There are alternatives to the mercury or amalgam fillings used in the past. In conservative restorations, tooth-colored filling materials may be used. Inlays and onlays are used when a restoration is needed for a tooth but the remaining tooth structure is either insufficient to properly support a filling or a longer lasting restoration is preferred. Inlays and onlays are made of either porcelain or gold to restore the tooth to its natural contours while greatly increasing strength.
Inlays resemble fillings and are designed to rest inside the cusps of the tooth. Onlays are used for more substantial reconstruction, similar to the inlay, but extending out over one or more of the cusps of the tooth.
Before
Gold Inlays After
These are gold inlays. Porcelain Fillings, Inlays, and Onlays blend naturally with the tooth color.
All photos are taken and unretouched by Dr. Schmidt.