Inlays and onlays restore the function and health of smiles in West Hills Los Angeles, California
Most people have heard of dental fillings and dental crowns, but the majority of people are not quite familiar with options of inlays and onlays. Inlays and onlays are alternative treatment options when dental decay has caused more damage to the tooth to be restored by a simple filling and is not large enough to need a crown. Even though these options may be less familiar to the public, everyone should learn about these conservative yet versatile restorations. Inlays and onlays are custom-made dental restorations which are a great replacement for the missing tooth structure due to decay and/or fracture and can be named as a partial crown where only the broken or decayed part of the tooth is prepared and the healthy part remains intact. Just like in the Goldilocks story, inlays and onlays can be the solution in many cases that is “just right”!
At Royal Dental Practice, Dr Shoffet performs an in-depth evaluation of each individuals’ teeth to make sure the appropriate solution is recommended to fit any patient specific needs, which may be an inlay or an onlay.
What are inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays are similar to dental fillings in that they restore a portion of the tooth that is decayed or damaged, and they are similar to dental crowns in that they are made from a durable dental material – typically porcelain or composite resin or gold. These are custom-made after the tooth is prepared by your skilled dentist followed by dental impressions.
The difference between inlays and onlays
The key difference between inlays and onlays is how much of the tooth it covers:
- An inlay fits within the hollow of the tooth but does not affect the cusps (the pointy parts at the top of posterior teeth)
- An onlay repairs damage to the tooth cusps as well as the overall biting surface and is sometimes called a “partial crown” because it works very similarly but does not cover the entire surface of the tooth
Preserve Your Smile with Custom Inlays and Onlays
When a filling isn’t enough but a crown is too much, inlays and onlays provide the perfect balance. At Royal Dental Practice in West Hills, Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Roya Shoffet uses these custom restorations to repair decayed or damaged teeth while preserving as much natural structure as possible. Crafted from durable, tooth-colored materials, inlays and onlays blend seamlessly with your smile. They offer strength, beauty, and long-term performance. If you’re dealing with tooth damage or decay, call (818) 334-6655 or book online to find out if an inlay or onlay is the right solution for you.
Book an Appointment NowWhat to expect with inlays and onlays
Getting inlays or onlays normally takes two appointments. In the first appointment, we prepare your tooth by gently drilling out and disinfecting the decayed areas. Then, we take dental impressions of the tooth so that your inlay or onlay can be custom-fabricated in a laboratory, and then we place a temporary inlay or onlay on the tooth to protect it and keep you comfortable while your restoration is being made. Once your inlay or onlay is ready, you will come back into the office and we will “try it on” to ensure it has the perfect fit, making any minor adjustments needed, and then bond it onto the tooth to restore its natural shape and function and protect it from further damage or decay. The results are outstanding.
Your partners in oral health
At Royal Dental Practice, we are devoted to providing personalized care based on every patient’s unique needs, and have particular expertise in providing care for older patients. To schedule your appointment at our West Hills Los Angeles, California dental practice, call us today at (818) 334-6655 or book your appointment online!
Inlays and Onlays FAQs
How do inlays and onlays work?
Inlays and onlays are precision restorations used when damage or decay extends beyond what a conventional filling can handle, but the tooth doesn’t need a full crown. Inlays fit within the cusp of your tooth, while onlays extend over one or more cusps. This is done to preserve a more natural structure than crowns. At Royal Dental Practice in West Hills, Los Angeles, California, Dr. Shoffet uses high-quality porcelain materials and highly detailed preparation to ensure these minimally invasive restorations blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, restoring strength, functionality, and appearance in one carefully crafted result.
What materials are used for inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays can be crafted from several durable, tooth-colored materials, including porcelain, ceramic, or zirconia. These materials offer excellent aesthetics—mimicking natural tooth enamel—and lasting strength. We utilize precise digital scanning and CAD/CAM technology to create these restorations, ensuring a perfect fit and beautiful outcome that resists wear and blends invisibly with your smile. This advanced approach combines modern craftsmanship with long-term durability for restorations that feel and look like real teeth.
