Citydent Istanbul offers advanced cosmetic dental restorations with inlay and onlay fillings, particularly ideal for posterior teeth that require both durability and aesthetics. We specialize in porcelain and composite inlays/onlays, crafted using 3D CAD/CAM technology to match the natural structure and shade of your teeth. These restorations are designed to protect and strengthen your natural teeth while providing an excellent cosmetic result. In cases where aesthetic strength is a priority, alternatives like Emax all-ceramic crowns or Zirconia-based crowns may also be considered depending on the tooth condition. Whether you're replacing an old metal filling or restoring a damaged tooth, inlay/onlay solutions at Citydent offer a superior alternative.
Yes, especially when made from high-quality porcelain materials. Porcelain onlays are carefully shade-matched to your surrounding teeth using electronic color detection technology. They mimic the natural translucency and surface texture of enamel, making them virtually indistinguishable from your real teeth. Once polished and bonded, they blend seamlessly into your smile, providing both function and aesthetics without compromising the natural appearance of your teeth.
With our in-house CAD/CAM system, Citydent ensures highly accurate, patient-specific restorations. This digital design process not only enhances the precision of your treatment but also creates an ideal fit for each tooth, improving both function and aesthetics. The ability to digitally preview the final restoration allows us to adjust and refine every detail before manufacturing, providing a seamless blend between your natural teeth and the restoration.
Onlays are securely bonded to the tooth structure using strong dental adhesives. When properly designed and placed by an experienced dentist, and maintained with good oral hygiene, they are highly durable and unlikely to fall out. However, extreme forces such as teeth grinding (bruxism), biting on very hard objects, or significant trauma to the tooth can compromise the bond over time. Regular dental check-ups can help monitor the stability of the restoration and detect early signs of wear or loosening.
Am I eligible for an onlay?
At Citydent Istanbul, we offer a free consultation including X-ray and 3D scan to determine if you are a suitable candidate. You can also reach out to us online to ask preliminary questions and receive professional feedback before your visit. This clinical evaluation helps us decide whether an inlay, onlay, or crown is the best treatment for your condition.
In what situations are onlays commonly used?
✔️ Moderate tooth decay or fracture in the molars
✔️ Root canal-treated molars with weakened walls
✔️ Interdental decay on both sides of a posterior tooth
✔️ When a strong and aesthetic solution is needed
✔️ Replacing old amalgam fillings with more natural-looking restorations
A professional diagnosis is essential. Onlays are a conservative treatment that preserve more of your natural tooth while offering excellent strength and appearance.
Inlays and onlays are partial coverage restorations ideal for repairing moderate decay or damage. They are more conservative than crowns and more durable than traditional fillings, making them perfect for molars and premolars.
Inlays fit within the grooves of the tooth and do not extend over the cusps. Onlays, often referred to as "partial crowns," extend over one or more cusps and are used for larger restorations where a simple filling would not suffice.
Types of Inlays/Onlays:
➤ Porcelain: Highly aesthetic, long-lasting, and stain-resistant
➤ Composite: More affordable and natural-looking but slightly less durable
Both materials offer a metal-free alternative that supports a natural-looking smile.
Typically completed in 2–3 sessions, including:
Tooth assessment and preparation
Impression or scan
Temporary filling placement (if needed)
Custom inlay/onlay fabrication
Final bonding and adjustment
The entire process is carried out with precision and attention to detail to ensure the restoration not only looks great but also functions well for years to come. Same-day inlays/onlays may also be available in some cases using our chairside CAD/CAM system.
| Feature | Onlay Fillings | Composite (White) Fillings |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Covers larger surface, including cusps | Fills small cavities directly |
| Durability | More durable and long-lasting | Less durable, especially in molars |
| Procedure Time | Requires multiple visits | Usually completed in one session |
| Aesthetic Appearance | Seamless, natural match with porcelain option | Good match, but less precise in shape |
| Ideal Use | Large cavities or fractures in posterior teeth | Small cavities or aesthetic front teeth |
Composite fillings are often used for smaller repairs and offer good aesthetics, but they may wear down faster than onlays, especially in molar areas. You can learn more about white composite fillings and their ideal applications. If you're looking for a more durable solution that also offers a natural look, onlays are generally the better choice.
| Feature | Onlays | Crowns |
| Tooth Coverage | Partial coverage of damaged areas | Full coverage of the entire tooth |
| Tooth Preservation | Conserves more natural tooth structure | Requires more removal of natural tooth |
| Procedure Invasiveness | Less invasive | More invasive |
| Strength & Durability | Good, but slightly less than crowns | Very strong, ideal for severely damaged teeth |
| Aesthetic Results | Highly aesthetic with natural look | Equally aesthetic when made from porcelain |
Crowns are full-coverage restorations, whereas onlays are considered a more conservative option, suitable for teeth with less extensive damage. If tooth preservation is a priority, and the tooth has enough healthy structure left, onlays are often recommended. In certain cosmetic cases, composite veneers may also be explored for minimally invasive aesthetic enhancement.
