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5785 Centennial Center Blvd #180, Las Vegas, NV 89149, USA
When tooth decay or damage affects your smile, you need a restoration that fits naturally and lasts. Restorative dentistry offers solutions that go beyond basic fillings while preserving more of your natural tooth structure than a full crown. Inlays and onlays provide this middle ground, repairing moderate damage with precision-crafted restorations that blend seamlessly with your existing teeth.
These custom restorations address damage that’s too extensive for a standard filling but doesn’t require the coverage of a complete crown. Made from durable materials like porcelain or composite resin, inlays and onlays restore both function and appearance to damaged teeth. The result is a strong, natural-looking repair that can last for many years with proper care.
Inlays and onlays are indirect restorations, which means they’re created in a lab and then bonded to your tooth. An inlay fits within the cusps (the raised points) of your tooth, similar to a filling but more durable. An onlay extends over one or more cusps, providing more coverage when damage is more extensive.
The key difference between these restorations and traditional fillings lies in their fabrication. While fillings are placed directly into your tooth during a single appointment, inlays and onlays are custom-made to match your tooth’s exact shape and color. This precision creates a stronger bond and a more natural appearance. The process typically requires two visits, with the first appointment preparing your tooth and taking impressions, and the second bonding the completed restoration in place.
Both options offer significant advantages over traditional fillings. They’re stronger, last longer, and provide better protection against future decay. Because they’re custom-fitted, they also seal the tooth more effectively, preventing bacteria from entering and causing additional problems.
These restorations work well when decay or damage affects the chewing surface of your back teeth. If you have a cavity that’s too large for a filling to be reliable, an inlay or onlay can restore the tooth without removing as much healthy structure as a dental crown would require.
You might be a candidate for an inlay or onlay if you experience:
Your dentist will evaluate the extent of damage to determine which restoration best suits your needs. The goal is always to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible while ensuring the repair is strong enough to withstand normal chewing forces.
Getting an inlay or onlay typically takes two appointments. During your first visit, the damaged area is cleaned and prepared, removing any decay and shaping the tooth to receive the restoration. Your dentist takes detailed impressions of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth, which are sent to a dental lab where your custom restoration is fabricated. A temporary covering protects your tooth while the permanent restoration is being made.
At your second appointment, the temporary covering is removed and your tooth is cleaned. The custom inlay or onlay is checked for fit and color match before being permanently bonded to your tooth. Your dentist makes any necessary adjustments to ensure your bite feels comfortable and natural. The entire process preserves more of your natural tooth structure compared to a full crown.
The materials used for inlays and onlays are selected for their strength and appearance. Porcelain restorations offer excellent aesthetics and can be color-matched to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Composite resin provides a tooth-colored option with good durability. Your dentist will help you choose the material that best fits your specific needs and budget.
These restorations offer several advantages over other treatment options. They’re more conservative than crowns, preserving more of your natural tooth structure while providing comparable strength and protection. The custom fit creates a tight seal that helps prevent future decay and makes the restoration virtually indistinguishable from your natural tooth.
Tooth-colored fillings can shrink slightly as they cure, potentially creating gaps where bacteria can enter. Inlays and onlays don’t have this problem because they’re fabricated outside your mouth and bonded in place after curing is complete. This creates a stronger, more stable restoration that’s less likely to fail over time.
The durability of inlays and onlays means they typically last longer than traditional fillings. With proper care, they can serve you well for 10 to 30 years or more. They resist staining better than composite fillings and maintain their appearance over time. The investment in these quality restorations often proves worthwhile when you consider their longevity and performance.
Maintaining your inlay or onlay requires the same attention you give your natural teeth. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, focusing on the area where the restoration meets your natural tooth. Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between teeth. Regular dental checkups allow your dentist to monitor the restoration and catch any potential issues early.
Avoid habits that can damage your restoration, such as chewing ice, using your teeth as tools, or grinding your teeth at night. If you grind your teeth, a night guard can protect both your restoration and your natural teeth from excessive wear. Be mindful when eating hard foods like nuts or hard candy, which can crack or dislodge even the strongest restoration.
Most people adapt quickly to their new restoration, but contact your dentist if you experience sensitivity or discomfort that lasts more than a few weeks. While some initial sensitivity is normal, persistent problems may indicate an issue that needs attention.
Our team provides personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs and goals. Dr. Naylor, who completed his dental education at Indiana University in 2017, treats you with the same care and attention he would give to his own family. We work with several major insurance providers, including Delta Dental PPO, Cigna Dental, and Aetna Dental, to help maximize your benefits. For patients without insurance, we offer flexible financing through CareCredit, Proceed Finance, and Cherry, plus our own in-house dental membership plan.
Whether you need to repair a damaged tooth or replace a failing filling, we’re here to help you explore your options in our calming and supportive atmosphere. New patients can take advantage of our $300 special, which includes a thorough cleaning, comprehensive exam, and x-rays. Ready to restore your smile with high-quality dentistry? Contact us today to schedule your consultation and discover how inlays and onlays can bring back your confident smile.
