Minimally Invasive
Unlike traditional dental crowns, inlays and onlays allow for a minimally invasive approach, preserving more of your natural tooth structure while providing strength and support.
Accepting New Patients
Inlays & Onlays in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Dental inlays and onlays at Elite Dentistry are popular restorative options for patients in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA who have moderate to severe tooth decay or damage but want to preserve as much natural tooth as possible.
2,500+
Happy Patients
25+ Years
Experience
Same-Day
Emergency Care
Understanding Your Treatment
What Are Inlays & Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations that repair back teeth with mild to moderate decay or damage. They offer a conservative alternative to full crowns when the tooth structure is still mostly intact. Inlays fit within the tooth's cusps (top edges), while onlays cover one or more cusps. The best part? They help preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible while enhancing both function and appearance — a natural-looking solution to keep your smile radiant.
The Benefits
The Benefits of Inlays & Onlays
Strength and Durability
Inlays and onlays are crafted from strong, durable materials that resist wear and fracture. With proper care, they can last up to 30 years.
Custom Fit
Each inlay and onlay is custom-made to fit precisely into the prepared cavity of your tooth, helping protect it from further decay and damage.
Natural Look
Inlays and onlays can be made of tooth-colored materials, such as porcelain, that blend in with the natural color of the tooth and improve the overall appearance of your smile.
The Process
Our Step-by-Step Process
From your first exam to the final result, here's exactly what to expect — calm, clear, and never rushed.
Request an Appointment- 01
Tooth Preparation
At your first appointment, Dr. Lari prepares the affected tooth by removing any decay or damage.
- 02
Precise Impression
We take an impression of the tooth, which our lab uses to create your custom-made inlay or onlay.
- 03
Temporary Protection
We fit you with a temporary filling or crown to protect the tooth until your final restoration is ready.
- 04
Final Placement
About two weeks later, we remove the temporary and bond your custom inlay or onlay into place. With CAD/CAM technology, the restoration can often be milled and placed in a single visit instead.
Is It Right for You?
Signs You May Need Inlays & Onlays
Large Cavities
You have large cavities or old fillings that need replacement and are too big for a simple filling.
Conservative Preference
You want to preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible rather than reducing the tooth for a full crown.
Durability Matters
You are looking for a more durable, longer-lasting solution than a traditional filling.
Seamless Aesthetics
You want a natural-looking restoration that blends invisibly with your smile.
You're in good company… Glowing Reviews
Glowing Reviews
From Our Patients
5-star rated dental care from patients like you…
- 5 out of 5 stars. “Truly the most wonderful experience with a dental office and staff I’ve ever experienced. I came into Elite having recently experienced poor experiences elsewhere in town, and couldn’t believe how kind, capable and professional the team is here. I am 6 months into my Invisalign process and couldn’t be happier. Highly recommend Elite for general dentistry to anyone!” — Alex
- 5 out of 5 stars. “Have been coming here for years. They accommodate all my needs and are very thorough with what they need to work on regarding my dental wellbeing. They also have very advanced dental technology which I love.” — Nicholas
- 5 out of 5 stars. “I just moved to OC and needed to find a new dental office. I had my first visit today with Elite Dentistry and was very impressed. Everyone who worked there was so kind and attentive and the equipment they use is very advanced. They recommend treatment without making you feel pressured.” — Jessica
- 5 out of 5 stars. “This is the dentist I've been waiting for! An absolute artist and master of the craft. When someone is passionate about what they do, it shows! Dr. Rastegar-Lari is simy the best in the area. We did some major work yesterday, and today I feel and look great! Thanks Doc!0” — K
- 5 out of 5 stars. “The stuff was very professional and informative.” — Anna
- 5 out of 5 stars. “Dr. Lari is so kind and gentle and a comforting personality that I have not seen in the dentistry business as long as I have had teeth. He is special and we are lucky to have him in our small community. He makes you feel like you are family and you will appreciate that. No hidden charges or overpricing at all at this office. He went way over and above in quality and cosmetic items I needed for what I paid for. He is my hero.” — Steve
- 5 out of 5 stars. “I had such a great experience at Elite Dentistry in RSM. The ladies at the front desk are so sweet and welcoming and just make everything feel easy from the moment you walk in. The assistants were gentle and attentive and really made sure I was comfortable the whole time.Dr. Lari was amazing. So professional, calm, and thorough. I felt completely at ease and genuinely taken care of. You can tell this office really cares!Highly recommend!” — Yasmeen
- 5 out of 5 stars. “Elite Dentistry is hands down one of the best dental clinics I’ve ever been to. Dr Mehran is truly the best in the industry extremely knowledgeable, professional, and someone you can genuinely trust. The entire team is welcoming and attentive, and you can tell ethics and patient care are a top priority here.They use state of the art technology and the latest equipment, which makes a huge difference in both comfort and results. Everything is explained clearly, there’s no pressure, and you always feel like they’re doing what’s best for you not just what’s convenient.Highly recommend Elite Dentistry to anyone looking for top-tier dental care with honesty, precision, and professionalism” — Masoud
