Etched-porcelain resin-bonded onlay technique for posterior teeth

Remarkable advances in adhesive dentistry have made it possible to strongly bond porcelain to enamel and dentin. This evolution has dramatically changed restorative dentistry and has produced a new, highly esthetic, and strong restoration--etched-porcelain resin-bonded restorations. These restorations can be placed with confidence on posterior teeth. They are virtually indistinguishable from natural tooth structure and, thus, provide additional treatment alternatives for patients who desire natural-appearing posterior teeth. Etched-porcelain resin-bonded onlays on posterior teeth not only are an excellent restorative modality for moderately broken-down teeth but also may be used to bring caries-free teeth into occlusion. The latter can be an option for stabilizing occlusion for some patients with posterior open bite due to various causes. This article presents clinical and laboratory techniques for etched-porcelain resin-bonded onlays on posterior teeth.