Porcelain Inlays / Onlays

Health & Beauty

When more than half of the tooth’s biting surface is damaged or when there is a need for an inherently stronger material we will recommend a porcelain inlay or onlay.

What are inlays and onlays?

An inlay, which is similar to a filling, is used inside the cusp tips of the tooth. An onlay is a more substantial reconstruction, similar to an inlay but extending out over one or more of the cusps of the tooth.

Why Porcelain?

Porcelain inlays and onlays are the treatment of choice for a number of reasons. Firstly, they are tooth coloured and provide a natural look for those who don’t want everyone to know they’ve had dental work. Secondly, because we can etch porcelain we can bond the inlays /onlays onto the tooth creating a stronger more durable tooth for many years to come. Thirdly it is totally biocompatible and finally the physical characteristics of porcelain are as close to that of natural tooth structure that we can get.

How are they applied?

Traditionally, inlays and onlays required two appointments to complete the procedure and involved using a laboratory to make the inlay or onlay.

At Island Dental, we use CEREC, a computer based restoration system to produce precise porcelain inlay and onlays in one visit. These restorations have many advantages over laboratory produced porcelain restorations and since we were one of the first practices in Australia to purchase this technology, we are very experienced in its use.

Click here for more information on CEREC.

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