Stronger than a filling,
gentler than a crown.
When a tooth is too damaged for a simple filling but doesn’t need a full crown, an inlay or onlay is the in-between fix — a custom-made restoration that rebuilds strength while keeping more of your natural tooth. Placed precisely by Dr. Bradley, a UCLA-trained dentist.
- UCLA-trained dental surgeon
- Implants placed & restored in-house
- Most insurance accepted
- Monthly payment plans
- Se habla español
- Award-winning · West LA Dental Society
A conservative fix for a damaged tooth.
Inlays and onlays are custom restorations for teeth with damage too big for a filling but not bad enough for a crown. An inlay sits within the cusps (the top edges) of the tooth; an onlay covers one or more cusps and wraps over the sides. Both are crafted from durable, tooth-colored materials like porcelain for a precise, comfortable fit — and both keep more of your natural tooth than a crown would.
What an inlay or onlay does for you.
Saves your tooth structure
Less of the natural tooth is removed than with a crown, so more of your own tooth stays intact.
Strong and durable
Bonded firmly in place, an inlay or onlay holds up to everyday chewing better than a large filling.
Made to last
With good daily care and regular checkups, a well-placed inlay or onlay can serve you comfortably for many years.
When an inlay or onlay makes sense.
A larger cavity or old filling
Damage that’s too big for a regular filling but doesn’t yet call for a full crown.
You want to keep your tooth
You’d rather preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible.
You need lasting strength
You want a more durable, reliable alternative to a large filling that may crack or wear.
You want a natural look
A restoration color-matched to blend in so it’s hard to tell from your own teeth.
From damaged tooth to restored.
Exam & plan
Dr. Bradley examines the tooth and confirms whether an inlay or onlay is the best fix for it.
Prepare the tooth
We gently clean and shape the damaged area, then take a detailed impression so your restoration fits exactly.
Custom-crafted restoration
Your inlay or onlay is made to match your tooth while a temporary covering protects it in the meantime.
Fit & bond
We bond the finished restoration in place and fine-tune the bite so it feels comfortable and natural.
Planned and performed in one place.
Dr. Bradley is a UCLA-trained, surgically-proficient dentist who plans, places, and restores your treatment himself — so the dentist who knows your mouth is the one doing the work, start to finish.
Surgically trained dentist
Four UCLA degrees and a decade of education and training, plus advanced surgical and implant fellowships and a faculty appointment at the UCLA School of Dentistry.
Everything under one roof
Surgery, implants, and restorations handled in-house — no being referred across town.
Affordable, explained up front
Most major insurance accepted and monthly payment plans available, reviewed with you up front.
Trusted by Huntington Park families
“Dr. Bradley really cares for your teeth — his philosophy is to keep as much of the natural tooth as possible. He explained everything clearly, calmed my nerves, and did the procedure perfectly.”
“The best dentist in town. They really helped me with my fillings — completely pain-free — and made me feel at home through the whole process. Highly recommend.”
“My oral health has improved a lot with Dr. Bradley. He listens to my concerns and explains exactly what he’s doing and why — he even shows me the X-rays. He handles my cleanings and put on my adult braces himself, and the whole team is stellar.”
Inlay & onlay questions, answered.
What’s the difference between an onlay and a crown?
An onlay restores the damaged part of a tooth while keeping as much healthy structure as possible, while a crown caps the whole tooth and removes more of the natural surface. When the damage is moderate, an onlay is often the better choice. At your visit, Dr. Bradley examines the tooth and recommends whichever gives the strongest, longest-lasting result.
How long do inlays and onlays last?
With good oral hygiene, inlays and onlays can last for many years of reliable use. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and keeping regular checkups all help keep your restoration strong and your tooth healthy.
Is it covered by insurance?
Most major dental plans help cover inlays and onlays, and we offer monthly payment plans. We’ll review your options at your appointment, so there are no surprises.
Can I eat normally afterward?
Once your inlay or onlay is bonded in place, you can eat and chew as usual — no special restrictions. You may notice mild sensitivity for a day or two, and softer foods can help while your mouth settles. We check that your bite feels right before you leave.
How do I take care of an inlay or onlay?
Care is simple and the same as for your natural teeth: brush twice a day, floss daily, and avoid chewing hard things like ice or pens. Routine checkups let us catch any wear early and keep your restoration in good shape for years to come.
Reviewed by Dr. Bradley Salvatore, DDS · Updated July 1, 2026
Explore related care.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
A dental filling restores a tooth damaged by decay. By cleaning out the cavity and filling the space, it stops the decay from spreading and reinforces the tooth’s natural structure. A composite (tooth-colored) filling does this with a material matched to your tooth — so it protects the tooth, restores comfort and chewing, and stays invisible.
Explore →Dental Crowns
Dental crowns — often called “caps” — are protective restorations that cover the entire visible surface of a tooth. They add strength to teeth that are too worn or damaged for a smaller fix like a filling. By fully encasing the tooth, a crown restores its shape, function, and appearance while preventing further damage.
Explore →Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a custom-crafted restoration designed to fill the gap left by one or more missing teeth, restoring both function and appearance. The artificial teeth are supported by the natural teeth — or implants — next to the gap. It improves chewing and speech, helps maintain your facial structure, and keeps the remaining teeth from shifting out of place.
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Have a tooth that needs work? Let’s take a look.
Most major insurance accepted · monthly payment plans available.
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