What are Porcelain and Ceramic Inlays?

[Makayla]

Hi

On a check up visit recently I was told that I have a cavity that needs a filling. The dentist also stated that I could have a porcelain or ceramic inlay instead of a white dental filling.

What are porcelain and ceramic inlays exactly? How do they differ to a white filling? Do they last longer than a white filling? How many visits would I need to get an inlay?

If I decide to go for a filling, could I still have a porcelain inlay in future? what risks are there with going for a ceramic inlay as compared to a white filling?

[Dr Ehsan J. Esfahani]

Hello Makayla,

Inlays are fillings which are made by the dental laboratory. There are two types of fillings, direct and indirect. Indirect fillings are made by the laboratory. Inlays can be made from metals, resins and ceramic. Ceramic inlays are tooth coloured and high strength. White fillings are made from composite resin material. Ceramic inlays are more durable and longer lasting than white fillings.

Teeth which are more severely broken down should be restored with inlays, onlays or crowns. It takes 2 visits to have an inlay.

You can have a filling now and change it for a ceramic inlay in the future but this adds additional treatment time and cost. There is a higher risk of tooth and/or white filling fracture with this treatment. Ceramic inlays have no such risks compared to a white filling however they should not be used in patients who have a grinding or clenching habit.