Onlays and Inlays

Onlays or Inlays are tooth colored restorations that combine the advantages of a filling and of a crown. The difference between Onlays and Inlays is more of an academic nature (how much tooth structure is already damaged)
 
They are made either of porcelain or composite in a dental laboratory, where they are treated with heat and pressure in order to obtain certain material characteristics (like durability, strength, luster).
 
Size wise we are keeping these restorations as small as possible, so they resemble a filling, which makes them an ideal choice for these old mercury fillings replacements. The way they are done in the dental laboratory is similar to a crown, so it has the same longevity as a crown. These restorations fit like a puzzle piece in to your tooth and we bond them in, creating an "internal re-enforcement", which protects your tooth similar to a crown, without sacrificing healthy tooth structure.

Until we have something better, these are our restorations of choice for most patients.





Before -------------------------------------------------> After