What are porcelain inlays / onlays?
Porcelain inlays and onlays are similar to traditional fillings in terms of functionality but are often more aesthetically pleasing and natural-looking. Porcelain inlays and onlays can be used to protect damaged or decayed teeth and prevent future damage from occurring. Additionally, porcelain inlays and onlays can help create a more natural-looking smile by preserving as much of the original tooth as possible and maintaining the original tooth’s shape, size, and appearance.
What is the difference between inlays and onlays?
Dental inlays and dental onlays were created to fill large cavities. While both dental inlays and onlays refer to the same type of dental procedure. The difference lies in what part of the tooth is being treated. A dental inlay can be used in cavities at the center of a tooth’s surface, between cusps, or rounded edges. On the other hand, dental onlays are used to treat one or more of the cusps or the entire biting surface of a tooth or teeth. Because dental onlays often cover or replace so much of the tooth, they may be referred to as partial crowns.
| Porcelain Inlays Treat | Porcelain Onlays Treat |
| Between cusps or rounded edges | One or more cusps |
| Center of a tooth’s surface | Entire biting surface of a tooth |
What can porcelain inlays / onlays treat?
Dental inlays and onlays can be used to treat a decayed or damaged tooth that is not strong enough to receive a filling. If a filling is failing, painful, or unnatural-looking, porcelain inlays and onlays can be used to restore the shape of the tooth for a beautiful smile. In some cases, using a dental crown on a damaged tooth that could be treated with a porcelain inlay or onlay is unnecessary. Dental crowns are an extremely useful dental tool for unhealthy or damaged teeth but require the tooth to be filed down and much of the tooth to be sanded away. While this is a necessary step if you are experiencing advanced decay or damage, it is often unnecessary to remove so much of the tooth if it can be effectively treated with a porcelain inlay or onlay.
What are the benefits of porcelain inlays / onlays?
Porcelain inlays and onlays help to restore a natural-looking smile without removing too much of your natural tooth. Metal inlays and onlays are unnatural-looking and make your smile seem dull and grey. To avoid a less than natural-looking smile, porcelain inlays and onlays are custom shaded to match your existing teeth perfectly. Additionally, porcelain inlays and onlays strengthen your tooth to reduce the risk of damage, decay, or fractures.
Does Dr. Classi replace porcelain inlays / onlays?
If you have received metal inlays or onlays from another dentist, Dr. Classi can work with you to restore your white smile with porcelain inlays and onlays. Dr. Classi can remove inlays and onlays that are made out of metal, improperly placed, or that cause discomfort. When placing porcelain inlays and onlays, Dr. Classi takes every precaution possible to ensure that your results are beautiful, even, and, above all else, natural-looking.
How can I get started with porcelain inlays / onlays?
Dr. Classi would be happy to discuss porcelain inlays / onlays with you. To learn more about porcelain inlays / onlays with Dr. Anthony Classi at Classi Smiles, please request an appointment online or call our dental office at 212.682.3313.