Inlays

Sometimes, a tooth needs to be restored with filling, but the decay or fracture is so extensive that a direct restoration, such as amalgam or composite, would compromise the structural integrity of the restored tooth by possibly undermining the remaining tooth structure or providing inferior strength to occlusal (i.e. biting) forces. In these situations, a milled porcelain restoration may be indicated. When porcelain is used, the tooth-to-restoration margin may be so fine at the line of contact that recurrent decay will be all but impossible. It is for this reason that we sometimes recommend porcelain as the restorative material of choice. While these restorations might be more costly than fillings, the superiority of porcelain as a restoration in terms of resistance to occlusal forces, protection against recurrent decay, precision of fabrication, marginal integrity and many other aspects of restorative quality offers an excellent alternative to the regular fillings.