Crystal Dental

What Are Inlays and Onlays and When Do You Need Them?
If you’ve ever had a cavity that’s too large for a simple filling but not severe enough for a full crown, your dentist may have recommended an inlay or onlay. But what exactly are these restorative treatments, and why are they such an important part of modern cosmetic and restorative dentistry?

At Crystal Dental, we believe in educating our patients about all their options. Inlays and onlays offer a conservative, long-lasting solution to restore damaged teeth, often blending function and aesthetics in a way traditional fillings or crowns may not. Let’s dive into what they are, how they work, and when they might be the right choice for your smile.

What Are Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are custom-made dental restorations that are used to repair damage to the chewing surface of a tooth, typically due to decay, fractures, or large, failing fillings.

Inlays fit within the grooves of a tooth, similar to a traditional filling, but are fabricated in a dental lab for a more precise and durable fit.
Onlays cover a larger area, extending over one or more of the tooth’s cusps (points). They are sometimes referred to as “partial crowns.”
Unlike fillings that are molded into place during your visit, inlays and onlays are crafted outside the mouth, usually from porcelain, composite resin, or gold, then bonded to the tooth for a seamless, snug fit.

When Might You Need an Inlay or Onlay?
Many patients wonder why a dentist would recommend an inlay or onlay instead of a standard filling or crown. Here’s when inlays and onlays are especially useful:

1. Large Cavities That Are Too Big for Fillings
Fillings are great for small areas of decay, but when too much of the tooth is affected, they can weaken the structure. Inlays provide a stronger, more durable solution by restoring the tooth without removing as much natural structure as a crown would.

2. Cracked or Fractured Teeth
If a tooth has a crack that doesn’t require a full crown, an onlay can cover and reinforce the damaged area while preserving healthy enamel.

3. Replacing Failing Fillings
Old metal fillings can break down, leak, or fall out. Replacing them with custom inlays or onlays made from porcelain or composite offers a stronger, more natural-looking result.

4. Cosmetic Enhancement
Because they can be made from tooth-colored materials, inlays and onlays also offer cosmetic benefits. If you’re unhappy with the look of old fillings or want a flawless finish, this could be an ideal upgrade.

What Is the Procedure Like?
Getting an inlay or onlay usually requires two visits to Crystal Dental:

Visit 1: Preparation
Our dentist will remove the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth.
Your tooth is then shaped and prepared for restoration.
We’ll take a digital or physical impression of the area to ensure a precise fit.
A temporary restoration is placed while your inlay or onlay is being custom-made in the lab.
Visit 2: Placement
The temporary restoration is removed.
The new inlay or onlay is checked for fit and color, then bonded securely to your tooth.
Our cosmetic dentist makes any necessary adjustments and polishes the restoration for a smooth, natural finish.
The result? A beautifully restored tooth that looks and functions like new.

Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
Choosing an inlay or onlay over other restorative options has some unique advantages:

Stronger Than Fillings
Because they are lab-fabricated, inlays and onlays are more durable and longer-lasting than traditional fillings, often lasting 10–30 years with proper care.

Tooth-Conserving
Unlike crowns, which require significant enamel removal, inlays and onlays preserve more of your natural tooth structure.

Aesthetically Pleasing
When made from porcelain or composite resin, they blend beautifully with your natural teeth. No more silver or metal showing when you smile!

Better Fit and Seal
These restorations are custom-made for a precise fit, reducing the risk of future decay or leaks around the edges.

Improved Function
Onlays, in particular, can help reinforce the structure of weakened teeth and restore full chewing function, essential for back molars.

Are Inlays and Onlays Right for You?
If you’ve been told you need a large filling or are considering a dental crown, it’s worth asking your dentist whether an inlay or onlay is a better fit. These restorations are ideal for patients who:

Have moderate tooth decay or damage
Want a cosmetic upgrade from old metal fillings
Need a stronger, longer-lasting alternative to fillings
Prefer a less invasive option than a crown
At Crystal Dental, we tailor every treatment to your individual needs and always aim to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible.

Caring for Your Inlay or Onlay
Once placed, your inlay or onlay functions just like a natural tooth. To keep it in top condition:

Brush twice daily and floss regularly
Visit us for regular cleanings and check-ups
Avoid chewing hard objects (like ice or pens) that could damage the restoration
Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth
With good care, your inlay or onlay can serve you well for decades.

Why Choose Crystal Dental?
Our experienced dentists in Los Angeles use advanced digital imaging and the latest cosmetic materials to create precise, beautiful inlays and onlays. Whether you’re restoring function or enhancing your smile, we’re here to offer personalized solutions that are effective, long-lasting, and tailored just for you.

