Dental Inlays & Onlaysin Newport Beach

A restorative option that is more encompassing than a filling and less involved than the coverage of a crown.

What are inlays and onlays?

Inlays and onlays are restorations that are bonded to broken down or damaged teeth. They are typically made of porcelain or a precious metal such as yellow gold or resin. Inlays are designed for the center of the tooth and possibly a contact point as well, while onlays are for the entire chewing surface of the tooth. Both inlays and onlays can be fabricated to blend in naturally with the surrounding teeth.

Benefits of Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are conservative dental restorations that conserve more of the tooth structure than a crown would. This treatment is advantageous for several reasons:

Long-lasting - inlays and onlays are made of durable material such as zirconia or precious metals that can last for many years
Strengthens teeth - inlays and onlays actually strengthen teeth, whereas fillings can weaken the tooth’s structure
Tooth life - inlays and onlays can extend the life of a tooth and reduce the need for future dental appointments

How is an inlay or onlay fabricated?

Fabrication of dental inlays and onlays in Newport Beach usually occurs over the course of two office visits. During the first visit Dr. Vartanian numbs the area and prepares tooth, focusing on the damaged or decayed portion. Then, an impression of the tooth is made. Dr. Vartanian will place a temporary inlay or onlay in the tooth while the permanent one is being fabricated. On your second visit, the permanent inlay or onlay will be bonded to your tooth. The second visit sometimes needs anesthetic and sometimes it doesn’t.

Post-treatment care

While waiting for the permanent inlay or onlays to be fabricated, it is important to avoid sticky or hard foods that may stick to the temporaries or cause further damage to the tooth. Once the permanent inlay or onlay is inserted, you can resume your normal eating habits. Proper at-home care is essential to maintaining good oral health. You should have a consistent routine of brushing twice a day and flossing nightly before bed.

Are inlays or onlays right for you?

Depending on the extent of your dental decay, an inlay or onlay could be a great alternative to dental crowns or caps. Cracks or decay can be effectively corrected by dental inlays. Onlays cover a more extensive surface area of the tooth and are appropriate in cases where damage is severe enough to require a crown, but may be restored with an onlay instead.

Dr. Vartanian has an extensive dental education with a gentle touch

Dr. Vartanian has long been the top choice of discerning patients in Orange County. He brings over twenty years of experience, and has focused on delivering the highest quality of dental care possible since day one. The staff at the Newport Institute for Dentistry are extremely knowledgeable and service oriented, and their aim is to ensure a pleasant experience at every step of a patient’s dental visit. Dr. Vartanian has worked hard to reach the top levels of distinction in dentistry. He is a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry, an honor that less than 2% of dentists nationwide share. He is committed to ensuring his patients experience the utmost current and cutting edge dental services at the time. Call the Newport Institute for Dentistry today to schedule your consultation!