You’ve probably heard terms like filling, inlay, onlay, crown, and veneer during a dental visit — and maybe wondered, “Aren’t these all just different types of fillings?” Not exactly! Each option repairs or improves a tooth in a different way.
This guide breaks everything down in a simple, friendly way so you know what each treatment does, when it’s used, how long it lasts, and why it might be recommended for you.
1. Fillings: The Simple Everyday Fix
What’s a filling?
A filling repairs a small cavity or minor chip. It’s quick, common, and preserves most of your natural tooth.
When you might need one:
- Small cavities
- Tiny chips
- Worn edges
- Minor cracks
How long they last:
5–12 years depending on size, location, and habits like grinding.
Why people love fillings:
- Fast and affordable
- Tooth-colored
- Minimal drilling
- Ideal for early decay
2. Inlays & Onlays: The “Stronger Than a Filling, Not Quite a Crown” Solution
What are inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays are custom-made porcelain or ceramic restorations that repair a tooth when a regular filling isn’t strong enough — but a crown would be too much.
Think of them as the middle ground between a filling and a crown.
- Inlays fit inside the grooves of the tooth.
- Onlays cover the grooves and one or more of the tooth’s cusps (the pointy parts).
But the idea is the same: they make the tooth strong again without covering the whole thing.
When you might need an inlay/onlay:
- The cavity is too large for a basic filling
- Part of the tooth (like a cusp) is damaged
- You want a long-lasting, cosmetic restoration
- The tooth needs reinforcement but not full coverage
How long they last:
Usually 10–20+ years with good care.
Why inlays/onlays are great:
- More durable than regular fillings
- Preserve more natural tooth than a crown
- Very strong and fracture-resistant
- Natural-looking and stain-resistant
- Provide excellent chewing strength
3. Crowns: Full Coverage and Maximum Strength
What’s a crown?
A crown covers the entire visible part of your tooth — almost like a helmet that protects what’s underneath.
When you might need a crown:
- Big cavities or large broken areas
- Cracked or fractured teeth
- After a root canal
- Teeth worn down from grinding
- Severe discoloration or shape issues
How long they last:
Usually 10–15 years, sometimes longer.
Why crowns are great:
- Strongest option for badly damaged teeth
- Restores full shape, bite, and appearance
- Protects the tooth from future breakage
4. Veneers: Cosmetic Upgrades for a Beautiful Smile
What’s a veneer?
A veneer is a thin, custom porcelain shell placed on the front of a tooth to improve its look. Veneers are mainly cosmetic, not restorative.
When you might want veneers:
- Stains that whitening can’t fix
- Chipped or worn teeth
- Small gaps
- Slight misalignment
- Full smile makeover
How long they last:
Typically 10–15 years.
Why veneers are great:
- Gorgeous, natural-looking results
- Stain-resistant
- Custom-made for your ideal shape and shade
- Excellent for boosting confidence
Quick Comparison Chart
| Treatment | Best For | Lifespan | Why Choose It |
| Filling | Small cavities | 5–12 yrs | Fast, simple, affordable |
| Inlay/Onlay | Larger damage not needing a crown | 10–20+ yrs | Very strong & conserves tooth structure |
| Crown | Major damage or weak tooth | 10–15 yrs | Maximum protection & strength |
| Veneer | Cosmetic improvements | 10–15 yrs | Beautiful, natural results |
How to Know Which One YOU Need
Your dentist will look at:
- How much tooth structure is missing
- Whether the cusps are involved
- Your bite and habits (grinding, clenching, etc.)
- Your cosmetic goals
- Your long-term oral health plan
At Soap Dental, we always recommend the least invasive option that still gives your tooth strength and long-term success.