Phone: (703) 521-7802 | Mon - Thur: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Address: 2445 Army Navy Drive, Suite 100 Arlington, VA 22206

Phone: (703) 521-7802 | Mon - Thur: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Address: 2445 Army Navy Drive, Suite 100 Arlington, VA 22206

- Inlays / Onlays -

What Are Inlays and Onlays?

When over 1/2 of the tooth’s biting surface is damaged a dentist will often use an inlay or onlay. Inlays and onlays can be made of porcelain, gold, or composite resin. These pieces are bonded to the damaged area of the tooth.

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    Inlays

    An inlay, which is similar to a filling, is used inside the cusp tips of the tooth

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    Onlays

    An onlay is a more substantial reconstruction, similar to the inlay but extending out over one or more of the cusps of the tooth.

Traditionally, gold has been the material of choice for inlays and onlays. In recent years, however, porcelain has become increasingly popular due to its strength and color, which can potentially match the natural color of your teeth.

- The Process -

How Are They Applied?

Inlays and onlays require two appointments to complete the procedure.

Illustration

Your First Appointment:

    The filling being replaced or the damaged or decaying area of the tooth is removed, and the tooth is prepared for the inlay or onlay.

    To ensure proper fit and bite, an impression of the tooth is taken and sent to a lab for fabrication.

    Dr. Fuentes will then apply a temporary sealant on the tooth and schedule the next appointment.

At the Lab:

    A custom inlay or onlay is fabricated based on the impression, ensuring a precise fit and natural appearance.

Your Second Appointment:

    The temporary sealant is removed.

    Dr. Fuentes will ensure the inlay or onlay fits correctly.

    If the fit is satisfactory, the inlay or onlay is bonded to the tooth with a strong resin.

    The restoration is polished to a smooth, natural-looking finish.

Your restoration is now complete – providing a durable, aesthetic, and long-lasting solution.

Traditional fillings can reduce the strength of a natural tooth by up to 50%. As an alternative, inlays and onlays, being bonded directly onto the tooth using special high-strength resins, can actually increase the strength of a tooth by up to 75%. As a result, they can last from 10 to 30 years. In some cases, where the damage to the tooth is not extensive enough to merit an entire crown, onlays can provide a very good alternative.

Welcome to the dental office of Dr. Agnes Fuentes

We offer comprehensive general and cosmetic dentistry, combining advanced techniques with a gentle, personalized approach to help each patient achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile in a comfortable and caring environment.