Porcelain Inlays and Onlays

Porcelain inlays and onlays are composite materials that closely resemble the natural color of your teeth. Unlike dental fillings that are molded to your teeth, porcelain inlays and onlays are fabricated in a dental laboratory and can be used by our Torrance dentist in place of dental crowns to restore damage to your teeth. The inlays and onlays are bonded securely to your teeth and provide structural support and stability.

The main difference between the inlays and onlays is the amount of restoration that is needed. The inlays are normally used to cover damage to the center portion of your teeth such as a lost or damaged filling. The onlays are normally used to replace the biting surface of your teeth or repair the cusps of your teeth. The placement of inlays and onlays may need future replacement due to damage, but are designed for long-term use to help provide a beautiful smile.

When Inlays or Onlays are Needed

• Fractured or Broken Teeth
• Cosmetic Replacement for Silver Fillings
• Damage from Tooth Decay
• Broken or Lost Fillings
• Cavities Between Your Teeth
• To Cover Large Fillings

Procedure for Inlays and Onlays

There are two dental visits needed to complete the inlays and onlays procedure. The first visit may involve an examination of the damaged area of your teeth and the creation of dental impressions that are used to fabricate the inlays and onlays that will be permanently placed. The damaged area of your tooth will be cleaned and prepared for removal of the damaged or decayed section by our Torrance cosmetic dentist.

The surface of the tooth will be shaped and sculptured for accurate placement of the permanent restoration. A filling is normally placed as a temporary solution while the permanent restoration is fabricated in the dental laboratory. The second visit will include the removal of the temporary filling and the placement of the inlays and onlays. Precision adjustments are made to ensure an approximate fit for permanent placement. Unlike most dental fillings, there is no temporary sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures after placement of inlays and onlays.