A custom-made filler consisting of gold, porcelain, or composite material is known as an onlay restoration. The popularity of porcelain onlays is due to how closely they mimic natural teeth. Onlays are often referred to as partial crowns in other contexts. A professional dental laboratory frequently creates porcelain onlays, which are then permanently bonded to the tooth by your dentist.

Onlays can be used to conservatively restore teeth that have large defective fillings or that have been damaged by trauma or decay. Because onlays require less tooth structure to be removed during preparation than crowns (caps), they are a great alternative to crowns. With the exception that one or more of the chewing cusps have also been harmed and need to be included in the restoration, onlays are virtually identical to inlays.

Onlays, like the majority of dental restorations, are not always permanent and may eventually need to be replaced. They are extremely strong and will last many years, giving you a beautiful and long lasting smile.

Reasons for onlay restorations:
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Teeth are decayed
- Fractured fillings
- Cosmetic enhancement
- Large fillings

What happens when you receive an onlay?

(Procedure is the same as inlays)

A digital impression of your current tooth is first taken.

The dentist will remove any decay and/or old filling materials while the tooth is numbed. The area will next be meticulously cleaned and prepared, with the surface being carefully shaped to accommodate an inlay restoration. After taking a second digital impression, the inlay is created on CAD/CAM computer.

After the restoration has been milled (15–20 minutes), it will be fitted, and then properly cemented before you go.

After your treatment, you will receive instructions on how to take care of yourself. A healthy diet, regular dentist appointments, and good oral hygiene habits will all help your new inlay last longer.