A popular natural looking alternative treatment option to silver fillings for small to medium sized restorations is porcelain inlays and onlays. A dental inlay, is used to repair damage in the cusp, or indented surface structure of back teeth, or they can be used to replace old or missing amalgam (silver) fillings, to create a more natural looking mouth. As well as their more natural appearance, inlays and onlays require less tooth structure to be removed during preparation than traditional silver fillings and provides you with the ultimate in strength and durability.
The first step to preparing your tooth is to remove the decay prior to making an image of the cavity, in a similar process to that used for a crown, so a precise replica can be made from hard porcelain material by our CEREC technology. An inlay, when bonded into position seals your tooth more efficiently than an amalgam filling, thus preventing the possibility of further decay and to the untrained eye, and are indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
A porcelain onlay is used to return a tooth to its optimum health and function when the damage sustained is too extensive for an inlay to be used successfully. This may have been caused through a large amount of decay or loss of a large filling. An onlay also requires the same precision and diligent preparation as an inlay or a crown for perfect alignment with your remaining tooth structure. Because they are crafted to fit the tooth precisely, CEREC once bonded can absorb up to 75% more chewing force than a filling.
A regular oral hygiene routine is essential for your inlays and onlays to remain in place and functional for many years.
