An onlay restoration is a custom made filling made of composite material, gold, or tooth-colored porcelain. Porcelain onlays are popular because they resemble your natural tooth in appearance, strength and hardness. An onlay is sometimes also referred to as a partial crown. Porcelain onlays are most often made by a dental laboratory and permanently cemented onto the tooth by your dentist at a second appointment.
In our office, however, utilizing our on-site state of the art CAD/CAM CEREC 3D technology, most porcelain onlays can be custom designed, created, and permanently cemented in as little as 60 minutes after careful tooth preparation while you wait, all at the same appointment! No second appointment or temporary restoration are needed.
Onlays can be utilized to conservatively repair teeth that have large defective fillings or have been damaged by decay or trauma. Onlays are an ideal alternative to crowns (caps) because less tooth structure is removed in the preparation of onlays. Onlays are essentially identical to inlays with the exception that one or more of the chewing cusps have also been affected and need to be included in the restoration.
As with most dental restorations, onlays are not always permanent and may someday require replacement. They are highly durable and will last many years, giving you a beautiful long lasting smile.
Reasons for onlay restorations:
What does getting an onlay involve?
Utilizing our on-site state of the art CAD/CAM CEREC 3D technology, most porcelain onlays can be custom designed, created, and permanently cemented all at the same appointment.
While the tooth is numb, the dentist will remove any decay and/or old filling materials. The space will then be thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared, shaping the surface to properly fit the onlay restoration. Your appointment will include taking several highly accurate optical impressions with a highly special camera that will be used to create your custom onlay.
Your new onlay will then be carefully and precisely cemented into place all at the same appointment. Usually only a few minor adjustments will be necessary due to the accuracy of the optical impressions and the precise CAD milling technology.
You will receive care instruction at the conclusion of your treatment. Good oral hygiene practices, a proper diet, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new onlay.
Traditionally, an onlay procedure usually requires two appointments. Your first appointment will include taking several highly accurate impressions (molds) that will be used to create your custom onlay and a temporary restoration.
While the tooth is numb, the dentist removed any decay and/or old filling materials, shaping the surface to properly fit an onlay restoration. A temporary filling is then applied to protect the tooth while your onlay is made by a dental laboratory.
At your second appointment, your new permanent onlay would then be cemented into place. A few adjustments are usually necessary to ensure a proper fit and that your bite is comfortable.