Onlays in Redondo Beach, CA
Onlays
When a tooth is damaged by decay or fracture but does not require a full dental crown, a dental onlay may be an ideal restorative solution. At South Redondo Dental Group in Redondo Beach, CA, Dr. Gregory Shvartsman provides custom dental onlays designed to restore the strength, function, and appearance of damaged teeth.
Patients in Redondo Beach and the surrounding South Bay communities choose dental onlays as a durable and conservative solution for restoring damaged teeth.
What Is a Dental Onlay?
A dental onlay is a custom restoration used to repair a tooth that has moderate damage or decay. It covers one or more cusps of the tooth while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible. Onlays are typically made from durable materials such as porcelain or ceramic and are designed to match the natural color of your teeth.
Dental onlays are commonly used when:
• A cavity is too large for a traditional filling
• A tooth is cracked or weakened
• The chewing surface of a tooth needs reinforcement
• A restoration is needed that preserves more natural tooth structure than a crown
At South Redondo Dental Group, dental onlays are custom-designed to restore both the strength and appearance of your tooth.
Benefits of Dental Onlays
Dental onlays offer several advantages compared to traditional dental restorations.
Benefits include:
• Preserving more natural tooth structure than crowns
• Strong and durable restoration for chewing surfaces
• Natural appearance that blends with surrounding teeth
• Long-lasting protection for weakened teeth
• Improved function and comfort
Because onlays are custom fabricated, they provide a precise fit that helps strengthen and protect the affected tooth.
The Dental Onlay Procedure
Receiving a dental onlay typically involves two steps. First, the damaged portion of the tooth is carefully removed and the tooth is prepared for the restoration.
Next, impressions or digital scans are taken to create a custom onlay that fits the tooth precisely.
Once the onlay is ready, it is bonded securely to the tooth and polished to match the natural shape and appearance of your smile.
The result is a durable restoration that helps restore normal chewing function while protecting the tooth from further damage.
Onlays vs. Fillings and Crowns
Dental onlays are often recommended when a tooth requires more support than a filling can provide but does not need the full coverage of a crown.
Compared to fillings, onlays provide greater strength and durability. Compared to crowns, they allow dentists to preserve more of the natural tooth structure.
This makes onlays a conservative restorative treatment that helps maintain the health and integrity of the natural tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Onlays
When is an onlay recommended?
An onlay may be recommended when a tooth has moderate damage or decay that is too extensive for a filling but not severe enough to require a crown.
How long do dental onlays last?
With proper care, dental onlays can last 10 to 15 years or longer.
What is the procedure for getting an onlay?
The process typically involves removing the damaged portion of the tooth, taking impressions, and placing a custom-made onlay that is bonded to the tooth.
Do onlays look natural?
Yes. Porcelain onlays are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth for a natural appearance.
