At Alta Dental Care in Upland, we know that each smile has unique needs. From basic restorations to full-scale smile makeovers, we offer a full suite of services to bring out your smile’s best, including inlays and onlays. Call today to see if these durable dental restorations are right for you.
What Are Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are two sides of the same dental restoration. They serve as the middle ground between basic restorations (like fillings) and more extensive work (like crowns). If decay has eaten away at your smile, an inlay or onlay may bring it back. Both types can be made from different materials, including porcelain, gold, or resin. Unlike fillings, which are molded during treatment, inlays and onlays are first made and then affixed to the treated tooth.
Inlays
Inlays restore damage that is within a tooth’s cusps (the upper edges of a tooth). For example, decay often starts in the vulnerable grooves of a tooth, working its way outward and downward.
- Best For: Lesser decay affecting parts of the tooth within its cusps.
Onlays
Onlys are similar to inlays but more extensive. They restore teeth affected by decay that extends beyond the cusps.
- Best For: More severe decay that has worn away larger portions of the tooth.
Why Choose Inlays or Onlays?
- Restore a tooth’s appearance
- Improve a tooth’s stability
- Longer-lasting than fillings
- Multiple materials available to match your budget
- Retain more natural tooth material than crowns
What to Expect During Treatment
- Step 1: Comprehensive Exam
First, we take the time to fully evaluate your situation and oral health needs. Whenever possible, we perform the least extensive treatment. Minor decay may mean you need only a filling, but extreme decay could even require an extraction. Inlays and onlays are best for patients between those two extremes. - Step 2: Tooth Preparation
Next, we remove any decay or pieces of old fillings from the tooth. We carefully shape the tooth tissues so that your inlay/onlay will attach smoothly. - Step 3: Digital Impressions
Unlike fillings, we premake inlays/onlays before placing them. We use digital scanners to take an impression (rendering) of your tooth. The inlay or onlay is then made to those exact specifications. This exacting method ensures a smooth fit with no room for bacteria to get into the tooth. - Step 4: Temporary Restoration (if needed)
If much of your tooth material is missing, we may place a temporary restoration to protect it. We then remove this once your final restoration is ready. - Step 5: Final Placement & Bonding
Your inlay/onlay arrives from the lab, and then we set it into the tooth. We use a long-lasting adhesive to ensure a secure bond. From there, we make minor modifications and polish it until your bite feels comfortable and natural.
Are Inlays or Onlays Right for Me?
Best for Patient Who:
- Have a cavity that is too big for a traditional filling
- Have a cracked or fractured tooth that still has healthy structure remaining
- Need to replace an old, worn, or broken filling
- Want a more durable, long-lasting option than a regular filling
- Prefer a restoration that blends seamlessly with natural tooth color
- Have enough remaining tooth for your dentist to avoid placing a crown
You May Need an Alternative If:
- You have severe decay or damage that requires a dental crown
- The tooth is infected and needs a root canal first
- There isn’t enough healthy structure left to support an inlay/onlay
- You have active periodontal (gum) disease (must treat first)
Book Your Appointment
Starting with a tooth restoration today can save you time and money down the road. Call our office to set up an appointment for inlays or onlays in Upland at Alta Dental Care.
How much do they cost?
Inlays and onlays may cost more than basic restorations, but the durability makes them a sound investment. Inlays tend to cost about $1,000 per tooth, while onlays may cost closer to $1,500. Final costs will reflect factors like:
- Insurance coverage
- Complexity of treatment
- Your dentist’s experience
- Material chosen
Preparatory treatment
How long do inlays and onlays last?
Inlays and onlays can last 10–30 years. But it depends on factors like:
- Material (gold, porcelain, and ceramic last longest)
- Maintenance (good at-home dental hygiene and habits)
- Dental care (routine checkups keep you at your best)
- Accidents (no surefire way to avoid, but wear sportsguards during contact sports)
If your inlay or only is wearing out, you can simply have it replaced.