Inlays & Onlays – Torrance, CA.
What Are Dental Inlays and Onlays?
Dental inlays and onlays are custom restorations used to repair teeth affected by decay, damage, or wear while preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible. Crafted from durable, tooth-colored materials, they blend seamlessly with your smile and provide long-lasting strength.
An inlay fits within the grooves of a tooth, while an onlay extends over one or more cusps to restore larger areas of damage. Both options offer a conservative alternative to full crowns and help strengthen weakened teeth.
How Are Inlays and Onlays Placed?
Restoring a damaged tooth with an inlay or onlay typically requires two visits to ensure a precise fit and long-lasting results.
First Visit
During your initial appointment, the damaged or decayed portion of the tooth is carefully removed, and the tooth is prepared for restoration. Detailed impressions or digital scans are then taken to create a custom inlay or onlay. A temporary restoration may be placed to protect the tooth while your final restoration is being fabricated.
Second Visit
Considerations for Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are durable, conservative restorations that help strengthen and protect damaged teeth while preserving more natural tooth structure than traditional crowns. They are custom-made to fit precisely, providing excellent function, durability, and a natural appearance.
Because they are bonded directly to the tooth, inlays and onlays can reinforce weakened areas and help prevent further damage. With proper care and regular dental visits, they can provide long-lasting results for many years.