Inlays and Onlays

Encino Dental Group welcomes you to the Inlays and Onlays section. We offer advanced therapeutic options to help maintain a beautiful and healthy smile. Our team, under the supervision of Dr. Mamaliger, uses the latest technologies to create inlays and onlays that are durable and aesthetically pleasing.

What is the Difference Between Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays and Onlays are dental restorations that repair teeth with moderate decay or damage but without a crown. These restorations can be custom-made for your teeth, providing a comfortable and precise fit. Inlays and onlays can restore your teeth' strength and function while improving their appearance.

  • Inalys

    Inlays are used to repair the areas within the cusps of teeth. Inlays are used to treat cavities that are not large enough for a filling but aren't extensive enough for a crown.

    • Application: Inlays are inserted into the grooves and do not extend beyond the cusps. They are usually used on premolars and molars, where the chewing force is greatest.
    • Materials: Inlays are made of a variety of materials including gold, porcelain, composite resin, and other metal alloys. Inlays made of porcelain or composite resin are preferred because they look natural and can be matched to the surrounding teeth.
    • Procedure: To place an inlay, you must first remove the damaged or decayed portion of your tooth, take an impression, and then adhere to the inlay. This will ensure a lasting and secure fit.

  • Onlays

    Onlays are used to restore more extensive damage that involves one or more cusps. Sometimes, they are called partial crowns because they cover more area than inlays. They also provide extra support for the tooth structure.

    • Application: The onlays are placed over the cusps and can be used for teeth that have significant damage but retain a healthy structure. These are used to replace old fillings or those that have failed.
    • Materials: Onlays are made of porcelain, composite resin, or gold. Porcelain is a popular material for onlays because of its strength and aesthetic appeal.
    • Procedure: Placing an onlay is similar to placing an inlay. The procedure involves cleaning the affected or decayed area, taking an image of the tooth, and finally fitting and bonding a custom-made onlay. Onlays are a protective and durable covering that helps maintain the integrity of the tooth.

Inlays and Onlays: Benefits

Inlays and Onlays are a popular choice to restore damaged or decayed teeth. Encino Dental Group is committed to offering treatments that improve the appearance and functionality of your teeth. Inlays and onlays have many benefits.

  • High Strength and Durability

    • Durability Enhanced: Inlays, onlays, and composite resins are made from materials of high quality, such as gold, porcelain, or composite resin. These materials are known for being durable. These materials are durable and resistant to wear, which makes them an excellent choice for dental restorations.
    • Reinforcement: They add strength to the remaining tooth, especially if the tooth has been weakened due to decay or fillings. This reinforcement prevents future fractures and maintains the integrity of the tooth.

  • Aesthetic Appeal

    • Natural Appearance: Inlays or onlays made of tooth-colored materials blend seamlessly with natural teeth. The restoration will blend in seamlessly with your natural teeth.
    • Custom-Fit: Every inlay or onlay is custom-made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth. This ensures a perfect fit and a natural, beautiful look.

  • Conservative Treatment

    • Preserving Tooth Structure: Inlays and onlays preserve more natural tooth structure than traditional crowns. Only the damaged or decayed portion of the teeth is removed, leaving the healthy portions intact.
    • Minimally Invasive: This treatment is minimally invasive, which means less tooth preparation and, therefore, a lower risk of further damage.

  • Enhance Functionality

    • Restored Function: Onlays and Inlays restore the chewing surface of your teeth so you can chew and bite with ease. They are designed to fit perfectly into the existing tooth structure and provide optimal functionality.
    • Comfort: Inlays and onlays are precisely fitted to your teeth, so they feel natural and comfortable. This allows you to smile, speak, and eat with confidence.

  • Protection Against Further Decay

    • Seamless Seal: Onlays and Inlays create a tight seal around the damaged part of the tooth to prevent bacteria from entering the area and causing decay. This barrier protects your teeth and gums.
    • Preventing Future Issues: Inlays and Onlays, by strengthening and protecting the teeth, can help to prevent future dental issues, such as fractures, or the need for extensive restorations, like crowns and implants.

