Porcelain inlays and onlays are a little-known restorative solution to help repair moderately decayed or otherwise damaged posterior (back) teeth. These restorations can repair a tooth that is too damaged for a filling but does not yet need a crown. Additionally, some patients choose this option because they are stronger and more durable than composite resin.
Your teeth sustain a lot of pressure every time you bite, chew, or grind your teeth. Over time, tooth structure can weaken, and cracks form. These cracks will grow and get deeper if you leave them untreated, causing tooth sensitivity and increasing your risk of tooth fracture. Dental decay also weakens tooth structures.
In the early stages of breakdown, you have three options:
A porcelain onlay is a restoration that covers the biting surface of a back tooth. It can encompass a bit of the sides, too, but it basically sits on top of the tooth.
An onlay is recommended if you have a superficial crack in your tooth. You do not need a full crown yet because the crack is not that deep. However, your Downey cosmetic dentist will want to support the crack so that it does not progress. An onlay is the ideal option.
A porcelain inlay is a filling made of porcelain.
Your dentist will remove the decay from your tooth. Then, instead of placing a composite resin filling, they will use a CAD/CAM machine to fabricate a custom porcelain filling. The inlay is then permanently bonded/cemented into the tooth.
If you develop any of the following conditions or symptoms, contact your Downey dentist for an evaluation.
These restorations can last decades. Some patients have had theirs for 20, 30, or more years. This is significantly longer than a filling’s average lifetime of five to 10 years.
You can ensure your inlay/onlay lasts for decades by practicing optimal homecare:
Visiting your Downey dentist regularly will also ensure good oral health.
An inlay/onlay procedure is very similar to a crown preparation appointment.
Your dentist will numb the tooth. Once you are thoroughly numb, they will check for and remove any decay. Then, they will shape the preparation, smoothing the edges so they have good borders around it that can support the restoration.
Using a CAD/CAM machine, they will take an image of the tooth and preparation and use a computer program to fabricate a custom porcelain restoration.
Finally, the restoration is permanently bonded into the preparation.
Many patients prefer these restorations to fillings because they are made from more durable materials and are permanently cemented to the tooth, which actually strengthens the tooth. These restorations also last much longer than traditional composite fillings.
Many patients also prefer a porcelain onlay to a dental crown because the former restoration preserves a lot of the patient’s natural tooth structure. This is another way to keep the teeth healthy and strong.
If you ask your Downey cosmetic dentist or any of our inlay/onlay patients, they will tell you: Porcelain onlays and inlays are definitely worth it.
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