🔍 What Are Porcelain Onlays and Inlays?
🦷 The Longevity of Porcelain Onlays and Inlays vs. Composite or Resin Restorations
When it comes to restoring damaged or decayed teeth, patients today have more options than ever. Two of the most popular choices are porcelain onlays and inlays and composite (resin) fillings. While both options restore the look and function of your teeth, they differ in durability, appearance, and long-term value.
Let’s take a closer look at what sets them apart.
🔍 Porcelain Onlays and Inlays: Precision and Strength
Porcelain onlays and inlays are custom-made restorations designed to fit your tooth perfectly.
Inlays fit inside the grooves of the tooth, between the cusps (the raised points).
Onlays extend over one or more cusps to restore a larger portion of the tooth.
Because they are made in a dental lab using high-quality ceramic materials, porcelain restorations are extremely durable and mimic the natural translucency of enamel. They are then bonded securely to your tooth, creating a strong, long-lasting, and natural-looking result.
Patients often choose porcelain because it not only looks beautiful but also performs exceptionally well under daily wear and tear.
💎 Composite or Resin Fillings: Convenient but Shorter Lifespan
Composite fillings, also known as resin fillings, are made of a tooth-colored plastic and glass mixture. They’re applied directly to the tooth and hardened with a special light. This makes them a quick and cost-effective solution — often completed in a single appointment.
However, composites are more prone to wear, discoloration, and breakdown over time, especially in areas exposed to heavy biting forces. Most composite fillings last about five to seven years before they may need repair or replacement, depending on habits and oral care.
⏳ Comparing Longevity and Performance
The main difference between porcelain and resin restorations is how long they last and how well they maintain their appearance.
Porcelain onlays and inlays are known for their exceptional strength and longevity, often lasting 10 to 20 years or more with proper care. They resist staining, maintain their glossy finish, and rarely chip or crack under normal chewing forces.
Composite fillings, while esthetically pleasing at first, can lose their polish, darken over time, and wear down more quickly — especially for patients who grind their teeth or consume staining foods and drinks.
⚖️ Why Porcelain Lasts Longer
Porcelain restorations tend to outlast resin because they are made from a stronger and more stable material. They are custom-fabricated for each tooth, allowing for a precise fit that seals out bacteria and reduces the risk of future decay. Porcelain is also non-porous, meaning it resists staining and doesn’t absorb pigments from coffee, tea, or wine.
Additionally, porcelain is biocompatible — gentle on the surrounding gums and enamel — and holds its shape and color beautifully for years.
💰 The Long-Term Value of Porcelain Restorations
Although porcelain onlays and inlays have a higher upfront cost than composite fillings, their longevity makes them a smart long-term investment. Since they last significantly longer, you’ll likely need fewer replacements over the years — saving both time and money in the long run.
🪥 Caring for Your Restorations
To help your restorations last as long as possible:
Brush and floss daily
Visit your dentist for regular cleanings and exams
Avoid chewing hard objects like ice or pens
Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth
With good home care and routine dental visits, both porcelain and composite restorations can perform well — but porcelain will typically maintain its beauty and strength far longer.
✨ The Takeaway
If you’re looking for a restoration that offers strength, longevity, and natural beauty, porcelain onlays and inlays are the clear winners. While composite fillings are a great option for small repairs or quick fixes, porcelain provides a long-lasting, durable, and stain-resistant solution that helps protect your smile for years to come.
At Luxe Dental™ in Dallas: Uptown, Victory Park, and Knox/Henderson, we combine advanced technology with a luxury dental experience to create restorations that are as strong as they are beautiful. Schedule a consultation today to discover the best restoration option for your smile.