Porcelain Inlays, Onlays and Overlays

Inlays / Onlays / Overlays are all basically the same.  The prefix of the word describes its position on the tooth "in", "on" or "over" .  Dental inlays / onlays / overlays replace a part of the tooth, and are therefor all different types of designs of porcelain inserts. 


This type of restoration is indicated in nearly all forms of restorative work, as it replaced the lost tooth structure with a strong and durable  lasting porcelain option.  Alternatively resin is used if a white restoration is preferred, but for more smaller defects.  A general rule of thumb is that if more than half of the tooth must be replaced or if an important functional cusp is missing, porcelain inlays or onlays are indicated.

Replacing Amalgam Restorations
Traditional amalgam fillings were placed by ways of an undercut in the tooth to create retention for the filling, but this together with temperature changes tend to cause cracks to appear in the tooth over time.  These teeth also often have a 'blue-ish' appearance due to the staining from the metal-ions that leak into the tooth. Porcelain effectively mask these typical blue-grey areas.  These old amalgam metal fillings are best replaced with by these porcelain inlays as the porcelain is bonded to the tooth without any undercuts and restoring the tooth back to its original function, strength and aesthetics!

Porcelain  is typically used to replace amalgam fillings and to restore the badly reduced tooth structure which were caused by trauma or tooth decay. The strength and longevity of a well constructed and /or well maintained inlay / onlay, are better than an amalgam filing. The great natural appearance makes this restoration almost undetectable with the naked eye! Porcelain is also stain-free and the first choice in the cosmetic replacement of big restorations.

Same Day Dentistry
The traditional way of doing these indirect porcelain restorations was to do this over 2 appointments. A temporary filling was needed to protect the tooth until the next visit when the final porcelain filling was cemented. With CEREC 3D technology we can now do porcelain inlays, porcelain onlays, porcerlain crowns, porcerlain veneers and porcelain bridges all in just one visit!  To find out more, fill in the form below to get an estimate.

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