Porcelain Onlays
Inlays and Onlays are used to repair damage involving over ½ of the tooth’s biting surface, rather than using a simple filling, or a crown.
An inlay is similar to a filling and lies inside the cusp tips of the tooth; an onlay is a more extensive reconstruction that covers one or more cusps of a tooth.
Inlays and onlays are both traditionally made of gold; however, porcelain is now becoming the material of choice because of its strength and potential to match the natural color of your tooth.
Inlays and onlays are applied in two dental visits. At the first visit, the old filling, or decay, is removed, and the tooth is prepared for the inlay / onlay. The dentist will then make an impression of the tooth and will place a temporary sealant on your tooth and schedule a second appointment.
At the second visit, the temporary sealant is removed. Your dentist will then ensure that the inlay / onlay fits properly in the tooth and does not interfere with your bite. Once correctly fit, the inlay / onlay is bonded into the tooth with a strong bonding resin, and polished smooth.
