The importance of inlays and onlays in Beverly Hills, CA

There are times when patients in the area of Beverly Hills, California, maybe in a situation where a dental filling is not enough to address a cavity, but a dental crown is more than needed. In a case like this, the team at Beverly Hills Advanced Specialties of Dentistry is here to help with an alternative known as inlays and onlays. Inlays and onlays are dental restorations that are used to repair tooth structure while maintaining a natural-looking appearance and a conservative approach.

When might I need an inlay or onlay?

Inlays and onlays are often used when cavities form. The dentist will remove the impacted tooth structure and then disinfect the entire area. Then, impressions are made and used to create the inlay or onlay that will bond into place onto the tooth. Patients love inlays and onlays because they are:

  • Affordable
  • Natural-looking
  • More conservative than crowns
  • Custom-fabricated
  • Easy to care for

What is the difference between inlays and onlays?

The major difference between these two restorations is how they are placed. An onlay is placed over a tooth, while an inlay is placed almost into a tooth, within the rest of the enamel. Both are a more conservative option when patients are considering dental crowns as an alternative and require the dentist to remove less healthy tooth structure to place the restoration.

Who is a candidate for an inlay or onlay?

During a consultation visit and initial evaluation, our dentists, Drs. Frank Vidjak and Fanny Yacaman can determine if a patient is a good fit for an inlay or onlay. If the damage to the smile is more significant, patients may be better suited for a traditional dental crown instead. These restorations are custom-made for patients and cover more of the tooth structure for better protection and functionality.

Call Drs. Frank Vidjak and Fanny Yacaman today

Beverly Hills, California area patients who are interested in achieving beautiful smiles are strongly encouraged to ask the team at Beverly Hills Advanced Specialties of Dentistry about the advantages of inlays and onlays. Call (310) 878-6455 to start taking charge of your smile’s health, function, and overall appearance.

Frequently asked questions

Inlays and onlays are dental restorations used to rebuild tooth structure while keeping a natural appearance and a conservative approach.

Inlays and onlays are frequently employed when cavities develop. The dentist will remove the affected tooth structure and disinfect the surrounding region. The imprints are then utilized to make the inlay or onlay that will be bonded to the tooth.

The primary difference between these two restorations is how they are positioned. An onlay is put over a tooth, whereas an inlay is inserted almost entirely within the tooth’s enamel.

They are less expensive, more natural-looking, more conservative than crowns, custom-fabricated, and simple to maintain.

Simply said, candidates for inlays and onlays have too much damage for a typical dental filling but not enough damage to require a crown. You must have enough residual tooth structure to sustain the restoration to be eligible for an inlay or onlay.

The skilled doctors at our practice are Frank M. A. Vidjak, DDS, MSEd and Fanny Yacaman, DDS, MSEd, MS.



Doctors Bio Image - Dr.Frank Vidjak
Dr. Vidjak has been a prosthodontist for over two decades, with his private practice in Beverly Hills from 1989. A USC School of Dentistry graduate, he completed his specialty training in prosthodontics and an MS in Medical Education at USC where he also taught the School of Dentistry. He was its Clinical Director of the Advanced Prosthodontic Program and International Student Program too.



Doctors Bio Image - Dr. Fanny Yacaman
Dr. Yacaman received her DDS from the University Technologica of Mexico and served the clinical faculty in Endodontics at Unitec. She practiced Endodontics in Mexico City for over 10 years. She has an advanced specialty certificate in Advanced Microscopic Endodontics and Microsurgery and a Master of Science in Medical Education from the USC and has been a Clinical Faculty member at the UCLA School of Dentistry Department of Endodontics for more than 15 years. She specializes in Root Resorption treatment, having researched on External Root Resorption for over 15 years for a Master’s in Craniofacial Molecular Biology at USC’s Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology. She is one of four Endodontists in United States that can treat Root Resorption. She is a local and international lecturer in Endodontics and Microsurgery and has received many awards and has published articles in the area.