Porcelain Inlays and Onlays

Your dentist may recommend a porcelain inlay or onlay, rather than a direct composite resin restoration, when some of the tooth structure is missing and the tooth requires extra support to prevent it from breakage.

What is a Porcelain Inlay?

Porcelain inlays are those restorations which replace tooth structure within the tooth. An onlay is a more extensive restoration and extends over the biting surface of the tooth, including one or more of the cusps.

Why are two appointments needed?

Sometimes inlays and onlays are referred to as indirect restorations. Unlike a normal restoration that is placed directly into the cavity, inlays and onlays are fabricated by a dental ceramist in the laboratory and then cemented into your mouth at a subsequent appointment.

Appointment 1
Tooth preparation, shaping, and impression taking

Appointment 2
Cementation of the inlay/onlay

What if the tooth is too damaged for an inlay/onlay?

When further tooth structure is lost, and the tooth requires further support to prevent future breakage, then a dental crown will be recommended.


Arrange a visit to Geelong Smile Studio an assessment.


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