Ceramic inlays and onlays: clinical procedures for predictable results.
The use of ceramics as restorative materials has increased substantially in the past two decades. This trend can be attributed to the greater interest of patients and dentists in this esthetic and long-lasting material, and to the ability to effectively bond metal-free ceramic restorations to tooth structure using acid-etch techniques and adhesive cements. The purpose of this article is to review the pertinent literature on ceramic systems, direct internal buildup materials, and adhesive cements. Current clinical procedures for the planning, preparation, impression, and bonding of ceramic inlays and onlays are also briefly reviewed. A representative clinical case is presented, illustrating the technique.


CONCLUSIONS
When posterior teeth are weakened owing to the need for wide cavity preparations, the success of direct resin-based composites is compromised. In these clinical situations, ceramic inlays/onlays can be used to achieve esthetic, durable, and biologically compatible posterior restorations.
Department of Operative Dentistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Av. Rio Branco 405, Torre 1, Sala 204, Centro, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina 88015-200, Brazil. Alfredo.meyer@bol.com.br
Alfredo
A
Meyer
Luiz Clovis
LC
Cardoso
Elito
E
Araujo
Luiz Narciso
LN
Baratieri
D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D002516:Ceramics / Q000737:chemistry*; D003764:Dental Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D007284:Inlays / Q000145:classification / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D003764:Dental Materials