Inlays and Onlays
Ideally, patients will be able to stop decay in its early stages. Usually, this will involve a simple treatment like a filling. However, everyone’s situation is different, and many patients may not receive care before their teeth have been significantly worn down by decay. If this describes you, then you may benefit from inlays or onlays at TruGlo Modern Dental in Beverly Hills.
Inlays & Onlays: Powerful Tooth Restoration
Inlays and onlays offer patients a way to restore their teeth before decay pushes the tooth to the point of no return. The right option for you will depend on the location and severity of damage to your tooth. Both inlays and onlays are custom made for patients from medical-grade materials, including:
- Ceramic
- Composite resin
- Porcelain
- Gold
What Is the Difference?
An inlay and an onlay are both custom restorations used to repair a tooth that needs more help than a simple filling can provide. An inlay fits inside the raised edges, or cusps, of a tooth. It can be used when the damage is in the center of the tooth and the cusps are still strong. An onlay is larger. It covers one or more cusps when more of the tooth needs support. Both treatments can restore the tooth while helping preserve healthy tooth structure. Your dentist will look at the size and location of the damage before deciding which restoration is right for you.
- Inlays: Inlays rest within the tooth. Think of them like a specially shaped insert that fills in the inner area of the tooth.
- Onlays: Onlays rest across the top surface of the tooth, replacing part or all of the upper structure.
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Benefits
- Natural-looking results
- Improve your tooth’s stability
- Boost confidence in your smile
- Exceptionally long-lasting results
Inlays and Onlays vs. Dental Crowns vs Dental Fillings
Inlays and onlays can repair damaged teeth while keeping more natural tooth structure. A dental crown gives the tooth more coverage. It covers the full visible part of the tooth. An inlay sits inside the cusps. An onlay extends over one or more cusps. An inlay or onlay may work well when enough healthy tooth remains. A crown may be needed when a tooth is badly damaged or weak. Your dentist can examine the tooth and recommend the option that gives it the support it needs.
Fillings, inlays, and onlays can all repair teeth with decay or damage. A filling is placed right into the tooth. It is often used for a smaller area of damage. An inlay or onlay is made to fit the tooth. It may be used when the damaged area is too large for a regular filling. An inlay stays within the cusps of the tooth. An onlay covers one or more cusps. Your dentist can choose the right restoration based on the size of the damage and the amount of healthy tooth that remains.
Book Your Appointment
We are experts in restoring teeth affected by tooth decay. Call our office to set up your next appointment and learn if inlays or onlays are right for you. At our Beverly Hills location, we offer a full suite of treatment options designed to leave our patients smiling.
FAQs
What is the process like?
- Consultation + Exam: First, we check your teeth and oral health. Based on these, our dentist can provide suggestions for how to move forward.
- Preparing the Tooth: Next, we need to get rid of damaged or decayed parts of the tooth. This is vital because if any bacteria gets under your restoration, it can cause issues down the road.
- Taking Impressions: Every inlay and onlay is custom made. We do this by first taking impressions of the tooth to be treated. We send those impressions to our dental technicians, who will manufacture your inlay or onlay to exact specifications.
- Placing Your Inlay/Onlay: Once your inlay/onlay is ready, you can come in for placement. We place the material in your tooth and will permanently affix it to it. If needed, we may make minor polishing adjustments to ensure it sits flush with the natural contours of your tooth.
Are inlays or onlays right for me?
Inlays and onlays can restore a tooth before the situation worsens. If your tooth wears down further, you may need to have a dental crown instead. Inlays and onlays serve as a perfect middle ground that lets you keep much of your original tooth while having it fully restored.
Dr. Rhonda Kalasho consults with each patient to explore available options and provide recommendations. She looks at your goals, oral health, and preferences in building you the optimal treatment plan.
Alternative options can include:
- Dental Crowns: Ideal for restoring teeth with most of the tooth worn away.
- Dental Fillings: Can fill in a cavity during earlier stages of tooth decay.
- Dental Bonding: Can boost a tooth’s stability in cases of milder damage.
How long do inlays and onlays last?
Part of what makes inlays and onlays such a useful treatment is how long they can last. Many patients may see benefits lasting upwards of 30 years. However, to get your restorations to last this long, you will need to give your smile plenty of attentive care. Brush and floss daily, visit your dentist regularly, and minimize sugar in your diet. Additionally, the material of your inlay or onlay can influence its durability.
Does insurance cover this treatment?
Most dental insurance plans will reimburse patients for at least part of their inlay or onlay treatment. However, these rates can vary in different plans. Patients can call their insurance providers to learn about their coverage for dental onlays and inlays.
TruGlo offers patients an alternative way to make treatment more affordable. Our Membership Plans can give patients access to discounts on all our available procedures. Benefits can include free routine dental care twice a year and other exclusive savings. Call our office to learn more about our plans.
