Porcelain Onlays
Porcelain onlay restorations are custom fillings that are made by a professional dental laboratory and then permanently adhered to your tooth by your Dentist or Dental Hygienist The fillings are made of a highly durable porcelain material and are also referred to as a partial crown.
Your Dentist or Dental Hygienist will recommend an porcelain onlay restoration to repair teeth that have been structurally damaged by trauma or decay or to fill in defective fillings too large for normal fillings. They are a better option than crowns because less tooth structure is removed in the preparation of onlays. The only difference between a porcelain onlay and a porcelain inlay is that in a porcelain onlay one or more of the chewing cusps needs to be included in the restoration. The materials used for porcelain onlay restorations are durable, lasting many years, but as with any filling material it is not permanent and may need to be replaced one day.
Why Do I Need An Onlay Restoration?
There are several reason why an porcelain onlay restoration would be the right form of restorative dentistry for you. Some of these are:
- Decayed Teeth
- Fractured FIllings
- Large Fillings
- Enhancing Cosmetic Appearance
- Fractured or Broken Teeth
How Do You Do It?
Typically a porcelain onlay restoration requires two appointments. The first we will take molds of the area to create a custom onlay as well as a temporary filling. After your Dentist or Dental Hygienist numbs your tooth, they will remove old filling materials and decay. Then the space will be cleaned thoroughly and prepared to properly fit your restoration. Your Dentist or Dental Hygienist will then apply a temporary filling to protect the tooth while your custom porcelain onlay is made by a dental laboratory.
Once we receive your porcelain onlay restoration your Dentist or Dental Hygienist will precisely cement it into place and make the necessary adjustments to ensure it is a proper fit and you have a comfortable bite.Your Dentist or Dental Hygienist will let you know your post-care instructions after your treatment is finished. Good dental habits, eating healthy and regular visits will extend the life of your porcelain onlay restoration.