What is Porcelain Filling (Inlay, Onlay, Overlay)?

In the old days of dentistry, treatments used to physically hold the crown or fillings to the tooth. For example, when amalgam fillings were made, even if the tooth tissue was healthy after the decay was cleaned, additional tissue might need to be removed in order for the treatment to last.

With the developing technology, chemical bonding to the dental tissue, that is, adhesion, could be achieved. After this step, our treatment options began to develop and diversify rapidly. Inlays, onlays, overlays or composite fillings, which we call porcelain fillings today, are a development of the adhesion technique.

Porcelain is an aesthetic, healthy and durable material when used correctly that we use in coatings (crown restorations). We love using porcelain in dentistry and now we know how to bond it to the tooth. In this way, we can avoid the missing points of filling materials thanks to porcelain fillings.

What is Inlay, Onlay, Overlay (Porcelain Filling)?

The completion of the broken and decayed area of ​​the tooth with porcelain material like a puzzle is called porcelain filling. Depending on the amount of lost tissue in the tooth, they are called inlay, onlay, overlay. Inlay is made in cases where the tooth has not lost any of its cusps, like composite filling. Onlay is made when the tissue loss in the tooth has progressed to the cusps and porcelain is large enough to replace some cusps. Overlay is called covering the entire chewing surface of the tooth with porcelain.

Overlay treatments are used to evenly distribute chewing forces across the teeth in cases of occlusion elevation, tooth cracks or cases with a high risk of fracture. They are often preferred, especially in patients with teeth grinding problems and teeth that will be treated due to cracks or abrasion.

What Should Be Done After Porcelain Filling Treatment?

The aim of porcelain fillings is to return the tooth to its healthy tooth form without removing extra tissue such as crowns. After the treatment, it is essential that the bonding technique is applied in the best way possible, and that the closing and chewing movements are carefully arranged by the dentist. Since it is smoother and more compatible with the tooth than normal fillings, it is comfortable to use. Dental floss is used in the same way around the porcelain filled tooth as it is between all teeth, it does not damage the filling. Only on the day of bonding, flossing is not done, only brushing can be done.

It is recommended not to consume very sticky, extremely hot or extremely cold foods for an average of 1-2 days immediately after the bonding session. Because the adhesive used continues to harden even in the first 24-48 hours. After reaching its final hardness, it can be used healthily like your own teeth. Smile at life with technology.

Dr. İrem Sena Divanlıoğlu