Our patients choose us because of our:

Gentle, patient-focused care
Flexible appointment scheduling
Expertise in both general and cosmetic dentistry
Convenient locations throughout Southern California
Restore Your Smile the Smart Way
If you’re dealing with a cracked tooth, large cavity, or old metal filling, you don’t have to settle for a full crown, or worse, tooth loss. Inlays and onlays offer a smart, conservative solution that restores your tooth’s strength, function, and beauty.

Ready to explore your options? Schedule your consultation at one of our two locations in Los Angeles and find out whether an inlay or onlay is right for your smile. For our office on Figueroa Street, call 213.748.8448, and for our office on 5th Street, please call us at 213.892.8172.

To learn more about our practice, please visit www.CrystalDentalCenters.com

FIVE REASONS PROFESSIONAL TEETH CLEANING IS A MUST FOR HEALTHY TEETH

Brushing and flossing are just two parts of a full oral hygiene line-up—you also need to swing by your dentist’s office for a professional cleaning now and again. While you can do a lot in between office visits to keep your teeth healthy and clean, there’s simply no substitute for a professional and intricate teeth cleaning.

Here’s why:

Gum Disease

Gum disease is one of the most common causes of adult tooth loss, and is not something you can detect on your own. A full dental cleaning includes a check for gum disease and an appropriate treatment plan—gum disease is reversible if caught early. Cleanings keep your options open by catching gum disease before it advances to the surgery stage.

Spotting Problems

If your tooth already hurts, you’ve waited too long. Heading into a dentist in Los Angeles for regular cleanings allows the hygienist to spot problems in their early stages. Early detection of problems makes treatment easier and more likely to succeed (and often less expensive). You can’t see problems with your own teeth until the damage is already done that us why regular check-ups are so important.

Accountability

You may be the type of person that flosses every single day without fail, but most people aren’t. Stopping in for a cleaning allows you to check in with your hygienist about your habits and keeps you on the right path towards good oral health. It’s always nice to have someone keeping tabs on you and letting you know where you might be falling short, especially with personalized advice specific to your needs.

Aesthetics

Teeth are noticeably cleaner and brighter after a cleaning. Most stains, like those from coffee and tobacco, can be removed during a routine cleaning. It’s not the same as a professional teeth whitening provided by a cosmetic dentists in Los Angeles, but it will help you feel more attractive and smile brighter. Plus, your teeth feel silky smooth.

Building a Plan

When you work with a dentist or hygienist on a regular basis, he or she can help you to build a long-term dental plan that will eventually address all of the oral problems you may have. Seeing what you need in advance allows you to plan and budget accordingly, and spares you any huge, costly emergency surprises down the line.

We believe that prevention is key when it comes to healthy teeth. Stopping by our dental office in Los Angeles every few months for a cleaning can have a dramatic impact on your oral health, and spare you pain and money down the line.

Caring for Your Temporary Crown

When you visit Crystal Dental Center, you know that you’re getting to see one of the best Los Angeles dentists for your treatment. But before we can place a permanent crown, you may have to wear a temporary one.
The Difference between Permanent and Temporary Crowns

A crown is a protective cover for your weak tooth. This treatment is usually a two-step procedure. At the initial appointment our dentist slightly reduces the thickness of the tooth to make room for the cap to fit over it. Then, we take an impression of the newly shaped enamel. This impression is sent to a dental laboratory, which designs and fabricates your permanent crown. The process takes about two weeks, so in the meantime you will wear a temporary to prevent discomfort.
When Caring for Your Temporary Crown, Remember:

The material it is made from is not as strong as what your permanent crown will be. In fact, it can break if you chew something hard. It is a good idea to avoid eating nuts or crunchy granola bars with your temporary crown.
The cement used to hold the temporary is a mild adhesive. Chewing gum or sticky candies is discouraged because it can pull the cap off.
Flossing should be done very carefully and with a water or air flosser. If string must be used, then gently slide it in then pull the floss through at the gumline. Do not pull the string back up toward the top of the tooth.
Following the initial crown procedure and while wearing your temporary, you may experience gum irritation. Warm salt water rinses, several times daily, are beneficial in this case

It’s very important that your temporary crown stays in place. It serves as a tooth protector and a space saver for your permanent crown. If it breaks or comes off, try and slip it back onto the tooth. Contact your dentist right away, in order to have it recemented properly. For further information or to schedule an appointment please contact Crystal Dental Center at 213.748.8448 or visit www.CrystalDentalCenters.com.

