Inlays and Onlays

Dental Onlay and Inlay

A Complete Guide to Inlat & Onlay

The Benefits and Uses of Inlays and Onlays for Damaged Teeth

Used to repair tooth decay or damaged teeth, inlays and onlays are a common type of dental restoration. At Smile Angels of Beverly Hills, we might recommend you receive an inlay or onlay if the damage to your tooth is not extensive enough for a crown but too extensive for a filling.

What are Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays and onlays can be made of porcelain, gold or composite resin material and are fitted into your damaged tooth. They are sometimes known as indirect fillings.
An inlay fits within the edges of your tooth and does not extend over the cusps.
An onlay can replace one or more of the cusps of your tooth and extends onto the chewing surface of your back teeth.

The Cost of Inlays and Onlays in Los Angeles

The cost of inlays and onlays can range anywhere from $600 to $1,300 per tooth in 2019. The cost of your inlay or onlay will depend on the tooth being worked on, the size of the inlay or onlay, and the type of material you choose.
Back teeth are more difficult to work on and may cost more money. Onlays tend to be more expensive than inlays, depending on their size. Porcelain and gold tend to cost more than composite resin materials.
The cost of inlays and onlays will vary on a case-by-case basis. If you’d like to get an estimate, contact usat Smile Angels of Beverly Hills for a consultation and evaluation.

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Insurance Coverage and Financing for Inlays and Onlays in Los Angeles

Inlays and onlays are typically covered by dental insurance. Your insurance provider may place them in either the “basic” or “major” service categories. Reimbursement rates will vary among carriers.
If you have no insurance, or if your insurance doesn’t cover your inlay or onlay, we offer financing options and low monthly payments at Smile Angels of Beverly Hills to help you afford this treatment.

The Process of Getting Inlays and Onlays

The process of getting inlays and onlays typically takes two appointments.
During your first appointment, your dentist will:

  • Examine the damaged tooth.
  • Apply a local anesthetic to numb the area.
  • Remove any decayed tissue in your tooth.
  • Make an impression of your tooth with a mold. This impression is sent to a dental laboratory where the inlay or onlay is made. Your dentist will discuss with you which material you’d like your inlay or onlay to be made from.
  • Apply a temporary restoration to your tooth. This restoration protects your tooth in between your appointments until your inlay or onlay is ready.

Once your permanent restoration is ready, you’ll come back for a second appointment where:

  • Your temporary restoration will be removed.
  • The inlay or onlay will be bonded to your tooth with a resin adhesive. Your dentist will make sure that the restoration fits well and that there are no problems with your bite.
  • Your dentist will polish the tooth to give it a natural look.

While inlays and onlays are sometimes called indirect fillings, there are a few major differences between these types of restorations and a regular filling.
The main difference involves how extensive the damage to the tooth. A filling is generally reserved for a smaller amount of damage to the tooth, and it is molded into your tooth during a single visit. Conversely, inlays and onlays are made in a laboratory after making an impression of your tooth, requiring more than one visit to finish the procedure.
Fillings are not used for extensive damage because they can expand or contract when exposed to heat or cold. Inlays and onlays don’t have that same problem. Fillings also fail more often than inlays and onlays, so they need to be replaced after some time.

Inlays and Onlays Versus Crowns

Crowns are reserved for when the damage to the tooth is too extensive for an inlay or onlay. While onlays cover at least one cusp of the tooth and part of its biting surface, they are fitted directly into the empty space of the tooth. Crowns, on the other hand, cover the entire visible part of the tooth rather than filling in a portion of it. Similar to inlays and onlays, crowns can protect and strengthen weaker teeth.

At Smile Angels of Beverly Hills, we have over 20 years of experience improving the smiles of our patients through world-class smile design and high-tech dentistry. Our expert team takes a holistic approach to dental treatment, following the latest research in dental technology to treat the whole person. As one of the top-rated clinics in Beverly Hills, we’d love to get to know you. If you have questions about dental treatment options, or if you would like to make an appointment, contact ustoday.

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