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Inlays and Onlays in Santa Monica
At Clove Dental in Santa Monica, we provide custom inlays and onlays to restore damaged teeth with precision and care. These restorations are ideal for repairing teeth with more damage than a standard filling can fix, but not enough to need a full dental crown. Our team combines modern dental tools and detailed craftsmanship to deliver natural-looking results that last.
What Are Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are strong, lab-made pieces designed to rebuild and protect your teeth. They’re used when a tooth has been damaged but still has enough healthy structure to avoid a full crown.
- Inlays fit inside the top grooves of a tooth without covering its raised points (cusps).
- Onlays are similar but extend over one or more of those cusps, offering more coverage. That’s why some people call them “partial crowns.”
When Are Inlays or Onlays a Good Option?
These restorations are often the right choice when a regular filling won’t cut it, but a crown isn’t necessary. Common reasons include:
- Large Cavities: When decay is too big for a filling, but the rest of the tooth is healthy.
- Cracked or Fractured Teeth: For teeth with breaks or cracks that still have enough structure to support a partial repair.
- Old Fillings: To replace large, failing fillings that no longer protect the tooth.
- Worn or Damaged Enamel: Great for teeth with surface damage from wear or developmental issues.
- Post-Root Canal: After a root canal, these can help strengthen the tooth without completely covering it.
Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
Patients at Clove Dental enjoy many benefits from these restorations:
Tooth Preservation
Natural Appearance
Custom Fit
Biocompatible Materials
What to Expect: The Inlay/Onlay Procedure
We usually complete inlay or onlay treatment in two visits:
Visit 1 – Exam and Tooth Prep
- We start with a full dental exam and digital X-rays.
- Damaged parts of the tooth are removed, but we keep as much healthy tooth as possible.
- Then, we take a detailed impression (or digital scan) of the tooth.
- A temporary restoration is placed while your custom piece is crafted in the lab.
Visit 2 – Final Placement
- Your custom inlay or onlay arrives from the lab.
- We check the fit and make minor adjustments if needed.
- Once it’s perfect, we bond it permanently to your tooth.
- Finally, we check your bite and give you instructions on how to care for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they usually cost more upfront. That’s because they’re made in a lab and require two visits. But they’re also more durable than large fillings—and can save you from future dental issues, making them a smart investment.
