Inlays/Onlays

Dental inlays and onlays are ceramic restorations used to restore teeth that are affected by cavities or excessive wear, respectively. They are custom-fabricated according to the contour of the tooth and are bonded in place using dental adhesives. Inlays are a popular alternative to dental fillings, and onlays are used in place of crowns in some instances.

What Are the Advantages of Inlays and Onlays?

• When the size of a cavity is too big, filling it using ceramic or composite filling material may weaken the tooth. It could lead to cracking or crumbling of the tooth. Hence, we recommend filling the cavity using an inlay, as it restores the tooth’s strength and keeps it from falling apart.
• Inlays offer excellent sealing properties, thereby keeping the oral bacteria from entering the cavity and causing reinfection.
• Onlays restore the biting surface or cusp of a severely worn-out tooth, which improves oral functionality by enabling you to bite and chew food effectively.
• Both inlays and onlays exhibit excellent strength and durability.
• They are custom-fabricated to fit excellently without altering your natural bite.
• They can be customized to match the appearance of the natural enamel perfectly, which keeps the restoration practically invisible.

How Is the Procedure Carried Out at Troy Ha, DDS?

The procedure for placing both inlays and onlays is quite similar. During the initial screening, we at Troy Ha, DDS Family and Cosmetic Dentistry will conduct a thorough screening of the mouth and determine the severity of the cavities or wear of the teeth. The data obtained through X-rays and scans help us assess your need for these restorations. We will use the images obtained to create 3D digital impressions of the teeth and use them as a reference for fabricating inlays/onlays.

Once the restorations are fabricated in a dental laboratory, we will schedule the next consultation. At that consultation, we will clean the teeth thoroughly and etch their surface using a mild etching solution. This etching helps the restoration stay firmly adhered to the tooth. After checking if the inlay/onlay fits, we will then bond the inlay/onlay to the tooth using dental adhesives. In case we need to make any changes to the contour or size of the restoration, we will do so before bonding it. Finally, a bite test will be conducted, and the restoration will be polished.

We invite you to schedule a consultation with our team of dental experts at our Long Beach, CA office to get all your oral concerns addressed at the earliest. Please call us at (562) 432-9883 or schedule an online consultation, and we’ll be happy to help.