Porcelain Inlays & Onlays
When sufficient healthy tooth structure remains an inlay or onlay may be recommended. Since less tooth needs to be reshaped inlays and onlays allow for a more conservative restoration than a crown. They actually strengthen the tooth with a bonded interface. Created in a laboratory, all inlays and onlays are custom made for each patient.
A crown covers the entire chewing surface and sides of the tooth. An inlay is smaller and fits within the contours of the tooth.
An onlay is similar to an inlay, but it is larger and covers some or all chewing surfaces of the tooth. The cost of indirect restorations is generally higher due to the number and length of visits required, and the additional cost of having the restoration made in a dental laboratory. Materials used to fabricate these restorations are porcelain (ceramic), porcelain fused to a metal-supporting structure, gold alloys and base metal alloys.