When should I choose an inlay or onlay instead of a filling or crown?
Inlays and onlays are ideal when a tooth has moderate damage—too large for a direct filling but doesn’t require a full crown. They preserve more of the healthy tooth structure, deliver a stronger restoration, and maintain precise contact points and contours. Compared to fillings, inlays/onlays are fabricated in a lab for better marginal integrity; compared to crowns, they’re more conservative. We offer this balanced solution so you get a durable, natural-looking restoration while preserving as much of your tooth as possible.
How are inlays and onlays placed?
Placement typically involves two visits. During the first, Dr. Shoffet removes decay, prepares the tooth—carefully shaping it for a precise fit—and takes a digital scan or impression. A temporary restoration is placed while the inlay or onlay is created. In the second visit, your permanent restoration is bonded with strong adhesive cement, ensuring meticulous fit and function. Royal Dental Practice in West Hills’ combination of digital scanning, expert craftsmanship, and the gentle technique ensures a seamless, durable restoration that blends aesthetically and functionally with your bite.
How long do inlays and onlays last?
When placed and cared for properly, inlays and onlays can last many years—often longer than standard fillings—thanks to their durable materials and precise fit. Porcelain and ceramic restorations resist wear, maintain their shape, and are less prone to failure than composites. The longevity depends on your oral hygiene, diet, and regular checkups. Our office uses advanced bonding techniques and top-quality materials to maximize lifespan, ensuring these restorations help sustain healthy, functional teeth for years.
Do inlays and onlays hurt to get?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort. Local anesthesia is used during preparation, and the procedures are done with meticulous care. After placement, slight sensitivity may occur but usually subsides quickly. Because inlays and onlays preserve more natural tooth structure and require less aggressive shaping than crowns, they tend to be less invasive and more comfortable overall. Dr. Shoffet prioritizes patient comfort, delivering restorative care that feels gentle, precise, and reassuring—every step of the way.
How do inlays and onlays compare to fillings in terms of durability?
Inlays and onlays outperform traditional fillings in strength, longevity, and precision. Unlike fillings, which are molded inside the tooth and may shrink or wear unevenly, inlays/onlays are lab-fabricated to exact specifications, eliminating the risk of marginal gaps. Their durable porcelain or ceramic composition resists chewing forces and decoupling over time. When properly bonded, they form a tight seal that minimizes decay risk. At Royal Dental Practice, choosing an inlay or onlay often means a more reliable, long-term restoration than simple fillings.
Will I see a noticeable difference after getting an inlay or onlay?
Absolutely—besides restored function, the aesthetic result is striking. Since inlays and onlays are custom shaded to match your tooth, they blend almost invisibly with adjacent teeth. They correct chips, cracks, or old amalgam work, restoring a smile-like appearance. Many patients comment on how the restoration “disappears” into the tooth. Meticulous design and finishing ensure your inlay or onlay looks natural, polished, and beautifully integrated—often giving you a “tooth reborn” experience.
How does Royal Dental Practice use technology for inlay and onlay restorations?
We utilize state-of-the-art digital scanning and CAD/CAM systems to capture highly accurate, impression-free images—even eliminating goopy molds. This technology ensures restorations are designed and manufactured with exceptional precision. The digital workflow speeds up fabrication and improves fit, minimizing adjustments. Patients benefit from comfortable visits, and the restorations deliver superior fit and finish. We embrace this advanced approach so each inlay or onlay is crafted to exacting standards of accuracy, comfort, and aesthetics.
Why should I choose Royal Dental Practice in West Hills, Los Angeles, CA, for inlays and onlays?
At our office, Dr. Shoffet performs inlays and onlays with skill, precision, and compassion. Using advanced digital technology, conservative preparation, and exceptional material quality, she delivers restorations that restore strength and beauty while preserving tooth structure. The process is always patient-centered—comfortable, efficient, and transparent. With a keen eye for aesthetics and long-term health, Dr. Shoffet ensures your inlay/onlay seamlessly enhances your smile and functions reliably for years. Choose us for restorative care that treats teeth like royalty.
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