Inlays and Onlays: Our Process

Encino Dental Group is committed to providing comprehensive dental restorations that are patient-centered. Our inlays/onlays process has been designed to provide optimal results, comfort, and satisfaction. This is a step-by-step breakdown of our inlays and ontologies process.

  • Comprehensive Examination

    Dr. Mamaliger will examine you thoroughly to begin your journey toward a healthier and more functional smile.

    • Initial Consultation: During your first appointment, Dr. Mamaliger will discuss your dental history and current concerns. By understanding your needs, we can create a customized treatment plan.
    • Diagnostic Imaging: We use advanced diagnostic tools such as digital X-rays, 3D imaging, and other techniques to get a detailed look at your teeth and the surrounding structures. This imaging is precise and allows us to assess decay or damage accurately.
    • Oral Health Assessment: We will conduct a comprehensive oral examination to identify any issues that could affect your restoration.

  • Treatment Planning

    Based on your examination, Dr. Mamaliger develops a treatment plan that is tailored to meet your needs.

    • Options Discussion: We'll discuss all the options, including inlays and onlays. Dr. Mamaliger explains the potential benefits of each option.
    • Plan Personalized: A detailed plan of treatment is prepared, describing the steps to be taken, the materials that will be used, as well as the timeline. We make sure you understand the plan and are comfortable with it.

  • Tooth Preparation

    The next step after finalizing the treatment plan involves preparing the tooth for an inlay or onlay.

    • Local Anesthetic: To ensure your comfort, we administer a local anesthetic in the area surrounding the tooth.
    • Decay Removal: Dr. Mamaliger removes as much of the healthy tooth structure as possible while removing the decayed and damaged areas. This step is essential for creating a solid base for the restorative work.
    • Cleaning & Shaping: A tooth is cleaned thoroughly and shaped in preparation for an onlay or inlay. The cavity is precisely shaped to fit the custom-made restoration.

  • Take an Impression

    For a custom-fitted inlay or onlay, we require an accurate impression taken of your prepared teeth.


    • Digital Impression: We capture an image of your teeth using advanced digital impression technologies. This technology replaces traditional putty molds and provides a more precise, comfortable process.
    • Temporary Restorative: A temporary filling or restorative may be used to protect and maintain the function of your prepared tooth while it is being manufactured.

  • Fabrication of Inlays and Onlays

    The impressions will be sent to a dental laboratory of high quality where technicians create your custom inlay/onlay.

    • Material Selection: The inlay or onlay is made of durable materials, such as composite resin or gold, depending on the treatment plan.
    • Customization: Every restoration is meticulously made to match your natural teeth's exact contours, color, and shape. This guarantees a perfect fit and seamless appearance.

  • Placement of Inlays and Onlays

    Encino Dental Group will place your inlay or onlay once it is completed.


    • Fitting: Dr. Mamaliger carefully places the inlay or the onlay to the prepared tooth, checking for comfort and fit. To ensure the perfect fit, any adjustments needed are made.
    • Bonding: An inlay or an onlay is securely bonded using a dental adhesive. This step is essential to a stable and durable restoration.
    • Finishing and Polishing: Dr. Mamaliger polishes and finishes the inlay/onlay after it has been bonded to the tooth. This ensures that the restoration blends seamlessly and feels comfortable.

  • Follow-Up Care

    We provide you with instructions on how to maintain your restoration after the inlay or onlay has been placed.

    • Instructions for Post-Procedure: After the procedure, you will be given detailed instructions about how to take care of your inlay/onlay, including any dietary restrictions and oral hygiene tips.
    • Schedule Regular Dental Checkups: We strongly recommend regular dental checkups in order to maintain the health of your teeth and monitor your inlay/onlay. Routine visits enable us to detect any potential problems early and ensure that your restoration will last as long as possible.
    • Maintenance Tip: Regular brushing and flossing are important to maintain your inlay or inlay. Our team can provide you with personalized tips on how to maintain a beautiful and healthy smile.

What Patients Are Saying About Us

Book Your Consultation Now!

Contact Encino Dental Group to set up a consultation today with Dr. Mamaliger if you have a tooth that is damaged or decayed and are interested in an onlay or inlay. We can help restore your smile using high-quality, long-lasting, and aesthetically pleasing dental restorations.

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