Onlays in Hawthorne, CA
Rediscover your smile's strength and beauty with our custom-crafted onlays.
What's an Onlay?
An onlay is a custom-made dental restoration that might be perfect for you if you're dealing with a tooth that's too damaged for a simple filling but not quite in need of a full crown. Unlike a full crown that covers the entire tooth, an onlay covers large areas of your tooth that need protection. Made from durable porcelain resin, onlays are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, restoring the strength and function of your tooth while also maintaining more of your tooth’s original structure.
Benefits of Onlays
Preserves Tooth
Onlays just target the damaged areas rather than covering the entire tooth. This means less drilling and more of your natural tooth stays intact, helping to keep your tooth strong and healthy in the longrun.
Durable
Onlays are crafted from porcelain, which is able to withstand the everyday demands of chewing. This makes onlays a reliable, long-term solution to protect your tooth from further damage or decay.
Seamless Look
Onlays are designed to match the natural color and texture of your teeth. They offer a more subtle solution than metal fillings, so you can feel confident in your appearance.
Clear aligner treatment
Proudly Providing OrthoFX
Your smile deserves the very best in aligner therapy technology. That's why we offer OrthoFX clear aligners. They're designed to straighten your teeth effectively while ensuring your comfort and confidence throughout the treatment.
OrthoFX aligners are customized with advanced technology for a perfect fit.
These aligners are ultra-clear, making them virtually invisible.
Easily remove your aligners to brush, floss, eat, and drink anything other than water.
The Onlay Treatment Process
Assessment and Prep
The process starts with Dr. Sierra examining your tooth to determine the extent of the damage and if an onlay is the best option. She will then prepare your tooth by removing any cavity or old filling material. This step ensures that the onlay will fit perfectly and bond securely to your tooth.
Scans and Temporary Onlay
Next, Dr. Sierra takes a precise impression or scan of your tooth, which will be used to create your custom onlay. While the onlay is being crafted, you’ll receive a temporary onlay to protect the tooth and maintain its functionality. This means you can continue your daily life without discomfort.
Crafting Your Onlay
The impression or scan is sent to a dental lab where your onlay is made. Porcelain is both durable and aesthetically pleasing, ensuring that your onlay will be strong and look natural.
Fitting and Bonding
Once your onlay is ready, you’ll come back for a final fitting. Dr. Sierra will carefully place the onlay, making sure it fits seamlessly and your bite is correct. After any necessary adjustments, the onlay is bonded to your tooth with a strong adhesive. This final step restores your tooth to its full functionality and appearance, leaving you with a healthy, beautiful smile.
We've got you covered
Flexible Financing and Insurance Options
We offer a range of flexible financing and insurance options to make dental care more affordable and accessible. No matter your budget or insurance coverage, we're here to help you find a plan that works for you.
Affordable Payment Plans
Comprehensive Insurance Coverage
Special Membership Benefits
FAQs
Have questions? We've got answers.
Onlays are designed to be a long-lasting solution, and they typically last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. Many patients are able to have them last longer with proper care. To extend the life of your onlay, it's important to maintain good oral hygiene, avoid chewing hard foods directly on the onlay, and visit Dr. Sierra regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
The procedure for getting an onlay is usually pain-free, since it's done under local anesthesia. This numbs the area, so you shouldn’t feel any discomfort during the treatment. Some mild sensitivity or discomfort might be experienced after the anesthesia wears off, but this is temporary and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
Both onlays and crowns are types of dental restorations used to repair teeth, but they cover different amounts of the tooth. A crown covers the entire tooth above the gum line, making it a good choice for teeth that are severely damaged. An onlay, however, only covers one or more of the tooth's biting surface, preserving more of the natural tooth. This makes onlays a less invasive option when the damage isn’t extensive enough to require a full crown.
Let's Get You Scheduled
We can't wait to give you the dental experience you deserve.