Key Takeaways
- Fillings are best for small cavities: Quick, affordable, and effective, but they usually last only 5–7 years and may not hold up well for larger damage.
- Inlays provide strength and precision: Custom-made to fit your tooth, inlays are stronger than fillings, blend naturally, and last 10–15 years.
- Onlays act as partial crowns: Onlays are used to cover and protect weak teeth. They are a good alternative to crowns and can be just as strong as inlays.
- Durability and cost vary: Fillings are the cheapest choice, but they wear out quickly. Inlays and onlays cost more at first, but they last longer and are better in the end.
- Best choice depends on damage level: Fillings suit minor repairs, inlays cover moderate issues, and onlays protect larger weak spots while preserving natural tooth structure.
If you’ve ever had a cavity or cracked a tooth, you know how quickly the conversation at the dentist’s office turns into choices. Do you need a filling? An inlay? Maybe even an onlay? If you’ve searched for inlays near me, you’ve already seen plenty of options online, but not much clarity. At Clove Dental Sherman Oaks, we walk patients through these decisions every day. Let’s talk honestly about what each treatment does, what it costs, and when one is better than the other.
Fillings: The Basic Fix
Most people are familiar with fillings. They’re the go-to when you have a small cavity. Your dentist cleans out the decay, fills the space with material, composite resin if you want it tooth-colored, or silver if you’re okay with old-school, and you’re good to go.
Why do people like fillings? They’re quick, inexpensive, and you can usually get one done in a single visit. But they’re not perfect. Larger fillings don’t hold up as well over time, and they can crack if too much pressure is put on them. They usually last about 5–7 years before needing a replacement.
So if the damage is small, a filling works. Is the problem bigger? That’s when you start looking at other options.
Inlays: The Middle Ground
This is where the search for “inlays near me” usually begins. An inlay is sort of the “middle child” between a filling and a crown. Instead of packing material directly into the cavity, the dentist takes an impression of your tooth, and a custom piece (the inlay) is made to fit the space exactly. Then it’s bonded into place.
Why choose an inlay over a filling?
- It’s stronger.
- It fits better and keeps the tooth safe.
- It lasts longer, 10 to 15 years.
Inlays are ideal when the cavity or damage is too large for a filling, but the tooth isn’t so broken down that it needs a crown. They also look great because porcelain inlays can blend with your natural tooth.
The downside? They cost more than a filling and usually take two visits since a lab is involved. But if you want strength and durability, they’re a solid choice.
Onlays: The “Almost Crown”
Now, what if the damage is even bigger? That’s when an onlay comes into the picture. Think of an onlay as an inlay that covers more surface. It doesn’t just fit inside the grooves of the tooth; it also covers one or more cusps (the little points on the top of your molar). Some people call it a “partial crown.”
Onlays are helpful when the tooth is too weak for a filling or inlay but doesn’t need to be completely covered with a crown. They also last a long time, about the same as inlays, and protect more of the tooth structure.
Cost-wise, they’re more expensive than inlays but cheaper than a full crown.
Durability: Which One Lasts?
Here’s the simple breakdown:
- Fillings: 5–7 years.
- Inlays: 10–15 years.
- Onlays: 10–15 years, sometimes longer.
If you’ve been browsing “inlays near me” because you’re tired of replacing old fillings, this might be your sign. Inlays and onlays hold up better because they’re custom-made and bonded with stronger materials.
Cost: What to Expect
Money always plays a role. Fillings are the most affordable and usually covered by insurance without issue. Inlays and onlays are pricier because of the lab work and extra time involved. That said, many insurance plans cover them too, depending on the reason for treatment.
Here’s the real point: an inlay may cost more up front, but it usually saves money in the long run because you’re not replacing it every few years.
Looks Matter Too
Let’s be honest, nobody wants metal flashing when they smile. Modern fillings can be tooth-colored, but for larger repairs, inlays and onlays often look better. Porcelain versions are almost invisible once placed. That’s why many patients lean toward them if the damaged tooth is visible when they talk or laugh.
When an Inlay Makes the Most Sense
So, when is an inlay your best bet?
- When the damage is too much for a filling but doesn’t require a crown.
- When you want something long-lasting and strong.
- When the chewing surfaces of your back teeth need extra support.
If you’re typing “inlays near me” into a search bar, chances are you’re trying to avoid the hassle of repeat fillings or don’t want to jump straight into a crown. In that middle ground, inlays shine.
How We Help at Clove Dental Sherman Oaks
Every patient’s tooth is different. Sometimes we recommend a filling because the problem is minor. Other times, an inlay or onlay is clearly the better choice. Our approach is to explain the options, show you what’s happening with your tooth, and let you decide what feels right for you.
We’ve seen plenty of patients frustrated after patching the same tooth with fillings again and again. Once they switch to an inlay, the problem finally stabilizes. That peace of mind, knowing the repair will last, is worth a lot.
Final Word
Fillings, inlays, and onlays aren’t complicated once you see them side by side. Fillings fix small problems. Inlays handle the middle ground. Onlays step in when the damage is bigger, but a crown isn’t necessary.
If you’ve been searching for “inlays near me” and still feel unsure, the best next step is to sit down with a dentist who explains things clearly. At Clove Dental Sherman Oaks, that’s what we do every day: help people find the option that fits their tooth, their lifestyle, and their budget.
