Onlays, or partial crowns, are a conservative way to repair teeth that have large, defective fillings or that have been damaged by decay or injury. Porcelain onlays a popular treatment option because they resemble the appearance of your natural tooth, and because they require the removal of less tooth structure than crowns, or caps.
Onlays are very similar to inlays, only they are used when one or more of the chewing cusps of the tooth need to be restored.
Porcelain onlays are manufactured in professional dental laboratories. Dr. Terri permanently applies them to the surface of Dripping Springs patients’ teeth using cement.
As with all dental restorations, porcelain onlays can last for many years, but normal wear and tear may require maintenance or replacement over time.
At your first onlay appointment, Dr. Terri will take highly accurate impressions, or molds, of your affected teeth that will be used to create your custom onlay. Your tooth will then be numbed, and old fillings and/or decay will be removed as needed. The resulting space will be cleaned and shaped to fit the onlay restoration. A temporary restoration will be created to maintain your tooth’s integrity while your onlay is being created in a professional lab.
At your second appointment, your new dental onlay will be carefully and accurately placed, with a few adjustments to ensure correct fit and a comfortable bite.
Dr. Terri will provide thorough instructions on hygiene and follow-up visits to help you promote a long lifespan for your new dental restoration.
