Porcelain Inlays and Onlays Questions

Serving Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe and Scottsdale, Arizona

What are inlays and onlays?

Inlays and onlays are a lot like fillings, but they are crafted and hardened in a lab to precisely match the color and shape of your prepared tooth.

Inlays are used down between the cusps of your teeth.
Onlays repair larger areas and can cover the tip or tips of your tooth.

What are the alternatives to inlays and onlays?

Very small holes can be filled with white composite fillings. Very large areas of decay or teeth that are too weak for inlays or onlays can be repaired with a porcelain crown.

What is the difference between an inlay and a filling?

A filling is sculpted in your tooth from white composite material and hardened in one visit. Inlays are created in a lab and can fill a larger area. They do require a second visit for placement.

What is the difference between an onlay and a crown?

Like a crown, an onlay be used to repair a large area of decay and strengthen a weak tooth, but it preserves more of your natural tooth. A crown covers your entire tooth.

Why not use metal fillings instead?

Porcelain has many advantages of silver amalgam.

Metal fillings:

• Expand and contract, and can even crack your tooth
• Can become loose and allow decay under the filling
• Cause painful sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages
• Tarnish and can stain your teeth
• Look like dark areas of decay when you talk and laugh

Porcelain inlays and onlays:

• Strong and stable – do not expand and contract
• Strengthen your tooth
• Do not conduct heat and cold, so no sensitivity
• Are resistant to staining
• Blend seamlessly with your natural teeth – you can’t see them!

What if I already have metal fillings?

Dr. LeSueur and Dr. Dodaro would be happy to replace your old fillings with beautiful porcelain inlays and onlays or white composite fillings, restoring the beauty of your smile and preserving the health of your teeth.

Serving Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, and other East Valley Cities in Arizona, our dentists combine LVI training and state-of-the-art technology to bring you, and your entire family, the very best and healthiest cosmetic dentistry solutions. If you still have questions, please read our Porcelain Inlays and Onlays page, view our patient inlays and onlays photo gallery, and contact out cosmetic dentists today to schedule your initial porcelain inlays and onlays consultation.