Inlays/Onlays in Los Angeles, CA
When a tooth is too damaged for a filling but doesn’t require a full crown, inlays and onlays provide the ideal solution. At Westwood Dental Esthetics, we use these custom restorations to repair decay, cracks, or weakened areas while preserving your natural tooth structure. They’re strong, long-lasting, and crafted to match your teeth perfectly for a seamless, natural-looking smile.
What Are Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are precisely crafted restorations made from durable, tooth-colored materials like porcelain or composite resin. They are designed to fit snugly into or over your damaged tooth, restoring its natural shape, strength, and appearance with a seamless finish.
- Inlays fit inside the tooth, similar to a filling, and are used when the damage is within the tooth’s cusps (the raised edges).
- Onlays cover one or more of the cusps, providing extra support for teeth with more extensive damage.
Both options are bonded securely to your tooth, offering a natural look and excellent protection against further decay.
Our dentist may suggest an inlay or onlay if you have:
- A large cavity that’s too big for a filling
- A cracked or fractured tooth that still has a healthy structure
- Old metal fillings that need replacement
- Damage that doesn’t require a full dental crown
Inlays and onlays are an excellent option for restoring your teeth’s function and appearance while preserving the majority of your natural enamel.
The Treatment Process
Getting an inlay or onlay typically takes two visits:
First Visit – Tooth Preparation & Impression:
The damaged area is carefully cleaned and shaped, after which we take precise digital impressions to design a custom restoration that perfectly matches your bite and natural tooth color.
Second Visit – Placement & Bonding:
When your inlay or onlay is ready, it’s securely bonded to your tooth, then polished and adjusted for a flawless fit—restoring strength, function, and a smooth, natural appearance.