- 5 out of 5 stars. “Elite Dentistry is the best. I grew up with an unnatural fear of dentists but these guys squashed that for me. They are very kind and thorough. They explain every step to make sure I was comfortable with their recommendations. The pricing is fair. I feel good about sending my family here for their dental needs.” — Kevin
- 5 out of 5 stars. “The staff is amazing at Elite Dentistry, very friendly, reassuring and especially gentle. The doctor is very friendly, gentle as well and never upsells.” — Jessica
- 5 out of 5 stars. “I had a great experience with Dr. Lari. The staff was incredibly friendly, professional, and made me feel comfortable from the moment I walked in. They took the time to explain everything clearly and made sure I was at ease throughout the visit. I don’t usually get to see the dentist very often, but when I did, it was clear that he knew exactly what he was doing and was very confident and skilled. I truly appreciate the level of care and attention I received and would highly recommend dr.Lari to anyone looking for excellent dental care!” — Leticia
- 5 out of 5 stars. “I had such an amazing experience at Elite Dentistry and cannot recommend them enough. From start to finish, everything was seamless, calm, and genuinely pleasant which is saying a lot when it comes to dental visits.Dr. Mehran Rastegar-Lari is truly exceptional. He is incredibly kind, patient, and clearly very knowledgeable. He took the time to educate me throughout the process, answered all of my questions, and made sure I felt comfortable every step of the way. You can tell he genuinely cares about his patients and their experience, not just the end result.Omar, the dental assistant, was equally amazing. I suffer from pretty high dental anxiety, and he was so calming, reassuring, and supportive. He helped me relax and made the entire visit feel manageable and even comfortable. He was truly great.The front desk staff was also fantastic. Super outgoing, welcoming, and kind from the moment I walked in. The positive energy made a huge difference.On top of all that, I had a crown done the same day, and the process was completely effortless. No stress, no hassle, and everything was handled efficiently and smoothly.If you are looking for a dental office that combines professionalism, compassion, and top tier care, Elite Dentistry is it. I am so grateful I found them. 🦷✨” — Sara
The Elite Dentistry Difference
Why You'll Love Inlays & Onlays at Elite Dentistry
Choosing Elite Dentistry for inlays or onlays ensures exceptional care from highly skilled professionals, promoting a healthier, happier smile with results that last.
Here are just a few reasons our patients love us:
- Skilled Professionals
- Advanced Technology
- Personalized Approach
- Lasting Results
Frequently Asked Questions
You've Got Questions, We've Got Answers
Don't see the answer you're looking for? Call us at (949) 888-8989.
How long does the dental inlay or onlay procedure take?
The procedure traditionally required two appointments, but with advancements in CAD/CAM technology it can now often be completed in a single visit. This technology allows the restoration to be milled and placed on the same day.
Are dental inlays or onlays painful?
No, the procedure is not painful. We use local anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the appointment.
How long will my dental inlay or onlay last?
With proper care, your dental inlay or onlay can last up to 15 years or more — and well-maintained restorations have been known to last up to 30 years.
How do I care for my dental inlay or onlay?
Brush twice daily and floss regularly, use a non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the restoration, avoid chewing on hard objects or using your teeth as tools, keep up with regular checkups and cleanings, and consider a night guard if you grind your teeth.
Does dental insurance cover the cost of inlays and onlays?
Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost, and we offer financing options for those who need them. Our team is happy to verify your benefits.
How do I care for a new dental crown?
Dental crowns are extremely durable, but they require good oral hygiene to last as long as possible. Brush around your crown twice a day and floss around it daily; flossing will not remove a permanent crown, but skipping it can allow bacteria to accumulate around the margins of your restoration, leading to recurring tooth decay, gum disease, bone loss, and crown failure. Plan a checkup and cleaning at Elite Dentistry at least twice a year to have your dental work evaluated.
Schedule Your Inlays & Onlays Consultation
Don't compromise on your dental health or aesthetics — experience the benefits of custom inlays and onlays at Elite Dentistry. Fill out the form below, and our team will reach out within one business hour.
25+ Years of Care
About Our Dentistry
Trusted Local Care in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
- Licensure
- CA License #65190 · Verify
- Insurance
- We work with most insurance providers.
- No Insurance?
- No problem — ask about our new patient specials and payment plans.
- Financing
- A wide range of dental financing options for every budget.
- Counties Served
- Orange County
- Cities Served
- Rancho Santa Margarita, Coto de Caza, Las Flores, Trabuco Canyon
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