The biggest advantage of onlays is that they are very durable. They really protect the tooth, thanks to the procedure and materials used. These are very precise restorations. If an onlay is done properly it can last for more than 20 years. So this is a long-term investment.
Dental onlays are used when the tooth is very damaged and can’t be restored with a filing. In a lot of cases, these teeth are too weak to be covered with a crown or treated with a filling. Onlays provide a great support and are a very good solution for these types of teeth.
Dental onlays are very similar to inlays. The two restorations are done in the same way, the only difference is the surface of the tooth they cover. Dental inlays are meant for damaged teeth, but with present cusps. In other words, inlays are placed in the area between the cusps, in the center of the occlusal surface. Dental onlays take up a larger portion of the tooth and can cover one or more cusps. In some cases, they even cover the whole occlusal surface. Onlays can be made of several materials, including gold, composite and porcelain. Gold is a great material for onlays, but because of the bad aesthetics patients decide to go with another one. Porcelain is the material they use in most cases. It is very durable, tooth-colored and provides great results. Composite materials are softer compared to porcelain, so that is why they are less used.