Onlays

Porcelain onlays are our preferred restoration of choice for posterior teeth which have adequate strength or tooth structure remaining for a bonded filling. They accomplish the same purpose of restoring function and strength as a crown or cap, but with several important advantages.

First and foremost, they are more conservative than the traditional crown which covers the entire tooth and requires significant tooth removal. With an onlay any decay, cracks or old silver-mercury fillings are removed. All remaining tooth structure which is sound is left untouched. In most cases a ceramic restoration is milled with our Cerec CAD-CAM technology from an infrared image of the remaining tooth structure. It replaces the missing portion of the tooth and can also be made by the laboratory. The terrific benefit of the Cerec is the restoration is completed in one visit versus the traditional two visits. This eliminates the need for a temporary restoration as well.

Once fitted, the onlay is bonded to the tooth with a laser. This restores the original strength, function and natural appearance. Being a non-metal restoration, there is no chance of metal allergies as there are with traditional porcelain to metal crowns. They usually do not extend below the tissue as do traditional porcelain to metal crowns thus promoting greater periodontal health.

There are no eating restrictions and the restorations are maintained in the same manner as natural teeth; regular brushing, flossing and dental prophylaxis. The restorations are guaranteed for seven years but our experience has been very high in nearly all lasting well beyond this time frame. Below is an example of a case treated with porcelain onlays.

 

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