Porcelain dental fillings can be referred to as inlays or onlays depending on which part of the tooth is being restored. Inlays are generally performed when there is no damage to the cusps of the tooth and the porcelain can be placed into the center, or inner aspects of the tooth structure. Onlays are performed when there is more significant damage to the tooth, requiring porcelain to cover and/or replace a larger portion of tooth structure including the cusp or pointy aspect of the tooth.

Regular Composite Fillings Vs Porcelain Fillings :

This is a hot topic that we get asked about at the clinic all the time. So really what is the difference between the two?
Regular white Dental fillings are known as composites or resin.They are made of powdered glass and acrylic resin. When they are inserted the material is soft and hardens after blue light exposure. These types of fillings are bonded to your tooth. Where as the porcelain fillings are made of porcelain and are already hard when inserted into the cavity.They are the same material used when you get a crown or a veneer. Porcelain fillings are cemented not bonded.
Porcelain fillings are very strong.So they are recommend for teeth that are at the back of your mouth or for teeth that have large cavities. Hence for the smaller fillings, your dentist would recommend a regular white filling (composite