Porcelain 
Onlays

What are Onlays?

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Onlays are indirect teeth restorations that are used to restore the natural appearance and proper function of a damaged tooth. Onlays are ideal if more than one of the tooth’s cusps are damaged; if only one of the tooth surfaces or cusps is damaged, an inlay can be used instead. Amalgam and gold can be used as materials for an onlay treatment, but porcelain is preferred nowadays because of the aesthetics and long-term stability of this material.

Onlays are considered to be a more conservative option to dental crowns when it comes to restoring a damaged tooth. This is because less tooth structure needs to be removed as part of the preparation for an onlay treatment, compared to a dental crown procedure. More of the healthy structure is preserved when onlays are used to bring back the proper function of the tooth.

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What are the Advantages of Porcelain Onlays?

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• Porcelain onlays from NKRD are natural-looking, so you can still laugh, speak, or open your mouth without feeling embarrassed. Unlike amalgam or gold onlays that are very visible on your teeth, the shade of porcelain onlays can be adjusted to fit the shade of the rest of your natural teeth for a discreet teeth restoration.

• Onlays made with porcelain are more conservative treatment options compared to using crowns. An onlay requires less structure to be removed from the tooth, compared to a dental crown treatment wherein a significant portion of the affected tooth needs to be removed as part of the preparation procedure. As less of the tooth structure is removed, more of the healthy tooth structure is preserved even after the completion of the onlay treatment.

• Unlike amalgam or metal materials, porcelain will not expand or contract with sudden changes in temperature. These unexpected expansion and contraction of metal onlays can cause damage to the tooth structure in the long run, causing it to crack, weaken, or become fractured.

• Porcelain onlays make the tooth structure stronger compared to metal teeth restorations. The porcelain material can make the damaged tooth up to 75% stronger, bringing back the proper function of the tooth which has been lost due to damage, or a large cavity.

• Onlays made of porcelain provide long-lasting solutions, and are known to last for decades with proper oral hygiene habits and dental health maintenance.