An onlay is used to rebuild a tooth that has damaged one or more cusps. This treatment helps to restore optimal shape and function, while saving as much of the natural tooth as possible. This is important, because natural tooth structure is always better than an artificial material. Which in the case of an onlay can be ceramic, composite, or a combination of both. With a CAD/CAM onlay, your doctor uses state of the art technology to image your tooth in 3D, which feeds into a computer to aid in designing the restoration. This technology makes it possible for your doctor to complete your onlay in a single appointment. During the first step, your tooth is prepared to make room for the onlay. Next, the minimally prepared tooth is scanned, and creation of the onlay begins. Once the onlay is ready, your doctor will make the final adjustments and bond it into place. Since it has been expertly crafted using 3D imagery and digital fabrication, the final restoration will generally last longer than a large filling. Once completed, your tooth is restored to optimal shape and function, and much of the natural tooth structure is saved.
