Maintaining a healthy, functional smile is easier when you choose the right restorative dental treatments. Residents of Manteca, California, trust Family Dental Center of Manteca for advanced solutions that preserve natural teeth while addressing decay or damage. Dental inlays and onlays offer a reliable, long-lasting alternative to traditional fillings or full crowns, providing strength, durability, and a natural appearance.
Here, we answer some of the most common questions about these innovative renovations:
How do inlays and onlays strengthen a tooth compared to traditional fillings or crowns?
Inlays and onlays are custom-crafted to fit the precise shape of your damaged tooth. Unlike standard fillings, they cover larger surfaces or areas of the tooth, providing structural support and reducing the risk of fractures. Patients often find that their teeth feel stronger and more stable after receiving an inlay or onlay.
When is a dental inlay or onlay recommended instead of a full crown?
Dentists often recommend inlays or onlays when a tooth has moderate decay or damage but still retains sufficient healthy structure. This approach avoids removing more of the natural tooth than necessary. In many cases, opting for an inlay or onlay can delay or eliminate the need for a full crown, preserving the tooth’s integrity
Before & After Results
Lower molars with pain at biting and cracks
Lower right molars with caries and failed filing restored with porcelain onlay and composite filling
Lower molars with failing restorations with bonded onlays
Cracked silver fillings restored with overlay onlays
Upper left posterior teeth with inlays and onlays
Can inlays and onlays help preserve more natural tooth structure than other restorations?
Yes. As they are bonded precisely to the affected areas, inlays and onlays conserve more of the original tooth compared to crowns, which require extensive reshaping. This minimally invasive method supports long-term dental health while maintaining the tooth’s natural strength and appearance.
How long do porcelain or composite inlays and onlays typically last with proper care?
With good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, these restorations can last 10 – 20 years or more. Material choice, bite alignment, and lifestyle habits such as teeth grinding can influence longevity, but most patients enjoy durable results that look and function like natural teeth.
What should patients expect during the preparation and placement process for an inlay or onlay?
The procedure typically involves two visits. During the first appointment, the dentist removes decay, takes impressions, and fits a temporary restoration if needed. On the second visit, the custom inlay or onlay is bonded securely, restoring both function and aesthetics with minimal discomfort.
Are inlays and onlays stain-resistant, or do they require special maintenance over time?
Porcelain and composite materials are highly resistant to staining, helping your restoration maintain its natural look. Standard brushing, flossing, and routine dental cleanings are generally sufficient to keep them in excellent condition.
How do the materials used for inlays and onlays, such as porcelain or composite resin, affect appearance and durability?
Porcelain offers excellent aesthetics, closely matching natural tooth color, while composite resin provides versatility and strong bonding. Both materials are durable, but porcelain may offer superior resistance to wear over time, making it ideal for high-stress areas like molars.
Tired of fillings that don’t last? Discover the strength of inlays and onlays.
Achieve a long-lasting, natural-looking solution for cavities and old fillings with dental inlays and onlays at Family Dental Center of Manteca in Manteca, California. Call our office at (209) 420-1205 to schedule your consultation and learn how these restorations can strengthen and protect your smile for years.
