Porcelain Onlays in Salida, CO

At Relaxation Dental, we use high-quality, custom-crafted porcelain onlays to provide long-lasting, natural-looking restorations that seamlessly blend with your smile.

Porcelain onlays are often called "partial crowns" because they cover a larger portion of the tooth than a filling but don’t require the full coverage of a dental crown.

What Is a Porcelain Onlay?

A porcelain onlay is a custom-made restoration that covers the damaged or decayed portion of a tooth, extending over the cusps (chewing surface) for added support.

Onlays are an excellent option for patients who:

• Have moderate to severe decay that a filling cannot repair.
• Need to replace large, worn-out fillings.
• Want a stronger and more aesthetic alternative to metal fillings.
• Have a cracked or fractured tooth that doesn’t require a full crown.

Unlike traditional fillings, which are applied directly to the tooth, porcelain onlays are created in a dental lab for a precise fit and then bonded to the tooth.

Benefits of Porcelain Onlays

• More durable than traditional fillings – Provides better strength for larger restorations.
• Preserves more natural tooth structure – Less invasive than a crown.
• Blends naturally with your smile – Custom-matched to your tooth color.
• Stain-resistant and long-lasting – Outperforms composite fillings in durability.
• Minimally invasive – Requires less enamel removal than full crowns.

Porcelain onlays provide the perfect balance between strength and aesthetics, making them an excellent long-term solution for damaged teeth.

The Porcelain Onlay Procedure

Getting a porcelain onlay typically requires two visits for the best fit and durability.

First Visit: Tooth Preparation & Impression

• The tooth is cleaned and reshaped, removing any decay or damaged areas.
• A digital or traditional impression is taken to ensure a precise fit.
• A temporary onlay is placed to protect the tooth while the permanent one is being fabricated.

Second Visit: Custom Onlay Placement

• The temporary onlay is removed, and the permanent porcelain onlay is carefully bonded to the tooth.
• The onlay is polished and adjusted to ensure a comfortable, natural bite.

Once placed, your porcelain onlay will feel and function just like a healthy, natural tooth.

How Long Do Porcelain Onlays Last?

With proper care, porcelain onlays can last 10-15 years or longer, making them one of the most durable and aesthetic options available. To extend the lifespan of your onlay:

• Brush and floss daily to prevent decay around the restoration.
• Avoid chewing on hard foods or non-food objects (like ice or pens).
• Schedule routine dental checkups to monitor the onlay.
• Consider a nightguard if you grind your teeth to prevent unnecessary wear.

If an onlay becomes damaged or loose, we can easily repair or replace it.

Porcelain Onlays vs. Fillings vs. Crowns

If you're deciding between a filling, onlay, or crown, here’s what to consider:

• Composite fillings work well for small cavities, but they may not provide enough strength for larger restorations.
• Porcelain onlays are ideal for moderate to severe tooth damage, providing greater durability than a filling while preserving more of the natural tooth than a crown.
• Dental crowns are recommended when a tooth is severely weakened or fractured, covering the entire tooth for full protection.

If you're looking for a strong, conservative alternative to a crown, a porcelain onlay may be the perfect solution.