In some cases a tooth needs restoration, but is too big to support a composite resin (filling). In these cases, an inlay or onlay may be a better choice than a crown. Dr. Andalib is committed to preserving as much health tooth as possible. Inlays and onlay, sometimes referred to as partial crowns, replace only with the affected part of the tooth when indicated. These materials are bonded to the tooth and are tooth-colored, but offer the significant increase in strength needed over a composite resin.