Porcelain inlays and onlays

Porcelain inlays and onlays are types of dental restorations that are used to repair teeth heavily damaged by decay or trauma. Whilst functionally, they are similar to tooth coloured composite fillings, they are made from dental porcelain making them stronger and more aesthetic than a conventional tooth coloured filling. Their greater strength also assists in maintaining the bond between the tooth and the inlay/ onlay which makes it last much longer.

The main difference is that the porclain inlay or onlay is made outside the mouth ( indirect) and this may require 2 visits while the porcelain restoration is created. At Q Dental this is a one visit procedure, as we have Cerec TM same day milling technology.

Inlay: An inlay is a restoration that fits into the prepared area of the tooth on the biting surface

Onlay: An onlay is similar to an inlay but is used for teeth more damaged as it extends beyond the biting surface of the tooth to provide more coverage and hence more protection