At the office of Mark A. Cruz, DDS, in Dana Point, California, we believe in providing our patients with a wide array of services to fit a multitude of needs. Porcelain onlays are a popular restoration for individuals with large cavities or who wish to replace their existing metal fillings due to their natural look and feel. Below, we share some information on porcelain onlays to help you determine if they are right for you.

What is a porcelain onlay?

A porcelain onlay is a custom-made tooth restoration that can be used for teeth that have been severely damaged, have large cavities, or to replace an old filling. Often called partial crowns, onlays cover a large portion of the tooth, including one or more of the cusps. They are a conservative restoration preferred over full crowns because they preserve more of the natural tooth structure.

Porcelain onlays can be shaded to match the natural color of your teeth. The restoration is fabricated in a dental lab based on an impression of the affected tooth.

How do onlays differ from fillings and crowns?

Dental fillings are a direct restoration made from composite resin. They can be used to address a cavity anywhere on the tooth structure. Crowns are caps that are placed over the tooth’s entire structure and require a significant portion of the natural tooth structure to be removed to fit correctly.

Onlays are an appealing choice because they are a cross between a filling and a full crown. They are a cosmetically appealing restoration that addresses decay over and on the tooth cusps. We utilize high-quality dental laboratories to ensure your onlay blends in naturally into your smile.

Benefits of porcelain onlays

Natural-looking – porcelain is matched to blend in beautifully with your existing teeth.
Custom-fitting – impressions are taken so that the onlay will fit tightly to your tooth.
Strong – once in place, porcelain onlays strengthen the damaged tooth.
Long-lasting – porcelain is a durable material that can last a long time.

Contact your Dana Point, California Onlays specialist today

If you are interested in learning more about restoring your teeth with porcelain onlays, call the office of Dr. Mark A. Cruz today at (949) 661-1006.

Porcelain Onlays Case Studies

Before & After

Dr. Mark A Cruz

Mark A Cruz graduated from the UCLA School of Dentistry in 1986 and started a dental practice in Monarch Beach, CA upon graduation. He has lectured nationally and internationally and is a member of various dental organizations. He was a part-time lecturer at UCLA and a member of the faculty group practice and was past assistant director of the UCLA Center for Esthetic Dentistry. He has served on the National Institute of Health/NIDCR (National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research) Grant review Committee in Washington D.C. as well as on the editorial board for the Journal of Evidence-Based Dental Practice (Elsevier) and is currently serving on the DSMB (data safety management board) for the NPBRN (national practice-based research network.