How do Porcelain Onlays Differ?
If your dentist has recommended an onlay to restore a damaged or decayed tooth, you might wonder how this restoration differs from a regular filling.
For starters, an onlay (made of high-strength porcelain or resin) is a stronger restoration for the tooth than a metal filling. While traditional fillings can reduce the strength of the tooth up to 50 percent, onlays actually increase tooth strength by up to 75 percent, lasting from 10 to 30 years.
Onlays
Onlays – like crowns – are used for large restorations. They restore inside the cusp of the tooth and also extend over one or more sides of the tooth. (In fact, an onlay can be used as a dental crown.) An onlay can often be used to repair only the damaged portion of the tooth, leaving much more of the original tooth structure intact. Because of their size, onlays are made of strong material, usually porcelain. They are conservative tooth restorations that require far less drilling than metal fillings.
The staff at Chesheim Dental are extremely friendly and professional. The office is very warm and inviting and we are always seen within 5-10 minutes of our appointment time. My son, who has autism, was terrified of the dentist and the hygienists and Dr. Angel are wonderful with him. In fact, he no longer fights me when he has a dental appointment and the Chesheim staff make what could be a difficult experience for him very tolerable.
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