dental Inlays & Onlays

Restore damaged teeth


Dental inlays and onlays restore the biting surface on damaged teeth. Inlays and onlays bond to the damaged area of the tooth and protect the natural tooth from further degradation. They can be made of gold, composite resin, or — the most popular choice — porcelain.

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What are dental inlays and onlays?

Inlays and onlays are indirect tooth restoration treatments. We carefully customize the inlay or onlay to your tooth’s shape and size to ensure a perfect fit and seamless match to your natural teeth. We may recommend this treatment if your teeth have too much damage to treat with a standard filling.

A dental inlay and a dental onlay are fillings that perfectly fit within a damaged or rotted tooth. Inlays and onlays fill cavities that are too big for a simple filling. The traditional material for making inlays is gold, but today, most patients prefer porcelain. The difference between inlays and onlays are technical—inlays fit within the cusp tips, while an onlay extends over the chewing surface. Onlays are often utilized to restore teeth in the back of the mouth. Unlike gold, porcelain enhances the strength and aesthetics of natural teeth. 

Your New Dentist in Irvine CA!

Book today with Dr. T. Doshi, Dr. A. Doshi or Dr. Khaw, serving Orchard Hills and Portola Springs CA.

Amore Dentistry Phone Number (714) 505-9595 Book Your Appointment

The Inlay and Onlay Procedure / Cerec Same Day Dentistry

a smiling female dental patient

Inlays and onlays are crafted to fit your tooth, and the process takes longer than a simple filling. A tooth filling takes place during one appointment and can take as little as 20 minutes. Inlays and onlays require one or two appointments in our office. Depending on the tooth, we may be able to fabricate an onlay in-house using our Cerec CAD/CAM technology and deliver the restoration the same day.

First Appointment

Your first appointment consists of removing the damaged or decaying area of the tooth in preparation for the inlay or onlay. Your dentist takes a physical impression of the tooth and sends it to the lab for fabrication. Then, the dentist applies a temporary sealant to the tooth.

If we are able to fabricate the restoration in-house on the same day, we take a digital impression using Cerec technology and digitally design the restoration. The restoration is then milled out of a block of porcelain. The restoration is then polished and tried in the mouth. Once we’ve determined it’s a good fit, we bond the restoration to the tooth and polish the restoration.

Second Appointment

If we were unable to deliver the restoration the same day, your second appointment consists of removing the temporary sealant and fitting the permanent inlay or onlay. Your dentist makes sure that the restoration area is in good condition and the inlay or onlay fits perfectly. If the piece is a good fit, the dentist uses a strong resin bond to permanently adhere the inlay or onlay to the tooth and ensure a smooth polish.

How Long Do Porcelain Inlays and Onlays Last?

Dental restoration treatments are only as lasting as your oral hygiene habits. Porcelain inlays and onlays are biocompatible, meaning they seamlessly integrate with your natural teeth. So, maintaining your restorations is as easy as brushing and flossing twice a day.

For more information regarding our inlays and onlays, call our office today! Amore Dentistry Phone Number (714) 505-9595.