Porcelain Onlays

An onlay restoration is a custom made filling made of composite material, gold, or tooth-colored porcelain.  Porcelain onlays are popular because they resemble your natural tooth.  An onlay is sometimes also referred to as a partial crown.  Porcelain onlays are made by a professional dental laboratory and is permanently cemented onto the tooth by your dentist.

Onlays can be utilized to conservatively repair teeth that have large defective fillings or have been damaged by decay or trauma.  Onlays are an ideal alternative to crowns (caps) because less tooth structure is removed in the preparation of onlays.  Onlays are essentially identical to inlays with the exception that one or more of the chewing cusps have also been affected and need to be included in the restoration.

As with most dental restorations, onlays are not always permanent and may someday require replacement.  They are highly durable and will last many years, giving you a beautiful long lasting smile.

Reasons for onlay restorations:

  • Broken or fractured teeth.
  • Cosmetic enhancement.
  • Decayed teeth.
  • Fractured fillings.
  • Large fillings.

What does getting an onlay involve?

An onlay procedure usually requires one appointment.  Your  appointment will include taking several highly accurate 3D scans  that will be used to create your custom onlay. The onlay is created using the computer to design the restoration to fit you bite in  3D. The computer then sends the design to special milling unit that mills the onlay out of solid dense block that is stronger than the older techniques. Then if needed, special colorization added and the resroration is glazed to give a smooth and natural feel and appearance that transmitts light like natural teeth.

While the tooth is numb, the dentist will remove any decay and/or old filling materials.  The space will then be thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared, shaping the surface to properly fit an onlay restoration.  At your  appointment, your new onlay will be carefully and precisely cemented into place.  A few adjustments may be necessary to ensure a proper fit and that your bite is comfortable.

You will receive care instruction at the conclusion of your treatment.  Good oral hygiene practices, a proper diet, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new onlay.


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Dallas Dentist, Dr. Keith Brewster is dedicated to cosmetic dentistry such as Exams, Teeth Whitening, Veneers and more. We are looking forward to your visit to our Dallas, Texas dental office.

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Keith W. Brewster, DDS, FALD
1717 Main, Suite 2480 Dallas, TX 75021
Phone: (214) 761-1171 URL of Map