Dental Inlays and Onlays in Santa Monica
Strong, natural-looking inlays and onlays for lasting smiles.
Why Choose Us for Inlays and Onlays?
Dental Inlays and Onlays
Ready to restore your smile? Dr. Kathy Zahedi DDS & Associates specializes in advanced dental inlays and onlays, providing top-notch treatments to revitalize your teeth’s function and aesthetics. Begin your journey to a healthier, more beautiful smile today!
What are dental inlays and onlays?
Dental inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations used to repair damaged or decayed teeth. Inlays fit within the grooves of a tooth, restoring the central part, while onlays extend over one or more cusps, covering a larger area. They are typically made from porcelain, composite resin, or gold, providing a durable and aesthetic solution.
Unlike fillings, inlays and onlays offer a stronger and longer-lasting repair, preserving more of the natural tooth structure.
What issues can dental inlays and onlays can be fixed?
Dental inlays and onlays can fix several dental issues, including:
- Moderate decay or damage too extensive for a filling but not severe enough for a crown
- Cracked or fractured teeth that don’t affect the cusp
- Replacing old or damaged fillings
- Improving the function and appearance of worn teeth
Inlays and onlays offer a durable, strong, and aesthetically pleasing solution, preserving more of the natural tooth structure compared to traditional fillings or crowns.
What to expect during a dental inlays and onlays appointment?
Getting dental inlays and onlays involves two essential appointments to restore your smile.
During the first visit, your teeth are numbed for comfort, and any damaged or decayed areas are cleaned and prepared. Impressions are then taken to create custom inlays or onlays in the dental lab. While waiting for the permanent restorations, which take about two weeks, you’ll wear temporary inlays or onlays.
At the second appointment, the fit and appearance of the inlays or onlays are carefully checked. Once approved, they are permanently bonded to your teeth. No additional numbing is needed, and you can eat and drink immediately.
Experience the transformation with Dr. Kathy Zahedi DDS & Associates. Your journey to a healthy, beautiful smile starts now!

It's always a pleasure to go to Dr. Kathy Zahedi,s office. The staff is super great and Dr. Zahedi is amazing. Today I had her work on my crowns and the procedure was painless, I didn’t even feel the needle or the removal of the crowns. I was completely comfortable. Dr. Kathy and her dental assistants asked me many times during the procedure if I was comfortable.
I would recommend Dr. Kathy Zahedi, and her staff to any one that asked me.
Five star plus ⭐️
This is a painless soothing veneer experience. Kathy is indeed exceptional on getting the job done. I have always dream of having big natural smiles and I am thankful I went to her. I am currently getting my veneer done and I love the job Kathy does on my teeth. And I also love the facility and people there for offering a great service. They are so patient so kind and happy there. It’s an incredible experience. I highly recommend Kathy on your veneers. Thank you!! 🌷❤️
I have had the best best best experience with Dr. Zahedi and her team. I visited her after another dentist’s experience caused some major anxiety and fear. She has met me where I’m at emotionally with the deepest empathy, care, and respect. She listens to me, spends time with me, and makes sure I leave her office feeling better than when I arrived. She is like your most caring best friend, your favorite auntie, and the mother you wish you had. She has texted me on her days off to find out how I’m doing and feeling. I will never go to anyone else for my dental needs.
Why choose us as your general dentist?

Providing best dental care for two decades

Improves your overall health, not just your teeth

Get all your dental needs met under one roof
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Frequently Asked Questions
Inlays and onlays can be made from various materials, including:
Gold: Known for its durability and strength, gold has been a traditional choice for inlays and onlays.
Porcelain or Ceramic: These materials offer a natural tooth-like appearance and are popular for their aesthetic qualities.
Composite Resin: Tooth-colored resins provide a more affordable option with good aesthetics but may not be as durable as gold or ceramic.
Inlays and onlays are intermediate options between fillings and crowns:
Fillings: Direct restorations placed immediately into a prepared cavity; suitable for small areas of decay.
Inlays/Onlays: Indirect restorations fabricated outside the mouth and bonded to the tooth; ideal for moderate damage.
Crowns: Caps that cover the entire tooth; used when there is extensive damage or after root canal therapy.
With proper care, inlays and onlays can last between 10 to 30 years, depending on the material used and the patient’s oral hygiene practices.
Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily and flossing regularly. Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or pens to prevent damage. Regular dental check-ups are essential to monitor the integrity of the restoration.