Porcelain Inlay & Onlays Los Angeles
Situations involving a tooth with damage extending to over half of it’s biting surface require onlay/inlay treatment or a traditional filling. Traditional fillings have been shown to reduce the strength of the natural tooth by up to 50% over time. Due to their custom fit and high-strength bond, porcelain onlays and inlays have been reported to increase the strength of the tooth by up to 75%. Porcelain onlays and porcelain inlays last 10 – 30 years on average with proper care and are a great solution for situations where tooth damage is not extensive enough to warrant installing a dental crown.
What is a Porcelain Onlay? What is a Porcelain Inlay?
Older practices utilize gold as the go-to material for dental onlay and inlay treatment. However, in recent years, porcelain has become popularized due to the strength of the material as well as its versatility. Our inlays are attached to the damaged area of the tooth and act as structural support for the inner cusp of the tooth. Porcelain onlays are used for more substantial reconstruction and can be adjusted to match the natural color of your tooth.
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Application Process
Our onlay and inlay treatment requires two scheduled appointments:
The first appointment will consist of preparation. Our dentists will prep the area by cleaning any damaged or decaying areas of the tooth. Your dentist will request a bite impression in order to create an accurate reference to the area. This impression is then sent to our lab experts who use it to create a custom porcelain onlay or porcelain inlay. Your dentist will conclude your first appointment by applying a temporary sealant on the tooth to protect the area until the next appointment.
The second appointment will begin with your dentist removing the temporary sealant placed during the previous appointment. Your dentist will then check to see if the custom porcelain inlay or porcelain onlay fits. If the custom onlay or inlay fits the area correctly, your dentist will use a high strength resin to attach it to your natural tooth. Finally, the dentist polishes the area to ensure a smooth natural looking tooth.