Inlays and Onlays

Partial coverage porcelain restorations called “Onlays” can utilize adhesive technology to improve the prognosis of back teeth without the need to crown the entire tooth. In this service, a Smile Stylist will remove the damaged portions of the tooth along with the older fillings and replace those parts with strong and esthetic porcelain. This type of porcelain can bond to the remaining enamel creating a sealed interface between the porcelain and tooth structure. The requirements for this type of restoration is having enough enamel remaining for the Smile Stylist to adhesively bond. If this type of restoration is attempted without enough enamel remaining, it increases the risk of the porcelain piece falling off the tooth. In these situations, the Smile Stylist may opt to utilize more of a conventional crown type procedure with conservative preparation technique.

Onlays are used frequently when improving smiles. The Smile Stylist will cover the front facing part of the back tooth, so that the color matches the front teeth in the smile. If the upper back tooth has an old filling, or the Smile Stylist is improving the bite, the chewing surface may also be covered with the porcelain restoration. The Smile Stylist may routinely cover the biting surfaces of lower back teeth when improving the smile, so that there is not a discolored parts of the tooth observable when smiling or speaking.

Another type of Onlay, called an “Occlusal veneer” is used to resurface the biting surfaces of teeth. Often these surfaces wear out, get flattened from tooth wear and erode from acids. The top of the tooth can be covered with a thin .5-1mm thick porcelain veneer to protect the biting surface of the tooth from more damage and restore its functionality and aesthetics.

Smile Stylists are experts at utilizing adhesive technology for the most conservative and aesthetic treatments.