Inlays and Onlays in Thousand Oaks, California

Inlays and Onlays are two restorative dental services that provide a more permanent solution for broken, chipped, discolored, or misaligned teeth. Both inlays and onlays can be made from various materials and be used to repair different defects.

However, it is essential to understand the subtle differences between these two options to decide which is suitable for your particular case.

Both inlays and onlays require specialist knowledge and expertise to create, so they are only available at some dentists.

Suppose you’re looking for an inlay or onlay procedure. In that case, we recommend you choose a dentist who has undergone specialist training, such as at the Lombard Dental Studio— where specialists continue learning with regular continuing education classes.

What is an Inlay?

An inlay is a restorative dental treatment in which an inlay is placed between the tooth and the gum as a more natural alternative to a dental crown.

An inlay is made from a composite resin material, a type of plastic that mimics the look and feel of natural teeth. An inlay is often used to repair discoloration, chipped teeth, misaligned teeth, or teeth that are slightly too small.

An inlay is bonded to the tooth from the inside and out. This provides a strong and sturdy repair that lasts for many years. An inlay is also sometimes referred to as an "internal restoration."

Both inlays and onlays can fall into this category. Remember that inlays are placed on the inside of a tooth, whereas onlays are placed on the biting surface of a tooth.

What is an Onlay?

A dental onlay is a restorative dental procedure where a layer of composite resin is bonded to the biting surface of a tooth. Whereas an inlay is placed on the biting surface of a tooth. 

An onlay is often used to repair discoloration, chipped teeth, misaligned teeth, or teeth that are slightly too small. An onlay is bonded to the tooth from its biting surface and does not necessitate an invasive procedure like an inlay.

Differences between Inlays and Onlays

• Inlays and Onlays fall under the category of "restorative treatments." Inlays are placed inside a tooth, and onlays are placed on the biting surface of a tooth.
• An inlay is more time-consuming, invasive, and expensive than an onlay. An inlay requires a dentist to remove some tooth structure, whereas an onlay does not.
• An inlay is covered inside the tooth, whereas an onlay is not covered on the biting surface.
• If an onlay fails, it can easily be replaced, whereas an inlay failure is more complicated to repair and may require a more invasive procedure.

Benefits of Dental Inlays and Onlays

• Both are generally more stable than dental crowns, which can sometimes shift position.
• They are more natural-looking than traditional fillings.
• Inlays and Onlays are more durable than traditional fillings and are more likely to last many years before needing repair or replacement.
• These can be more comfortable than traditional fillings, particularly for people who grind their teeth.
• Inlays and Onlays are often more affordable than traditional crowns.
• With inlays and onlays, you can keep your original teeth, which is not always possible with traditional crowns.

FAQs

How are Inlays and Onlays Made?

First, your dentist will examine your teeth to determine if an inlay or onlay is the best option for your particular case. Once determined, your dentist will remove some of the existing tooth structure.

This allows room for the inlay or onlay to be placed. After the tooth is prepared, your dentist will clean the area and apply a unique, light-cured resin composite to the inside of the tooth and on the biting surface.

Once the resin composite hardens, the inlay or onlay is ready to be bonded. The inlay or onlay is bonded to the prepared tooth with a particular type of dental cement.

Do Onlays Fall Off?

While an onlay can fall off, it is less likely than an inlay to fall off. This is because an inlay is placed inside a tooth, so it may be difficult to notice and repair if it falls off. An onlay is placed on the biting surface of a tooth, so if it falls off, it is easy to notice and replace.

If you are concerned about dental inlays or onlays falling off, talk to your dentist about preventative steps you can take to reduce the risk of this happening.

Lombard Dental Studio’s Dental Commitment To Patients

We are committed to providing high-quality service to every patient who walks through our doors. That is why our office offers dental services, especially inlays and onlays.

Our high skilled and trained team of dental professionals have been providing this service for more than a decade now. We understand that choosing between preventive, restorative, apicoectomy, oral surgery, sedation, sleep apnea treatment, orthodontic, or cosmetic dentistry procedure for yourself can be extremely difficult and overwhelming at the same time.

There are many things to consider, including the procedure type, cost, treatment duration, and recovery time. To help you get started on this incredible journey of beautiful smiles, we have compiled some information regarding the dental cleanings and exams we offer at Lombard Dental Studio in Thousand Oaks, California.