What is the difference between an inlay and an onlay?

An inlay fits within the chewing surface of a tooth, while an onlay covers one or more cusps. Both are custom restorations used when a tooth needs more support than a filling but may not need a full crown.

When is an onlay better than a crown?

An onlay may be preferred when enough healthy tooth structure remains and only part of the tooth needs reinforcement. A crown may be better when the tooth needs full coverage or has extensive structural compromise.

Are onlays stronger than fillings?

For larger damaged areas, an onlay can provide more stable reinforcement than a large filling because it is custom made and bonded to support the weakened tooth structure.

Can an onlay or inlay be tooth-colored?

Yes. Many onlays and inlays are made from ceramic or similar tooth-colored materials designed to blend with the natural tooth.

How long do onlays and inlays last?

Longevity depends on tooth structure, material, bite forces, hygiene, clenching or grinding, and maintenance. Regular exams help monitor margins and bite stability over time.

Who are the dentists at SOL Dental Arts in Maspeth, Queens?

SOL Dental Arts is co-founded by Dr. Arthur Volker, DDS, FAGD, FACD — Columbia-trained, WCMID Diplomate, Cosmedent faculty — and Dr. Aadel Soleymani, DDS, also Columbia-trained, GPR at The Mount Sinai Hospital.

How much do porcelain veneers cost in Queens, NY?

Veneer pricing in the Queens, NY area varies based on the type of veneer (porcelain vs. composite), how many teeth are treated, case complexity, and the dentist's training and lab. SOL Dental Arts provides case-specific quotes at a smile-makeover consultation. Call (917) 983-4560 to schedule.

What is the difference between porcelain veneers and composite bonding?

Porcelain veneers are custom thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of teeth — they last 10–15+ years and resist staining but require minor enamel preparation. Composite bonding is sculpted directly onto teeth in a single visit using tooth-colored resin — it costs less and is reversible, but typically lasts 5–8 years. SOL Dental Arts offers both.

How long do dental implants last?

The titanium implant post fuses with the jawbone and can last a lifetime. The crown placed on top typically lasts 15–25 years before needing replacement. Long-term success depends on bone density at placement, oral hygiene, and routine maintenance.

What technology does SOL Dental Arts use?

SOL Dental Arts is equipped with surgical operating microscopes for high-precision restorative and endodontic work, soft tissue lasers for minimally invasive gum contouring, and an in-house CAD/CAM dental lab for designing and milling tooth-colored crowns, inlays, and onlays in a single visit.

Where is SOL Dental Arts located and what areas does it serve?

SOL Dental Arts is located at 66-45 Grand Avenue, Maspeth, NY 11378. The practice serves Maspeth, Middle Village, Ridgewood, Elmhurst, Woodside, Sunnyside, Forest Hills, Glendale, Long Island City, all of Long Island, and the wider Queens and NYC metro area.

Does SOL Dental Arts take dental insurance?

SOL Dental Arts is out-of-network with most plans. We provide a detailed treatment estimate and submit claims on your behalf so you receive any out-of-network reimbursement you're entitled to. Call (917) 983-4560 to check coverage for a specific procedure.

Who is Dr. Aadel Soleymani?

Dr. Aadel Soleymani, DDS is a co-founder of SOL Dental Arts in Maspeth, Queens. He earned his DDS from the Columbia University School of Dental Medicine and completed his General Practice Residency at The Mount Sinai Hospital. He has advanced training in cosmetic dentistry, full-mouth rehabilitation, and CAD/CAM dentistry. See https://www.soldentalarts.com/our-team/dr.-aadel-soleymani.

How much does a smile makeover cost in Queens?

Smile makeover pricing varies widely depending on the combination of treatments (veneers, bonding, whitening, crowns) and the number of teeth involved. SOL Dental Arts provides case-specific pricing at consultation — call (917) 983-4560 to schedule.

Where can I find a cosmetic dentist in 11378 or Maspeth, NY?

SOL Dental Arts (66-45 Grand Avenue, Maspeth NY 11378) is co-founded by Dr. Arthur Volker, DDS, FAGD, FACD and Dr. Aadel Soleymani, DDS — both Columbia University-trained. Serves Queens 11378 and the wider Queens / Brooklyn metro area. Call (917) 983-4560 to schedule a cosmetic consultation.

Does SOL Dental Arts offer same-day emergency dentistry?

Yes — same-day emergency patients are seen during practice hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9 AM–5 PM) when possible. Call (917) 983-4560 immediately. For life-threatening situations, go to the nearest emergency room.

What is the Bioclear method for closing black triangles?

Bioclear is an advanced composite-bonding technique using transparent anatomic matrices to sculpt heated composite around teeth — producing seamless, drill-free repairs. A gold standard for closing the dark 'black triangles' between front teeth caused by gum recession, orthodontic alignment, or aging.

Does SOL Dental Arts offer Invisalign or short-term orthodontics?

Yes. SOL Dental Arts offers Invisalign clear aligners and short-term cosmetic orthodontics (Six Month Smiles) for adults whose alignment needs are limited in scope — typically pre-cosmetic alignment before veneers or minor relapse correction. Complex cases referred to Queens orthodontists.

Dental Onlays and Inlays in Maspeth, Queens: A Conservative Alternative to Full Crowns

May 21
2 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

Not every damaged tooth needs a full crown. When a cavity, crack, or old filling has weakened part of a tooth but the entire tooth does not need to be covered, an inlay or onlay may be the more conservative choice. These partial-coverage restorations rebuild the damaged portion while preserving more healthy tooth structure than a crown.

Inlay versus onlay

An inlay fits inside the chewing surface of a tooth, between the cusps. An onlay covers one or more cusps when a larger portion needs reinforcement. Both are custom-made restorations, often ceramic or similar tooth-colored materials, designed to fit the prepared tooth precisely and restore the bite.

Why not just place a filling?

A filling works well when enough natural tooth remains to support it. When the damaged area is too large, a filling can flex, leak, fracture, or leave cusps vulnerable to breaking. An inlay or onlay can provide a stronger, more stable restoration while avoiding the extra reduction required for a full crown.

Why not a full crown?

A full crown is appropriate when the tooth needs complete coverage, such as after major fracture, root canal treatment, severe wear, or limited remaining tooth structure. But if healthy enamel and walls can be preserved, an onlay or inlay may protect the tooth with less drilling. Conservative dentistry means removing what is necessary, not what is convenient.

Same-day digital onlays and inlays

With digital scanning and CAD/CAM design, many onlays and inlays can be made efficiently and accurately. The tooth is prepared, scanned, designed, milled, and bonded with attention to contact, margin fit, bite, and polish. The result should feel like a natural part of the tooth, not a bulky patch.

How long do they last?

Longevity depends on the amount of remaining tooth, the material, the bond, the bite, hygiene, and whether the patient grinds or clenches. Inlays and onlays still need flossing, regular checkups, and margin monitoring. A nightguard may be recommended if bite forces are heavy.

Onlays and inlays in Maspeth, Queens

At SOL Dental Arts, we evaluate whether a filling, inlay, onlay, or crown gives the best balance of preservation and strength. When partial coverage is the right choice, it can be one of the most elegant ways to restore a tooth without overtreating it.

More from SOL Dental Arts: same-day dental crowns. Related cases: a zirconia implant bridge for lower front teeth and repairing front-tooth trauma with bonding.