An onlay restoration is a custom made filling made of composite material, gold, or tooth-colored porcelain. Porcelain onlays are popular because they resemble your natural tooth. An onlay is sometimes also referred to as a partial crown. Porcelain onlays are generally fabricated in our office using CAD/CAM computer technology, and then bonded to your tooth. Onlays can be utilized to conservatively repair teeth that have large defective fillings or have been damaged and weakened by decay or trauma. Onlays are an ideal alternative to crowns (caps) because less tooth structure is removed in the preparation of onlays. Onlays are essentially identical to inlays with the exception that one or more of the chewing cusps have been damaged and need to be included in the restoration.
As with most dental restorations, onlays are not always permanent and may someday require replacement. They are highly durable and will last many years, giving you a beautiful long lasting smile.
Reasons for onlay restorations:
What does onlay treatment involve?
In our office, an onlay procedure usually requires one appointment.
While your tooth is numb, we remove all decay and/or old filling materials. The resultant space is then cleaned and carefully prepared, shaping the surface to properly support an onlay restoration. A highly accurate 3-dimensional digital image is then recorded. We design your inlay using the latest in CAD/CAM computer technology. Then inlay is milled from a block of extremely dense porcelain matched to the color of your tooth. Upon completion, your porcelain inlay is bonded to the remaining structure of your tooth resulting in an extremely stong, durable, and good-looking restoration.
You will receive care instruction at the conclusion of your treatment. Good oral hygiene practices, a proper diet, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new inlay.
Be sure to view our video presentation under: Dentistry on Video/ Crowns, Bridges, and CEREC.