What Are Dental Inlays and Onlays?
Dental inlays and onlays are specialized restorative treatments that bridge the gap between simple fillings and full dental crowns. At Amazing Smile Dentistry in Las Vegas, we offer these custom-crafted solutions for teeth that have suffered moderate damage or decay but don’t require complete crown coverage. Unlike “direct” fillings such as amalgam or composite that are placed immediately during your appointment, inlays and onlays are “indirect” restorations, expertly fabricated outside the mouth before being precisely bonded to your tooth.
Today’s inlays and onlays at our Las Vegas practice are typically crafted from premium dental porcelain or high-quality composite resins. These materials allow us to create restorations that perfectly match your natural tooth color while providing exceptional durability. In fact, inlays and onlays can strengthen your tooth by up to 50-75% more than traditional fillings, helping you maintain your smile’s integrity for years to come.
How Do Inlays Differ From Onlays?
The main difference between inlays and onlays lies in how much of your tooth structure they cover. When damage affects the central portion of your tooth but doesn’t extend to the cusps (the pointed parts of your tooth’s chewing surface), an inlay is the ideal solution. For more extensive damage that involves one or more cusp tips, Dr. Gelo recommends an onlay treatment.
Both restorations are custom made based on precise impressions of your prepared tooth. At Amazing Smile Dentistry, we utilize advanced digital impression technology to ensure your restoration fits perfectly. The final inlay or onlay is then crafted either at a trusted dental laboratory or in our office using our same-day restoration system, allowing for efficient, high-quality care.
Why Choose Inlays and Onlays Over Traditional Fillings?
Many Las Vegas patients ask us about the advantages of inlays and onlays compared to standard fillings. These custom restorations offer several important benefits:
- Greater durability – Inlays and onlays typically last significantly longer than traditional fillings
- Preservation of healthy tooth structure – Less removal of natural tooth material is required compared to crowns
- Enhanced strength – Unlike traditional fillings, inlays and onlays can actually strengthen your tooth
- Superior esthetics – The materials used perfectly match your natural tooth color
- Better fit and function – Custom fabrication ensures optimal bite alignment and comfort
These benefits make inlays and onlays an excellent middle-ground solution when standard fillings aren’t enough but full crowns would be excessive.
How Are Inlays and Onlays Placed?
At Amazing Smile Dentistry, the placement of inlays and onlays typically requires two appointments. During your first visit, Dr. Gelo will remove any decay or damaged tooth structure and prepare your tooth. We then take precise digital impressions that serve as the blueprint for your custom restoration.
In the period between appointments, we protect your tooth with a temporary filling. Once your custom inlay or onlay is ready, you’ll return for your second appointment where Dr. Gelo will bond the restoration permanently to your tooth, ensuring perfect fit and function. For patients with busy schedules, we also offer same-day options using our advanced in-office technology.
Who Needs Inlays and Onlays?
You might be an ideal candidate for inlays or onlays if:
- You have a large cavity that’s too big for a standard filling
- You have an old filling that needs replacement
- Your tooth has experienced moderate fracture or damage
- You want a more natural-looking and longer-lasting alternative to metal fillings
- You need to strengthen a tooth without removing healthy tooth structure
During your consultation at our Las Vegas office, Dr. Gelo will evaluate your specific situation and determine if inlays or onlays are the right solution for your dental needs.
Comprehensive Dental Care Under One Roof
At Amazing Smile Dentistry, we provide more than just inlays and onlays. Our full range of services includes:
- TMJ disorder treatment for patients suffering from jaw pain
- Thorough dental cleanings to maintain optimal oral health
- Kid-friendly pediatric dentistry in a comfortable environment
- Emergency dental care when unexpected issues arise
- Cosmetic treatments including veneers and teeth whitening
- Advanced implant dentistry with All-on-4® and All-on-6® options
- Orthodontic solutions like ClearCorrect® and Invisalign®
Our state-of-the-art technology, including CBCT scanning and digital impressions, ensures precise, comfortable care for all your dental needs.
FAQs About Inlays and Onlays
How long do inlays and onlays last?
With proper care, dental inlays and onlays can last 10-15 years or longer. Regular checkups at Amazing Smile Dentistry help ensure their longevity.
Are inlays and onlays covered by dental insurance?
Most dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for inlays and onlays as they’re considered restorative treatments. Our team can help verify your specific coverage.
Is the procedure painful?
No, we use effective local anesthesia to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Most patients report minimal discomfort, similar to having a filling placed.
How do I care for my new inlay or onlay?
Simply maintain good oral hygiene practices including brushing twice daily, flossing, and attending regular dental checkups with Dr. Gelo.
What makes porcelain inlays better than metal fillings?
Porcelain inlays offer superior aesthetics, don’t expand or contract with temperature changes like metal, and preserve more of your natural tooth structure.
Visit Amazing Smile Dentistry for Expert Inlay and Onlay Treatment
When you need restorative dental care that perfectly balances durability, aesthetics, and preservation of tooth structure, the team at Amazing Smile Dentistry is here to help. Dr. Joseph Gelo brings over a decade of experience and hundreds of hours of specialized training to every procedure, ensuring exceptional results.
📍 Visit Us: 6252 S. Rainbow Blvd., Suite 130, Las Vegas, NV 89118
📞 Call: (702) 734-6252
📩 Or Request an Appointment Online Today
Transform your smile with our expert inlay and onlay treatments, designed to restore both function and beauty to your teeth while preserving your natural tooth structure.
