What Are Porcelain Fillings?
Dental Inlays and Onlays are porcelain fillings that are alternatives to crowns. When a tooth is cracked, or an old amalgam filling is leaking or failing, an inlay or onlay is an ideal way to restore the tooth.
Dentists used to have to grind teeth down to nubs and place crowns on teeth, but not anymore! At Pacific Dental we prefer to keep your teeth intact and restore only the unhealthy or unstable parts of your teeth.
FACT: Inlays and Onlays are more conservative than crowns for that reason, and they don’t result in that ugly gray line at the gum.
Inlays and onlays are custom-made porcelain restorations used to repair moderate damage or decay that’s too extensive for a regular filling but doesn’t require a full dental crown.
An inlay fits within the grooves of a tooth (between the cusps)
An onlay covers one or more cusps or the biting surface of the tooth
They are commonly used to:
Replace old or failing amalgam (metal) fillings
Restore broken, chipped, or decayed teeth
Strengthen teeth weakened by large cavities or fractures
Improve the appearance and function of the treated tooth
Unlike traditional crowns, porcelain inlays and onlays require minimal removal of healthy tooth structure — which means better long-term outcomes for your smile.
Now, should I get porcelain fillings?
Inlays and onlays are the ideal option for restoring broken, chipped or decayed teeth, as well as for all amalgam replacements.
Pacific Dental’s goal is to make sure we are equipped to deliver inlays and onlays that look and feel great, just as we do for all of our procedures, for all of our patients.
FACT: Inlays and Onlays are less expensive and easier to maintain
Let us help you discover your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Porcelain inlays and onlays are more durable and better suited for large cavities or areas under stress (like molars). They also offer a more precise fit and natural look than standard fillings.
An inlay fits within the tooth’s grooves
An onlay covers part of the tooth’s surface
A crown covers the entire visible portion of the tooth
Inlays and onlays are more conservative alternatives to crowns, ideal when damage isn’t severe enough to require full coverage.
With proper care, porcelain inlays and onlays can last 10–15 years or more. They are highly resistant to staining and wear.
Not at all. The procedure is done under local anesthesia, and patients report little to no discomfort. In some cases, we may provide a temporary inlay or onlay while your custom porcelain piece is being made.
Typically, the process takes two appointments — one to prepare the tooth and take impressions, and another to bond the final inlay/onlay. Some clinics may offer same-day restorations using CAD/CAM technology.
They are more costly than standard fillings but generally less expensive than crowns. At Pacific Dental, we offer affordable porcelain fillings in the Philippines, and we’ll help you understand all your options during your consultation.