Initial Consultation – Includes X-rays or digital scans
Tooth Preparation – Remove decay and shape for onlay
Impression – Digital or traditional
Temporary Filling – Protects the tooth
Fabrication – Custom creation in dental lab
Fitting – Try-in and bite adjustments
Bonding – Using adhesive and curing light
Polishing – Final aesthetic enhancement
Aftercare Instructions – Guidance for recovery
Follow-up Visit – Fit and function check
Our goal is to ensure maximum comfort, function, and beauty throughout each stage of the process.
➤ Average lifespan: 10–15 years or more with proper care
➤ Longer with porcelain than with composite
➤ Affected by oral hygiene, chewing habits, and regular check-ups
Some onlays have been known to last over 20 years, especially when placed with proper technique and followed by regular dental care.
➤Long-lasting durability
➤ Excellent aesthetic match
➤ Conservative tooth preservation
➤ Strengthens chewing surface
➤ Resistance to staining (porcelain)
➤ Biocompatible materials
➤ Custom fit and comfort
➤ Versatile use cases: cavities, cracks, post-root canal
➤ Less risk of marginal leakage compared to direct fillings
➤ Reduced chance of tooth fracture by reinforcing structure
➤ More invasive than white fillings
➤ Higher cost due to lab work and materials
➤ Multiple appointments needed
➤ Temporary sensitivity possible
➤ Not ideal for very small cavities
➤ Rare risk of bonding failure or gum irritation
➤ May require replacement in cases of heavy bruxism or trauma
Choosing the right material and technique minimizes these risks. Our team will explain each step and provide recommendations tailored to your oral health condition.
Avoid very hot or cold foods for the first 24 hours. Brush and floss gently and attend follow-up visits as scheduled.
For larger restorations, yes. They offer more strength, a better fit, and greater longevity.
Can onlays fall out?
Onlay fillings are a durable option for dental restorations, and their lifespan can vary depending on several factors such as material choice, the location of the filling, and your oral care habits.
On average, onlay fillings can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. However, this duration can be influenced by:
With proper care and maintenance, onlay fillings can provide a long-lasting, natural-looking solution for dental restoration.
Onlay fillings offer several benefits when it comes to restoring damaged or decayed teeth, especially in the posterior (back) areas. Here are the key advantages of onlay fillings:
Durability and Longevity Onlay fillings, particularly porcelain or composite onlays, are known for their durability. They can withstand significant chewing pressure and are less prone to wear and tear compared to traditional fillings. This makes them a long-lasting solution, often lasting for many years with proper care.
Aesthetic Appeal Onlays are custom-designed to blend seamlessly with the natural tooth structure, providing an aesthetic result. Porcelain onlays are especially good at mimicking the appearance of natural tooth enamel, making them a great choice for patients who are concerned about the visual appeal of their dental restorations.
Minimal Tooth Removal Onlays require less removal of natural tooth structure compared to crowns, as they only cover the damaged areas of the tooth rather than completely encasing it. This preserves more of the tooth's natural structure, making it a more conservative option.
Improved Strength and Function Onlay fillings restore both the form and function of the tooth. They provide added strength to the tooth, especially when compared to traditional fillings. This is particularly important for molars or teeth that experience significant pressure during chewing.
Protection Against Future Decay Onlays create a strong, protective barrier over the treated area, helping to prevent further decay and damage. They are less likely to develop new cavities than traditional fillings, making them a more effective long-term solution.
Custom Fit and Comfort Onlay fillings are custom-made based on impressions of your teeth, which ensures a perfect fit. This makes them more comfortable than generic fillings and enhances their performance by providing a snug, secure fit that prevents gaps where bacteria could accumulate.
Versatility Onlays can be used for various dental issues, including large cavities, fractured teeth, or teeth with multiple areas of damage. They can also be used to restore teeth after a root canal treatment, offering both strength and aesthetic appeal.
Biocompatibility Materials used in onlays, such as porcelain and composite resin, are highly biocompatible, meaning they are unlikely to cause allergic reactions or irritation to the gums and surrounding tissues.
Resistance to Staining Porcelain onlays are highly resistant to staining and discoloration, which helps maintain the aesthetic appearance of your teeth over time. They can retain their bright, natural look even with regular consumption of food and beverages that often stain teeth, like coffee or wine.
Onlay fillings offer a combination of aesthetic appeal, durability, and functionality, making them an excellent choice for those seeking to restore damaged teeth while maintaining a natural-looking smile. Whether you need to restore a fractured tooth or replace a large filling, onlays provide a strong, long-lasting, and attractive solution.
At Citydent Istanbul, we offer high-quality onlay fillings that are designed to restore and enhance the function and appearance of your teeth. The cost of onlay fillings can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the procedure, the material used, and the number of fillings required.
To receive a personalized quote, we recommend contacting us directly. You can easily reach us via WhatsApp, email, or by calling our office. Our team will provide you with a detailed breakdown of the prices based on your specific dental needs and treatment plan. At Citydent, we are committed to offering affordable and effective solutions while maintaining the highest standards of care for our patients.
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