Porcelain Inlays/Onlays

Porcelain inlays or onlays can give life back to weakened back teeth. It’s a tooth-coloured restoration made of porcelain, and it’s cemented or bonded in place. It’s used to protect teeth that have been damaged by decay. Inlays and onlays are different from one another. For one, inlays do not extend into a cusp, which is the highest point on the chewing surface of a back tooth. Inlays are similar to a filling but it’s fitting into the grooves of a tooth. Meanwhile, an onlay covers one or more cusps and it’s sometimes referred to as a partial crown. It is used when there’s more extensive damage on your tooth.

These treatments require less preparation since they only cover a part of your tooth's surface. Inlays and onlays are constructed from a strong porcelain resin that’s resistant against wear, tear and decay. They’re often referred to as “indirect” restorations because they’re manufactured outside of your tooth, unlike fillings where it’s inside of your teeth.

Our top-rated dentists will firstly numb you with local anesthetic and then they will drill your tooth to remove and clean out any decay. Our dentists will then take an impression of your teeth and send the impression to the lab, where the inlay or onlay is created. While the inlay or onlay is being made at the lab, our dentists will place a temporary inlay or onlay on the tooth.

While a crown may be the popular choice, our dentist may suggest an inlay or an onlay instead because they want to avoid removing healthy tooth surfaces with a crown. Porcelain inlays or onlays offer many benefits such as increased strength, greater longevity and durability, a more natural appearance, and ensures quality seals over cavities in between teeth.

At our dental office, we will give you every option there is for your needs. Contact Us at Centrum Dental Centre to see if porcelain inlays and onlays are right for you.