HOW TO TELL IF YOU NEED A ROOT CANAL
Dental pain is a force to be reckoned with. It starts when you’re chewing food or gum, and gradually grows and lingers until it is happening all day, every day, and into the night, too. The highly reputable and caring dentist in Los Angeles at Crystal Dental Center wants to help you through it!

Broken Teeth?
If you are experiencing this magnitude of dental pain, you’ll probably need a root canal. So back up to before the pain started. Did you have a broken tooth? Sometimes the break is noticeable, if part of the tooth actually comes off. But other times, the tooth could have a crack or a deep cavity that you weren’t completely aware of. But if you noticed food like berry seeds or pieces of bread getting caught in the top of the tooth, that is a sure sign. A broken or decayed tooth lets bacteria in to eat away at the dentin and pulp; eventually it gets down in the root.

Infection Sets In
Along with the pain, you might feel a swollen, hurtful place on your gums. This indicates the presence of infection. Before our dentist can treat the tooth, he may need to prescribe an antibiotic. Not only will this clear up the infection, but it will also help the toothache stop before we treat it (and prevent it from recurring.)

The best way to avoid the need for a root canal is to brush and floss twice a day and to make it to your six-month dental appointments with your favorite dentist. For further information or to schedule an appointment please contact Crystal Dental Center at 213.748.8448 or visit www.CrsytalDentalCenters.com.

“WHAT’S THE FASTEST WAY TO WHITEN MY TEETH?”
Having a brighter smile can boost your confidence, add a youthful glow to your appearance, and complement future cosmetic dentistry that you’re planning at a later time (such as veneers, bonding, or porcelain crowns.) But when you want to make sure your teeth get as white as possible — and in the least amount of time as necessary — which method works best?

Same Day Teeth Whitening
The safest and fastest way to whiten your teeth is to book an in-office teeth whitening appointment with our Los Angeles dentist. During your procedure, we will apply prescription grade whitening products by hand, and use a special light that accelerates the stain oxidation process. We then repeat these steps 2-4 times, until your teeth have lightened by several shades. If needed, we’ll also fit you with a set of custom whitening trays to take home afterward. We’ll also address any concerns such as existing tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental work that may impact the outcome of your treatment.

“Laser whitening” that you see in a spa or drugstore isn’t the same service that’s offered by our Los Angeles dentist – like over the counter products, these treatments are lower concentrations and not administered by dental professionals.

Protect Your Investment
After whitening your teeth, you’ll want to keep them bright for as long as possible. Our Los Angeles dentist recommends touching up with a home whitening system (like our custom whitening trays and prescription strength gel) along with scheduling routine cleanings every six months. At your cleaning appointments, we’ll polish away superficial stains that have accumulated from your favorite foods, drinks, etc.

In fact, it’s best to have your teeth cleaned before you ever start a whitening treatment! Book your checkup, cleaning, and teeth whitening procedure with our Los Angeles dentist today! To schedule an appointment please call 213.748.8448 or visit www.CrystalDentalCenters.com for further information.

Which is Better: White or Metal Fillings?

Less Invasive to Your Tooth

To place a traditional metal filling, our Los Angeles dentist would have to carve out wedges inside of healthy tooth structure to “pack” the metal amalgam into place and hold it there. Not so with a white filling. These restorations use materials that bond directly with tooth structure, so that less of it needs to be removed. As a result, they’re smaller and less invasive.
Better Aesthetic Options

Because white fillings blend in with your smile, they can be placed just about anywhere in your mouth, such as front teeth, back teeth, on the sides of teeth, etc. That means if you have a cavity on a front tooth, you can restore it with a non-invasive and cosmetically pleasing restoration.

If white fillings weren’t available, you wouldn’t want a silver filling at the front of your smile! The only other option would be something more extensive, such as a crown.
Each composite (white) filling is custom so that it matches the shade of the enamel around it.
More Like Tooth Structure

When you eat and drink, your teeth adjust to the temperature changes. This can include contracting or expanding when foods are hot or cold. Metal does this at a different rate than teeth, which can encourage leakage or cracks around it, leading to failing dental work. With white filling, the material closely mimics that of enamel to minimize any accidental leaks or cracking.
At Crystal Dental Centers, our Los Angeles dentist wants the best for your smile. That means combining technique, technology, and patient preferences together to create a customized treatment plan that fits your unique oral health needs. Call us today to schedule 213.748.8448 or visit www.CrystalDentalCenters.com for further information.