Natural-Looking Restorations at Forest Road Dental
At Forest Road Dental, we offer both composite (white) and porcelain (ceramic) fillings to restore teeth affected by cavities or decay—giving you strong, natural-looking, and long-lasting results.
Dental bonding and ceramic onlays are excellent options for treating and restoring small to large areas of decay. At Forest Road Dental, we use high-quality materials, modern technology, and advanced techniques to create strong, long-lasting restorations that look natural and feel comfortable. Our goal is to make your dental work virtually undetectable while preserving as much of your natural tooth as possible.
Why Tooth Restorations Are Important
Dental decay is one of the most common oral health issues. Cavities can form on the chewing (occlusal) surfaces of your back teeth or between teeth (interproximal decay). If left untreated, decay can spread deeper into the tooth, causing pain, infection, and even tooth loss.
How to Reduce Your Risk of Tooth Decay
There’s no magic solution for preventing cavities, but a consistent oral care routine makes a big difference:
Brush twice a day using fluoride toothpaste.
Floss daily to remove food and plaque between teeth.
Limit sugary foods and drinks.
Consider dental sealants for added protection on the chewing surfaces of back teeth.
Visit us for regular checkups and professional cleans.
Types of Fillings We Offer
Composite Fillings (Tooth-Coloured Resin)
Ideal for small to medium cavities
Completed in a single visit
Matches your natural tooth colour
More affordable option
May wear or stain slightly over time
Porcelain Inlays/Onlays (Ceramic Restorations)
Best for larger areas of decay
Stronger and more durable—lasts up to 20 years
Custom-made in a lab for a perfect fit
Highly stain-resistant
Requires two visits: preparation and bonding
We use digital scans for comfort and precision
What’s the Difference?
Filling vs Inlay vs Onlay
Composite & Porcelain Fillings in Hurstville
Type
Best For
Description
Filling
Small decay
Composite resin is applied directly into the cavity
Inlay
Moderate decay
Lab-made porcelain fits into the grooves of the tooth
Onlay
Large decay
Covers one or more cusps of the tooth for extra strength
We’ll help you choose the right option based on the size and location of your cavity.
Composite vs Porcelain – Which One Is Right for You?
| Feature | Composite Resin | Porcelain Inlay/Onlay |
|---|---|---|
| Looks Natural | ✅ | ✅ |
| One Visit | ✅ | ❌ (requires 2 visits) |
| Long-Lasting | Moderate (~5-7 yrs) | Excellent (10–20 yrs) |
| Cost | More affordable | More of an investment |
| Stain Resistance | Moderate | High |
| Strength | Moderate | High |
Advantages of Porcelain Fillings in Hurstville
Porcelain tooth fillings offer numerous benefits for patients, restoring both the function and appearance of teeth affected by decay. At Forest Road Dental, we use high-quality porcelain materials to provide restorations that are strong, long-lasting, and visually natural.
Key Benefits of Porcelain Fillings and Onlays
Aesthetic Appeal:
Porcelain provides a natural, bright finish that blends seamlessly with your teeth. It restores the whiteness and visual appeal of your smile, letting you feel confident showing it off to family, friends, and colleagues.
Durability:
Porcelain fillings strengthen the tooth surface, resisting damage from everyday chewing, sugary foods, and tough-to-bite items.
Longevity:
With proper care and hygiene, porcelain fillings and onlays can last up to 20 years, offering long-term protection for your teeth.
Stain and Abrasion Resistance:
Porcelain resists staining from coffee, tea, and other foods. It also prevents cracks and wear on the treated teeth, maintaining a smooth, healthy surface.
Biocompatibility:
Porcelain fillings are mercury-free, making them safer for patients who may experience allergic reactions or sensitivity from traditional metal fillings.
Which Procedure Is Right for You?
When treating tooth decay, your dentist will assess the best option for restoring your tooth while preserving as much natural structure as possible. Options include:
Dental Inlay vs. Onlay:
Both inlays and onlays restore decayed areas using durable porcelain. The main difference lies in coverage:
Inlay: Sits within the crevices of the tooth.
Onlay: Covers one or more cusps and extends to the chewing surface, offering more extensive protection.
Dental Onlay vs. Crown:
Onlay: Restores only the compromised portion of a tooth, preserving more natural structure.
Crown: Covers the entire tooth, sometimes requiring additional tooth reduction. Porcelain onlays are often preferred today because they maintain tooth integrity while still providing strong protection.
Dental Bonding vs. Veneers:
Bonding: Affordable, completed in one appointment, ideal for minor repairs.
Veneers: Require two appointments and provide superior durability and stain resistance. Porcelain veneers are longer-lasting than bonding but may involve more preparation.
What Is the Difference Between Composite Bonding and Porcelain Onlay or Inlay?
At Forest Road Dental, we offer both composite bonding and porcelain or ceramic onlays and inlays to restore damaged teeth. While both solutions are designed to improve tooth function and appearance, there are key differences in material, durability, and longevity.
Porcelain or Ceramic Onlays and Inlays:
Custom-made in a dental lab from high-quality porcelain or ceramic.
Extremely durable, able to withstand strong biting forces and temperature changes in the mouth.
Resistant to staining and color changes from food and drinks.
The same material used in veneers, crowns, bridges, and implant-supported restorations.
Ideal for larger areas of decay or when more structural support is needed.
Composite Bonding (Cosmetic Bonding):
Uses resin materials applied directly to the tooth by the dentist.
Can match the natural color of your teeth for a seamless appearance.
Softer and more porous than porcelain, so it may yellow over time and is less durable.
Recommended for smaller areas of decay or cosmetic touch-ups rather than extensive restorations.
What Happens During a Dental Bonding Procedure?
The dentist removes decay and cleans the affected area.
An etching solution is applied to help the bonding resin adhere to the tooth.
Layers of composite resin are applied and shaped to match the natural contours of your tooth.
A curing light sets the resin in place, and the dentist buffs it for a smooth, natural finish.
The result is a durable, aesthetically pleasing restoration that blends seamlessly with your smile.
What Happens During Dental Onlay or Inlay Preparation?
First Visit:
Local anesthesia is applied if needed.
The decayed portion of the tooth is removed and the area cleaned.
A digital or traditional impression is taken to capture the exact shape of the tooth.
A temporary material may be placed to protect the tooth until the lab-made onlay or inlay is ready.
Second Visit:
The custom porcelain onlay or inlay is bonded to the tooth using a specialized adhesive.
The restoration is gently buffed and adjusted to ensure a comfortable fit and proper bite.
Why Choose Onlays/Inlays Over Bonding?
Onlays and inlays are more durable for larger restorations.
They provide longer-lasting protection while preserving more of the natural tooth structure compared to crowns.
Porcelain or ceramic material is highly resistant to staining, maintaining a natural and bright smile for years.
Book Your Consultation
Restore your teeth with natural-looking, long-lasting solutions at Forest Road Dental. Call (02) 9570 4888 or book online to schedule your consultation for dental bonding, porcelain onlays, or inlays.
