When a cavity or crack is too large for a standard filling but the tooth does not need a full crown, an inlay or onlay may be the right middle ground. Empower Dental Glendale designs these custom restorations to fit the exact shape of your prepared tooth, restoring strength while keeping as much healthy enamel as possible.
Inlays and onlays are part of our wider range of restorative dentistry in Glendale, and your dentist will help you compare them with other options during your exam.
Our Glendale team uses digital tools and same-day technology to create restorations that look natural and support a comfortable bite.
We’re conveniently located in Glendale, CA. Call to schedule your appointment or book online.
Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations, sometimes called indirect fillings, because they are crafted outside the mouth and then bonded to the tooth. An inlay fits within the grooves between the raised points of a back tooth, called cusps. An onlay covers one or more of those cusps as well, which is why it is sometimes described as a partial crown.
Both are typically made from durable, tooth-colored ceramic that can be shaded to blend with your smile. Because they are shaped to your tooth before they are placed, they can rebuild larger areas of damage than a direct filling usually can.
For the right tooth, an indirect restoration offers several advantages over larger fillings or full coverage crowns.
Only the damaged portion is removed, so more of your natural tooth remains than with a crown.
Each restoration is designed from a digital scan to match the contours of your prepared tooth.
Ceramic materials can be color matched so the restoration blends with surrounding enamel.
An onlay can cover and reinforce cusps that are cracked or undermined by decay.
Ceramic is strong and resists wear, which suits the back teeth that handle the most pressure.
A well-fitted, bonded restoration helps close the margins where new decay could begin.
In many cases, CEREC technology lets us design and mill your restoration during one visit.
* 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.
Most inlays and onlays are completed in a short series of steps, and many patients finish in a single appointment when CEREC is a good fit.
We assess the tooth with digital imaging and AI-assisted radiograph analysis to confirm the extent of damage.
After numbing, we remove decay and any weak structure, then shape the tooth to receive the restoration.
A 3D digital scan replaces messy impressions, and the restoration is designed to match your bite.
The finished inlay or onlay is bonded in place, polished, and checked so your bite feels even.
Choosing the right restoration depends on how much healthy tooth remains. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research explains how tooth decay develops, and treating it early often keeps more conservative options open. Here is how the main choices usually compare.
If decay has reached the nerve, a root canal may be needed before the tooth can be restored. Your dentist will explain which approach protects the tooth best in your situation.
The cost of an inlay or onlay depends on the size of the restoration, the material, and whether other treatment is needed first. We accept all PPO plans in network, along with HSA and FSA, and many plans treat indirect restorations as a covered restorative service.
Empower Dental Glendale also offers financing through CareCredit, Alphaeon, and Happen Bank. Visit our financing and insurance page to learn more before your visit.
Our staff speaks English, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, and Armenian, and we offer sedation options if you feel nervous about dental work. Contact Empower Dental Glendale to book an exam and find out whether an inlay or onlay is the right way to restore your tooth.
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Explore financing options with our partners. Contact our Glendale office for details about available plans and terms.
Let’s bring out the best in your smile—with the technology, experience, and care you deserve.
At Empower Dental Glendale in Glendale, 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 grooves between the cusps of a back tooth. An onlay extends over one or more cusps, so it covers a larger area and is sometimes called a partial crown.
When a cavity or fracture is too large for a filling to support well, an inlay or onlay may provide more strength because it is crafted as one solid piece and bonded to the tooth.
In many cases, yes. CEREC technology allows us to design and mill the restoration in the office, so you may not need a temporary or a second appointment.
The area is numbed before preparation, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain. Sedation options, including nitrous oxide and oral sedation, are available if you feel anxious.
Most are made from tooth-colored ceramic that can be shaded to match your natural teeth. Your dentist will recommend a material based on the tooth and your bite.
With good brushing, flossing, and regular checkups, inlays and onlays can last many years. Habits such as grinding or chewing ice may shorten their lifespan.
Coverage depends on your plan. We accept all PPO plans in network, along with HSA and FSA, and our team can review your benefits before treatment.
Empower Dental Glendale offers financing through CareCredit, Alphaeon, and Happen Bank, each with its own application and terms.
Care for it like a natural tooth. Brush twice a day, floss daily, avoid biting hard objects, and keep up with routine exams and cleanings.
At Empower Dental Glendale, 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 Glendale, 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.
