Inlays and Onlays Made of Porcelain

Dental inlays and onlays are an alternative to old-fashioned amalgam fillings, which can weaken the structure of a tooth over time and look unsightly. Unlike metal restorations and more modern tooth-colored fillings, inlays and onlays are generally made of porcelain and can take two dental visits to complete. Porcelain has a naturally translucent surface that closely resembles dental enamel, and it can be made in a shade that matches the exact color of your own teeth.

If you are a candidate for porcelain inlays and onlays, you will first have your tooth prepared. The decayed tissue will be removed and shaped, and an impression of the tooth will be taken to craft the new restoration. The inlay or onlay will be molded from dental porcelain, and at your next appointment, it will be cemented into place.

Inlays and onlays are bonded to teeth and can help strengthen the overall structure. The porcelain is strong and will not warp, discolor, expand, or contract over time. It can be made to match your tooth precisely, and if you take care of it, it can last up to 15 years.