Inlay / Onlay
When more than half of the tooths biting surface is damaged we can oftentimes restore the tooth with a conservative restoration called an inlay or onlay. These restorations require less reduction of the tooth than a crown.
What are inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays can be made of porcelain or gold. These restorations are bonded to the damaged area of the tooth. An inlay, which looks similar to a filling, is used inside the cusp tips of the tooth; however, since it is laboratory fabricated, it has greater strength and more ideal contours. An onlay is a more substantial restoration, similar to the inlay but extending over one or more of the cusps of the tooth.
Traditionally, gold has been the material of choice for inlays and onlays because of its durability. In a high stress area where esthetics is not a concern, gold is by far the best material in regards to strength and longevity. In esthetic areas however, porcelain has become increasingly popular due to its natural appearance.
What is the process?
The appointment sequence for an inlay or onlay is usually over 2 appointments. At the first appointment, any decay and previous dental material is removed, the tooth is built up with a composite material and prepared for the inlay. An impression is made of the tooth and a temporary inlay is fabricated and cemented.. The impression is sent to one of our state-of-the-art laboratories to fabricate restoration which typically takes about one month.
On the second visit, the temporary is removed and we try-in the final restoration checking the fit, shade and contour. If we have a perfect fit, the restoration is cemented at this appointment.