Inlays & Onlays in Fullerton

When more than half of a tooth’s biting surface is damaged, we often use an inlay or onlay to restore the tooth’s anatomy.

If you have a tooth with moderate decay or damage that is too extensive for a filling but not severe enough to require a crown, inlays and onlays offer a durable, conservative, and natural-looking solution. At Opus Dental in Fullerton, CA, we provide custom-crafted restorations designed to restore strength, function, and aesthetics while preserving as much of your natural tooth as possible.

Unlike traditional fillings that are shaped directly inside the mouth, inlays and onlays are custom-made in a dental lab for a precise fit and then securely bonded to your tooth for long-lasting protection. 

What are dental inlays and onlays?

Inlays and onlays are indirect restorations used to repair teeth that have moderate decay or structural damage.

  • Inlays are used when the damage is contained within the grooves of the tooth and does not extend over the cusps.
  • Onlays are used when the damage extends over one or more cusps of the tooth, providing more extensive coverage.

Both options are designed to strengthen and restore the tooth while maintaining more natural structure than a crown.

When Are Inlays or Onlays Recommended?

Your dentist may recommend an inlay or onlay if you have:

  • Moderate tooth decay that is too large for a filling
  • A cracked or fractured tooth
  • A large or failing filling that needs replacement
  • Tooth damage caused by wear or grinding
  • A desire to preserve more natural tooth structure than a crown requires

These restorations are commonly used for molars and premolars, where chewing forces are strongest. 

Benefits of Inlays & Onlays

Choosing inlays or onlays at Opus Dental provides several important advantages:

Strong, Long-Lasting Restoration

Custom fabrication and high-strength materials make inlays and onlays more durable than traditional fillings.

Conservative Treatment

They preserve more healthy tooth structure compared to full coverage crowns.

Natural Appearance

Tooth-colored porcelain or composite materials blend seamlessly with your natural smile.

Precise Fit

Each restoration is custom-designed to match your tooth’s exact shape for optimal comfort and function.

Protection Against Further Damage

Inlays and onlays help reinforce weakened teeth and reduce the risk of future fractures.

How are inlays and onlays applied?

Two appointments are required for the completion of inlays and onlays.
First Appointment

During the first visit, the damaged or decaying area of the tooth (or the filling that is being replaced) is removed, and the tooth is prepared for the inlay or onlay. To ensure proper fit and bite, we make an impression of the tooth and send it to a lab for fabrication. Drs. Chung, Yi, Kim or Han then applies a temporary sealant on the tooth and schedules the next appointment.

Second Appointment

At the second appointment, the temporary sealant is removed. Next, Drs. Chung, Yi, Kim or Han make sure that the inlay or onlay fits correctly. If the fit is satisfactory, the inlay or onlay is bonded to the tooth with a strong resin and polished to a smooth finish.

Considerations for Inlays and Onlays

Traditional fillings can reduce the strength of a natural tooth by up to 50 percent. Alternatively, inlays and onlays, which are bonded directly onto the tooth, using special high-strength resins, actually increase the strength of a tooth by up to 75 percent. As a result, they typically last from 10 to 30 years. In some cases, where the damage to the tooth is not extensive enough to merit an entire dental crown, onlays provide a very good alternative.

For more information regarding our inlays and onlays, call our office today! Opus Dental in Fullerton Phone Number (657) 222-6110

Are You a Candidate for Inlays or Onlays?

You may benefit from this treatment if you want to:

  • Restore a damaged tooth without a full crown
  • Preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible
  • Strengthen a weakened or fractured tooth
  • Replace a large or failing filling

Our team at Opus Dental will evaluate your needs and recommend the most conservative and effective solution for your smile.

Restore Your Smile at Opus Dental in Fullerton, CA

At Opus Dental, we focus on conservative, high-quality restorative dentistry that protects your natural teeth while restoring full function and aesthetics. Inlays and onlays are an excellent solution for patients who want long-lasting results without unnecessary tooth removal.

Schedule your consultation today to find out if inlays or onlays are right for you.