Before inlays, teeth that were cracked or eroded to the extent where composite fillings could not be used would need a crown. Large decayed areas, especially in back teeth where the most pressure is created, need to be built up with a strong material. Composite resins don’t provide enough durability. Now, we can avoid going to the crown as often using porcelain inlays. They can save more of the natural tooth.

Preparing a tooth for a crown usually requires some natural tooth removal. While this removal is in itself relatively small, it is more than what is needed for inlay creation. Inlays are custom formed around the ‘rolling surface’ of the damaged areas of the tooth and strongly bonded in a seamless fashion. A crown would need a more uniform surface.

Before you could only choose between a ‘silver’ filling and a metal-based crown to restore a deteriorated tooth. Now, you have numerous exciting options including inlays that can enhance health, beauty and long-term durability