns — are custom-made restorations designed to fit over the chewing surface of a tooth. They’re used when a tooth has too much damage for a filling, but still has enough healthy structure to avoid a full crown.

At Legacy Family Dentistry, Dr. Armin Zarkeshan recommends onlays when we want to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible. Using durable, natural-looking materials like porcelain or composite resin, we create long-lasting restorations that look and feel just like your natural teeth.

When Is an Onlay Recommended?

We may recommend a dental onlay if your tooth has:

• A large cavity that extends across a cusp
  
• Moderate cracks or fractures
  
• Wear from grinding or bite imbalance
  
• An old filling that’s breaking down
  
• Damage that’s too extensive for a filling, but doesn’t require a full crown
  

Onlays are especially useful on molars and premolars, where durability and bite support are key.

Onlays vs. Fillings vs. Crowns

Fillings are best for small to moderate areas of decay.
Crowns cover the entire tooth surface when significant structural support is needed.
Onlays restore the tooth's chewing surface, including one or more cusps, while leaving healthy enamel intact.

This makes onlays a more conservative and tooth-saving option — offering strength without over-preparing the tooth.

What to Expect During the Onlay Process

1. Initial Evaluation
   
   • We assess the damage with digital X-rays and intraoral imaging
     
   • We’ll determine if an onlay is the most appropriate treatment
     
2. Tooth Preparation
   
   • The damaged area is removed, and the tooth is cleaned and shaped
     
   • Digital impressions are taken — no gooey trays
     
3. Custom Fabrication
   
   • Your onlay is custom-made in a dental lab for precise fit and aesthetics
     
   • A temporary restoration is placed for protection
     
4. Final Placement
   
   • At your second visit, we bond the onlay in place and polish it for a natural feel
     
   • Your bite is adjusted for comfort and function
     

Once placed, onlays function like a natural tooth and can last 10–15 years or more with proper care.

Natural Results with Durable Materials

We use tooth-colored ceramic and porcelain materials for most onlays to ensure:

• A seamless appearance that blends with your tooth
  
• Strong resistance to wear and daily chewing pressure
  
• Long-term durability with minimal risk of fracture
  
• A biocompatible, mercury-free solution
  

Each restoration is shade-matched to your smile and designed for comfort and strength.

Advanced Restorative Dentistry in Northwest OKC

Legacy Family Dentistry serves patients throughout:

• The Village
  
• Nichols Hills
  
• Quail Creek
  
• Yukon
  
• Warr Acres
  
• Lake Hefner
  
• Oklahoma County
  

Whether you’ve been told you need a crown or just want a second opinion on your options, we’re here to help you make informed decisions with personalized, no-pressure care.

Related Services to Support Your Smile

Our goal is to provide complete care in one office. Onlays are often part of a broader restorative or preventative treatment plan, which may include:

• Tooth-Colored Fillings for small areas of decay
  
• Dental Crowns when a full-coverage restoration is needed
  
• Bruxism Treatment to protect restorations from grinding
  
• Routine Exams & Cleanings to maintain oral health
  

We’ll walk you through all your options so you can feel confident in your care plan.

Cost & Financing for Dental Onlays

While onlays are often covered by dental insurance, coverage can vary. We’ll review your plan and provide an estimate before treatment begins. We also offer flexible payment options, including:

• Cherry financing for low monthly payments
  
• CareCredit and Alphaeon
  
• Our DentalHQ Membership Plan for reduced fees on restorative and preventive services
  

We believe everyone deserves access to conservative, high-quality dental care — without surprises at checkout.