New Jersey Inlays and Onlays

Onlays differ from crowns in that they do not go all the way to the gumline, leaving less chance for irritation. Like crowns, onlays are used when a filling is not sufficient to repair the damage caused by tooth decay. An onlay allows the dentist to preserve more of the natural, healthy part of the tooth that remains.

Onlays can be made of porcelain or gold. Porcelain bonds to the natural tooth, which means there is less chance for additional decay. Porcelain also looks more like a natural tooth, so it can be difficult to tell that tooth restoration has been performed.

Onlays are more durable than regular fillings because they are created in a lab. Gold onlays are less susceptible to breaking than porcelain onlays, unless you are treated by an expert cosmetic dentist who has had additional training in performing this procedure.

When possible, an onlay is Dr. Hurley’s treatment of choice, and she has had both porcelain and gold onlays placed in her own mouth.