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When a tooth has too much damage for a simple filling but doesn’t quite need a full crown, porcelain inlays and onlays are excellent mid-level solutions. They are often called “partial crowns” or “indirect fillings.” Inlays and onlays allow us to restore a large decayed or cracked portion of a tooth while preserving as much healthy structure as possible. At Horsham Dental Care, Dr. Lala and Dr. Mathews may recommend an inlay or onlay to give your tooth strength and longevity with a conservative approach.
Why choose an inlay/onlay? They are made from porcelain or high-strength ceramic (or sometimes a gold alloy, depending on the case, but porcelain is popular for its tooth-colored beauty). This makes them very durable – more durable than a large direct filling – and they bond to the tooth creating a tight seal. They also require less removal of tooth structure compared to a full crown. Essentially, if two-thirds of your tooth is healthy, we don’t want to shave it down for a crown; an onlay can fix the damaged one-third and save the rest intact. Patients also like that porcelain inlays/onlays are custom-crafted for a precise fit and look natural.
What’s the difference between an inlay and an onlay?
Procedure for inlays/onlays: It’s similar to getting a crown in terms of two visits. First, we remove the decay or old filling and prep the cavity or damaged area with clean edges. We take an impression of the area and send it to the lab. We place a temporary filling or onlay to protect the tooth in the meantime. At the lab, the technicians will create the porcelain inlay/onlay precisely to our specifications. When you return, we remove the temporary and test the fit of the new piece. If it’s perfect, we use a strong dental cement or bonding resin to attach it permanently. We then check your bite and polish everything smooth. The final result is a tooth restored to full contour and strength.
Inlays/onlays are often recommended for molar teeth that have fractured cusps or for replacing large, old silver fillings that span across the tooth. They can also be used on premolars and even front teeth if needed (though front teeth usually would get bonding or veneers for cosmetic issues). Porcelain onlays and inlays are quite stain-resistant and hold up well to chewing forces.
At our office in Horsham, we’ve seen great long-term success with these restorations for our patients from Horsham to Ambler. Dr. Mathews and Dr. Lala ensure the design of an onlay respects your bite and neighboring teeth, so it feels natural. If we mention an inlay or onlay as an option, know that it’s because we’re choosing the most conservative effective fix for your tooth. It’s all about balancing strength and preservation of your natural tooth. The result: your tooth is saved, and no one will even know part of it isn’t original.