Inlay or Onlay
This is a highly esthetic, non-metallic restoration that is bonded on the prepared tooth to restore the beauty, strength and function of the tooth. The procedure is similar to that of a crown, however we try to maintain as much sound tooth structure as possible. An accurate impression is taken of the tooth, a temporary filling is placed and a porcelain restoration is fabricated by the dental laboratory. Upon return, the tooth is chemically prepared, and the inlay/onlay is bonded onto the prepared tooth. The bite is adjusted and polished. The tooth is once again functionally restored to its almost natural form. Traditional fillings can reduce the strength of a natural tooth by up to 50 percent. As an alternative, inlays and onlays, which are bonded directly onto the tooth using special high-strength resins, can actually increase the strength of a tooth by up to 75 percent. As a result, they can last from 10 to 30 years. In some cases, where the damage to the tooth is not extensive enough to merit an entire crown, onlays can provide a very good alternative.
