CROWNS, INLAYS, ONLAYS, OVERLAYS, VENEERS

Gold restorations have been around for many years and have an excellent track record. In recent years, newer types of porcelains have been developed that seem to rival the longevity of the gold.  These days porcelain is more often used than gold because of its colour and beauty. 

The area where the tooth and the inlay or onlay meet can be polished to such a super-fine line of contact that decay on the area of restoration will be all but impossible. It is for this reason that some dentists recommend inlays and onlays as the restoration of choice for pretty much any and all filling situations.

Using the latest CAM/CAD technology available to dentists we can restore your teeth in a single visit. Click here to find out how it works.

Inlay

When will a dentist recommend an inlay?
If a tooth's fracture or decay is so extensive that a direct restoration would weaken the restored tooth an indirect inlay restoration may be needed.

Why not use regular fillings?
While these restorations might be twice the price of direct restorations (silver or white fillings), an inlay offers greater resistance to biting forces, protection against recurrent decay, precision of fabrication, and overall oral hygiene. The only true disadvantage of an inlay is the higher cost (which in the long term is actually less expensive as it doesn't have to be replaced every few years).

Onlay

When will a dentist recommend an onlay?
If a tooth's fracture or decay incorporates areas of a tooth that make fillings inadequate, an onlay restoration may be recommended. The onlay allows for conservation of tooth structure when the only other alternative is to totally restorate the tooth with a crown. Just as with inlays, onlays are fabricated outside of the mouth and are typically made out of gold or porcelain.