When a cavity or crack is too large for a standard filling but leaves plenty of healthy tooth behind, an inlay or onlay may be the right fit. At Empower Dental Group, Burbank – Coastland Dental, we create these custom ceramic restorations to rebuild damaged chewing surfaces while keeping as much natural tooth as possible.
With CEREC same-day technology, many inlays and onlays can be designed, milled, and bonded in a single appointment. To see how they compare with other repairs, explore our restorative dentistry in Burbank page.
If a filling has failed or a back tooth has cracked, an inlay or onlay may restore strength without the reduction a crown requires.
Call our Burbank office or book online to schedule an evaluation.
Inlays and onlays are tooth-colored restorations made outside the mouth and bonded into place. They are often called indirect fillings because they are crafted as a single solid piece rather than built up in layers like composite fillings.
To understand how decay damages enamel in the first place, see this tooth decay resource from the National Institutes of Health.
The main difference between them is how much of the chewing surface they cover.
An inlay fits inside the grooves between the raised points, or cusps, of a back tooth. It is a good match for decay or an old filling in the center of the chewing surface, where the outer walls of the tooth are still strong.
An onlay extends over one or more cusps to protect weakened areas. Sometimes called a partial crown, it can reinforce a cracked or heavily filled tooth while preserving more structure than a full dental crown.
* 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.
CEREC technology allows us to design and mill your restoration in our office, which often means no temporary and no second visit.
After numbing the area, we remove decay or old filling material and shape the tooth to receive the restoration.
A digital scan captures the prepared tooth and your bite in detail, with no impression trays.
Your inlay or onlay is designed on screen, then milled from a solid ceramic block and shaded to match.
The restoration is bonded to the tooth, your bite is checked, and the surface is polished smooth.
The right repair depends on how much healthy tooth remains. Here is a simple way to think about the options:
The fee for an inlay or onlay depends on the size of the restoration and the tooth involved. We accept all PPO plans in network, along with HSA and FSA. Many plans cover these restorations when they are needed to treat decay or damage, and we verify your benefits in advance. Financing through CareCredit, Affirm, HFD, Alphaeon, and Happen Bank is available, subject to approval. See our financing and insurance page.
Our Super GPs can examine a sensitive or cracked tooth and explain which repair makes the most sense. Our team speaks English, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, and Armenian. To book a visit, contact our Burbank office.
Flexible Payment Options
Contact our Burbank office to discuss available payment options. Use the links below to review each provider’s current application terms.
Let’s bring out the best in your smile—with the technology, experience, and care you deserve.
At Coastland Dental in Burbank, 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 fits within the cusps of a back tooth, while an onlay covers one or more cusps. An onlay is used when more of the chewing surface needs protection.
In many cases, yes. With CEREC technology, we can scan, design, mill, and bond your restoration during a single appointment.
For larger areas of damage, a single-piece ceramic restoration may be stronger and more durable than a large filling. For small cavities, a filling is often enough.
An onlay usually requires removing less healthy tooth than a crown. When enough sound structure remains, it can be a more conservative option.
We numb the area before treatment, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain. Mild sensitivity afterward is common and usually fades.
We use tooth-colored ceramic that is shaded to blend with your natural teeth.
With good brushing, flossing, and regular checkups, they can last many years. Habits such as grinding may shorten their lifespan.
You can usually eat once the numbness wears off. Start with softer foods and chew carefully for the first day.
Brush twice daily, floss once a day, and keep your routine exams and cleanings so we can monitor the restoration.
We accept all PPO plans in network, along with HSA and FSA. Coverage depends on your plan, and we check your benefits before treatment.
At Coastland Dental, 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.
No Impact to Credit
Make your first appointment stress-free
At Coastland Dental, 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.
