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Porcelain Onlays
Onlays (sometimes referred to as partial crowns), are permanently cemented onto the patient's tooth. These custom-made fillings are usually made of gold, composite material, or porcelain. The most popular are in fact porcelain onlays, as they most closely resemble natural tooth color.
Similar to inlays, onlays offer an alternative to crowns where teeth are damaged by trauma or decay; they can also repair large defective fillings. Unlike inlays, however, they are used in cases where one or more of the chewing cusps must be included in the restoration.
While onlays may need to be replaced someday, they are extremely durable for a long-lasting, beautiful smile. Onlays are used in the event of:
- Fractured, broken, or decayed teeth
- Large or fractured fillings
- Cosmetic enhancement
Our dentists generally perform an onlay procedure over the course of two office visits. In the first appointment, we take a highly accurate mold (impression) of the patient's tooth, used to create a temporary restoration as well as the permanent onlay.
After numbing the tooth, we remove any old fillings or decay, and clean out the space in preparation for the onlay. The surface is prepared for fit, and the temporary filling is applied. This protects the affected area until the permanent onlay is made.
During the patient's second appointment, the new custom-made onlay is cemented into the tooth, ensuring a proper fit and a comfortable bite.
At the conclusion of the procedure, we provide our patients with care instructions; as always, we encourage good oral hygiene and a healthy diet, with routine dental visits. dental offices are located in Milton on the South Shore, easily accessible from Milton, Holbrook, Braintree, and surrounding areas. |
