Inlays and Onlays

Dental inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations used to repair teeth that are too damaged for a filling but not enough to warrant a crown. At Dr. Michael Hoang’s dental practice, we craft these restorations from durable materials like porcelain or composite resin designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. 

What's the Difference between an Inlay and an Onlay?

Understanding the difference between inlays and onlays helps determine the best option for your dental needs:

Dental Inlays

Picture a puzzle piece fitting perfectly into the grooves of your tooth without extending over the cusps (the raised points on the chewing surface). Dr. Mike designs the inlay to fill the space between the cusps, restoring the central part of the tooth.

Inlays are ideal for treating damage or decay confined to the area between the cusps. Dr. Mike recommends them when the tooth’s structure is intact, but he needs to replace or restore the chewing surface within the cusps.

Dental Onlays

Now, imagine a puzzle piece that fits into the grooves of your tooth and extends over one or more cusps. An onlay covers a more significant portion of the tooth, essentially restoring its entire top surface. 

Dr. Mike uses onlays for more extensive restorations where the damage extends beyond the central part of the tooth to include one or more cusps. This restoration provides additional coverage and support and is suitable for teeth with more significant structural damage.

The process of getting inlays and onlays is straightforward and comfortable and involves the following steps:

• Performing a thorough exam and taking x-rays to assess the tooth's condition and determine the best treatment option
• Numbing the tooth and removing the damaged or decayed portion
• Taking precise impressions to create your custom inlay or onlay
• Placing a temporary on the tooth to protect it while a custom lab creates the final restoration
• Bonding the final inlay or onlay to the tooth to ensure a perfect fit and natural appearance

Expect High-Quality Materials and Results

We use only the highest quality materials for our inlays and onlays and work with top custom dental labs in our area to ensure natural-looking, long-lasting results. With a commitment to quality, we ensure your restorations will give you a restored smile that looks and feels great. With proper care, your inlay or onlay can last up to ten years.

Ready to restore your smile with high-quality dental inlays and onlays? Contact Dr. Michael Hoang, DMD, today to schedule a consultation at our comfortable Hawthorne, CA, dental office. Dr. Mike proudly serves patients from El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Mar Vista, Torrance, and surrounding areas.