Cosmetic Dentistry Directory Blog

Dental porcelain is in some ways like the delicate teacups we know as porcelain. It has a shiny gleam, it is appealing in its subtle coloration and it has a high-quality look to it. It is also brittle by itself - but once it is bonded to tooth enamel, it is strong and durable.

Inlays and onlays are the names of two types of porcelain filling that differ in size:

• Inlays are smaller, being within the tooth's cusps;
• Onlays are larger, extending over one or more cusps to one of the outside surfaces. Onlays are a step between an inlay and a dental crown, which covers all the tooth's surfaces.

Inlays and onlays are not placed directly on the teeth. They are known as indirect restorations because they are created by a dental lab according to your cosmetic dentist's specifications and then placed and bonded to your tooth in a second visit.

However, no second visit is necessary if your dentist has a CEREC system. Then your inlay or onlay can be created in the dentist's office while you wait and bonded in the same visit.

Porcelain inlays and onlays have the great benefit of strengthening the teeth they restore. Unlike metal fillings, which eventually fracture the teeth, inlays and onlays hold the tooth together. The bonding connection pulls inward on the tooth’s periphery. Porcelain does not expand or contract with hot and cold foods, but retains its shape and size precisely.

Your inlay or onlay will be matched in color to your natural teeth. Porcelain comes in many shades of white, with subtle variations of color like tooth enamel. Once your restoration is in place, it will look so natural that nobody but you and your dentist will know it is there - and even you will probably forget because of its superb function and appearance.

Please see Inlay and Onlay Questions for more information

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