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Inlays and Onlays Denver NC

When it comes to dental restorations, Drs. Nathen Ellis and Spencer Stewart of Denver, NC, believe in the importance of conservative dentistry. This term is used to define any dental repair that avoids removing a significant portion of the natural tooth to keep as much of it intact as possible—while still addressing the problem at hand. Sometimes, patients may have an area of decay that is too large to be effectively addressed using dental fillings but too small to require a dental crown placement. This is when our team may recommend the fabrication and placement of inlays and onlays.

What are onlays and inlays?

Onlays and inlays are porcelain restorations that are made to be placed on or in the tooth to address tooth decay. The difference between onlays and inlays is in how they are bonded onto the tooth. With inlays and onlays, patients can maintain as much natural tooth structure as possible to keep their smiles healthy and strong while repairing the problem at hand.

What are the benefits of inlays and onlays?

There are a few advantages to placing inlays and onlays in the smile. They are:

  • More conservative, allowing patients to maintain a healthier tooth structure.
  • Aesthetic, as they are fabricated with porcelain, a beautiful yet strong material used commonly in dentistry.
  • Affordable, allowing patients to save money versus obtaining a full dental crown.
  • Effective at addressing an area of decay while keeping the tooth strong and durable.

Who is a candidate for inlays and onlays?

Most patients who need a conservative option compared to dental crowns but have an area of decay too large to fill properly with dental fillings will want to ask our team about placing inlays and onlays instead.

Enjoy conservative dentistry at Denver Dental Arts

Drs. Nathen Ellis and Spencer Stewart of Denver, NC, are dedicated to providing patients with solutions for achieving good oral health and wellness, including the placement of inlays and onlays as needed. If you believe you could benefit from these dental restorations, we strongly encourage you to call us at (704) 908-6969 to book a consultation appointment with our team. We are conveniently located at 7206 Austin Smiles Court, Suite #103, and accept new patients seeking comprehensive dental care.

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Dr. Nathen Ellis

Dr. Nathen Ellis

Dr. Nathen Ellis graduated Magna Cum Laude from NC State University with a degree in Biological Sciences and a minor in Genetics. His passion for dentistry developed while volunteering for a local dental outreach program during his undergraduate studies. He graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill’s School of Dentistry and relocated to Lincoln County. After practicing for four years as an associate, he set up his practice in Denver, NC. Dr. Ellis has completed hundreds of hours of continuing education, including an American Academy of Implant Dentistry course. He’s an alumnus of the Pankey Institute and Spear Education study club.


Dr. Spencer Stewart

Dr. Spencer Stewart

Dr. Spencer Stewart graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Biology and Chemistry. After being an assistant in dentistry for one year, he returned to Chapel Hill to attend the UNC School of Dentistry. There, he was selected for the Adams Rural Oral Health and Wellness Scholars program, which prepares dental students to work in underserved communities in North Carolina. During this program, Dr. Stewart honed his skills while practicing at the MAHEC clinic in Asheville, NC. Following graduation, he returned to Gaston County and practiced dentistry in Charlotte before joining Denver Dental Arts.