Onlay preparation techniques - clinical practice guidelines

Aim: The aim of this clinical practice guideline is to help dental practitioners make decisions regarding appropriate materials and techniques for onlay restorations. Background: Onlay restorations are an excellent choice for the clinicians to restore structurally compromised posterior teeth. These restorations are bonded directly to the tooth using resin cement and can actually increase the strength of a tooth by up to 75%. Many techniques have been suggested for the preparation of onlays. Advances in adhesive system and esthetic dental materials such as composite resins and ceramics have enabled clinicians to use conservative preparations to place restorations that also reinforce the remaining tooth structures. In addition, these restorations satisfy the increasing patient expectations for a natural or enhanced appearance. More technologically developed systems with fiber - reinforced materials which can be placed in a single - visit provides optimism for the future application of these restorations to the daily clinical practice.