Some teeth have damage that is too large for a standard filling but not extensive enough to need a full crown. Inlays and onlays at Empower Dental Upland fill that middle ground with custom-made pieces of porcelain or composite that bond to the remaining tooth and restore its shape and strength.
These restorations are part of our restorative dentistry services in Upland, and they are often chosen when keeping as much natural tooth as possible is a priority. Our team will look at the size of the damage and walk you through which option makes the most sense.
An inlay or onlay may let you repair a cracked or decayed back tooth without reshaping it for a crown. Ask us whether this conservative option fits your situation.
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An inlay is a custom restoration that fits within the grooves of a back tooth, between its raised points. An onlay covers that area and extends over one or more of the cusps, the raised points that take much of the chewing force. Both are shaped outside the mouth and then bonded to the tooth, which is why they are sometimes called indirect restorations or partial crowns.
These restorations combine the conservative approach of a filling with much of the durability of a crown. Here is what they may offer.
Only the damaged portion is removed, so more of your natural tooth stays in place than with a crown.
Each piece is designed to match the exact shape of the prepared area, which helps seal out bacteria.
Tooth-colored porcelain and composite can be shaded to blend with the surrounding teeth.
A bonded onlay can reinforce weakened cusps and help a molar handle everyday biting forces.
When appropriate, CEREC technology lets us design and mill a ceramic restoration during a single visit.
Our in-house lab gives our dentists close control over shape, shade, and fit for cases that need extra detail.
3D digital scanning captures your tooth in minutes and replaces traditional impression material.
* This calculator provides an illustrative estimate by dividing the treatment cost by the selected number of months. It excludes interest and fees and is not a financing offer. Actual monthly payments may be higher.
* Financing is offered through independent third-party lenders. Approval, rates, fees, terms, and available repayment periods are determined by the respective provider. Contact our office or review the provider’s application for current options.
Exam and imaging. We examine the tooth and use digital images, supported by AI-assisted radiograph analysis, to judge how much healthy structure remains.
Preparation. After numbing the area, the dentist removes decay or an old, failing restoration and shapes the space.
Design. A 3D scan is used to design the inlay or onlay. With CEREC, it may be milled the same day. Otherwise, a temporary protects the tooth while the final piece is made.
Bonding. The restoration is checked for fit and bite, then bonded in place and polished.
A direct filling works well for small to moderate areas of decay, and you can read more about our tooth-colored fillings. When a cavity is wide or a cusp is cracked, a filling may not provide enough support, and an onlay can reinforce the tooth without covering it completely.
A dental crown is usually the better choice when most of the tooth is damaged or when a tooth has become brittle after root canal treatment. The American Dental Association offers more background on crowns.
An inlay or onlay may be recommended in situations like these.
If the damage reaches the nerve or affects most of the tooth, we may suggest a different treatment.
Brush twice a day, floss around the restored tooth, and keep up with regular checkups so we can monitor the edges of the restoration. Avoid chewing ice or hard candy, and ask about a night guard if you grind your teeth. With good care, inlays and onlays may last many years.
Cost depends on the material, the size of the restoration, and whether it is made the same day. We accept all PPO plans in network, along with HSA and FSA. Coverage varies by plan, and we can review your benefits before treatment. Financing through Alphaeon and Happen Bank is available, and our financing and insurance page has more details.
Any of our Super GP dentists can evaluate the tooth and complete the restoration, and our team speaks English, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, and Armenian. Contact Empower Dental Upland to book an exam.
Flexible Payment Options
Contact our Upland office for details about available financing plans and application links.
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At Empower Dental Upland in Upland, CA, advanced tools mean better care. By investing in the latest dental technology, we diagnose with greater accuracy, treat with more precision, and help you achieve a healthier, more beautiful smile—often with less discomfort along the way.
An inlay sits within the chewing surface between the cusps. An onlay covers that area plus one or more cusps, so it is used when more of the tooth needs support.
Not always. Fillings remain a good choice for smaller cavities. Inlays and onlays are generally reserved for larger areas of damage where a filling may not hold up as well.
Often, yes. With CEREC technology, many ceramic restorations can be designed, milled, and bonded in a single appointment. Some cases still benefit from our in-house lab and a second visit.
The tooth is numbed before preparation, so most people feel pressure rather than pain. Some mild sensitivity may follow for a few days.
Longevity depends on the material, your bite, and your home care. With regular checkups and good hygiene, they may last many years.
We typically use porcelain or composite resin that matches your natural tooth color. Your dentist will recommend a material based on the location of the tooth and your chewing forces.
Yes. When an older metal filling is failing, an onlay may restore the tooth while preserving more structure than a crown would.
It can be when enough healthy tooth remains. If the tooth is badly broken down or has had root canal treatment, a crown may offer better protection.
Coverage varies by plan. We accept all PPO plans in network, along with HSA and FSA. Our team can check your benefits before treatment.
Contact our Upland office about financing options
At Empower Dental Upland, we believe high-quality care should be accessible to every patient. To make treatment more affordable, we partner with trusted financing providers. Available plans, interest rates, and repayment terms vary by provider and are subject to approval. Contact our office or review the provider’s application for current options.
From implants and crowns to cosmetic treatments and smile makeovers, our financing options are designed to help you move forward with your care—without delay.
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At Empower Dental Upland, we stand behind the quality of our work with warranties tailored to your specific treatment. Our fixed hybrid prosthetics include a Lifetime Warranty, provided you maintain your recommended hygiene visits and ongoing care. For crowns and other fixed restorations, we offer a 5-year warranty as long as you keep up with regular exams, cleanings, and any dentist-recommended maintenance.
To stay eligible for warranty protection, you’ll need to complete all suggested maintenance at the intervals outlined by the provider or manufacturer. Failure to follow and document routine care could lead to reduced or voided coverage. Proof of service may be required if a claim is submitted.
