An inlay/onlay restoration is a custom made filling made of composite material, gold or tooth-colored porcelain. Porcelain inlays are popular because they resemble your natural tooth. A porcelain inlay/onlay is custom made by a professional dental laboratory technician and is permanently cemented into the tooth by your dentist.
Inlays/onlays can be utilized to conservatively repair teeth that have large defective fillings or have been damaged by decay or trauma. Inlays/onlays are an ideal alternative to conventional silver and composite fillings. Also, they are more conservative that crowns because less tooth structure is removed in the preparation of inlays/onlays.
As with most dental restorations, inlays/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 inlay restorations:
