Alafaya Center for Cosmetic and Family Dentistry

Porcelain Inlays and Onlays

What are Porcelain Inlays and Onlays?

Porcelain inlays and onlays are dental restorations that are custom crafted in a dental laboratory.

They can be made of porcelain or gold and are made to restore a tooth too damaged to receive a filling. 

In the past dentists would have to remove healthy tooth structure to shape the tooth to receive a crown.

Onlays and inlays are conservative restoration that allows the dentist to remove only unhealthy tooth structure.

These restorations look like a puzzle piece that fits exactly into the tooth. Once bonded in place they blend seamlessly into the natural dentition and offer strength and longevity. This picture shows the difference between an onlay and an inlay.

Porcelain Onlays

Porcelain onlays go over the biting surface of the teeth. Once damage to a tooth undermines the perimeter, an onlay can be used to restore full functionality.

Dr. Michaelson uses a dental handpiece to remove only the compromised part of the tooth. He will take an impression and send it to our laboratory.

Since onlays are custom crafted under a microscope in a dental laboratory, they have an exceptional fit.

Onlays are an excellent choice in a restoration if you have enough healthy tooth structure to support it.

Porcelain Inlays

Porcelain Inlays are a restoration that stays within the walls of the tooth. They are custom crafted in a dental laboratory and are generally used to restore smaller areas.  Inlays are created under magnification to ensure a perfect fit.

The edge of the restoration can be smoothed to a super-fine line of contact.  Because of it’s excellent fit ,the margin is barely detectable, and it has a much less chance of recurrent decay than a regular filling.

While these restorations are roughly double the cost of a regular filling, the superiority of an inlay’s fit and durability make this restoration an excellent alternative to the direct restoration.

Why can’t I have a regular filling?

Fillings are the preferred treatment for small – medium areas of decay. If your tooth is damaged beyond those limits placing a filling could actually cause your tooth to crack.  The amount of pressure exerted by chewing forces is enormous. In most cases of overfilled teeth, it is the tooth that cracks, and not the filling.  Sometimes teeth can crack below the level of the gum and are un-restorable. A tooth that is broken beyond repair will require an extraction and a dental implant.  Overfilling teeth will generally end up costing you more in the long run.