Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are minimally invasive dental restorations that serve as major dental repairs while eliminating the need for a bigger, more significant fix like a porcelain crown. When teeth are damaged or broken, they are a problem, even if you don’t have any pain. Eventually, what seems like an insignificant issue will become a serious complication. Getting an inlay or onlay now from Manhattan Beach Dental Solutions in Manhattan Beach, CA, can save your oral health and prevent bigger problems from developing.

Dental Problems Fixed by Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are an excellent alternative to typical dental restorations like tooth-colored fillings, dental bonding, or porcelain crowns. In many cases, the inlay or onlay treatment is non-invasive, especially if you visit your Manhattan Beach dentist right away when you develop a noticeable dental problem such as:

• A damaged or lost old filling
• Tooth pain indicating tooth decay
• A cracked or chipped tooth
• Gapped teeth
• Discoloration, dullness, or stains
• Unstable tooth structure

Teeth let you know when they’re in dire straits, and instability can easily be reinstated with the help of a customized inlay or onlay. This repair eliminates weakness and future problems and establishes stability. It could be called a preventive restoration because, when done at the right time, it prevents oral health problems and deterioration.

How Dental Inlays and Onlays Work

Inlays are often considered to be like a more robust tooth-colored filling while onlays are like dental crowns. How an inlay or onlay is placed makes the difference in its categorization. An inlay is positioned on the chewing surface of a tooth while an onlay, which is larger, covers the top of the tooth as well as one or more cusps. Onlays are sometimes referred to as partial crowns.

Inlays and onlays have the following characteristics in common:

• Made of composite resin or porcelain.
• Repair mild to moderate tooth decay.
• Correct broken teeth.
• Restore damaged teeth.
• Natural looking.
• Blend in with tooth enamel.

The CEREC Version of Inlays and Onlays

Your Manhattan Beach dental office is equipped with a CEREC system, a sophisticated piece of dental equipment that allows for the development of same-day crowns, veneers, and inlays and onlays. A patient who needs an immediate dental repair does not have to wait for a dental lab to create the restoration – CEREC and your dentist make it possible for a customized, durable, stain-resistant fix to happen that very day during your appointment.

Most patients qualify for the CEREC restoration system, especially if the repair is not major. Using 3D computer imagery, CEREC makes it possible to bypass impressions, temporary fillings, and multiple dental appointments. Self-esteem will not be compromised because you won’t have to unnecessarily long for a smile makeover. CEREC mimics both tooth color and structure for a secure repair.

Benefits of Using Inlays and Onlays for Dental Restorations

There are many circumstances when an inlay or onlay is the smartest and most effective solution for restoring a damaged or compromised tooth. Their benefits are many:

• Removes only a minimal amount of tooth structure.
• Preserves and reinforces a problem tooth.
• Can be used to repair multiple dental problems.
• Has incredible durability and strength.
• Does not contract or expand because of temperature changes.
• Can last for decades, sometimes longer than traditional fillings.

Get a Non-Invasive Inlay or Onlay in Manhattan Beach

Inlays and onlays made using CEREC are often a great solution for a dental emergency. Ultimately, the name of the restoration you undergo is less important than prioritizing your dental care and getting long-lasting treatment you need right away to save your smile.

Contact Manhattan Beach Dental Solutions in Manhattan Beach, CA, to discuss a dental issue you’re experiencing and find out whether you are a good candidate for an inlay, onlay, or other repair.