Esthetic posterior restorations utilizing the double-inlay technique: a novel approach in esthetic dentistry

The employment of adhesively bonded porcelain or resin composite inlays is considered problematic in Class II cavities extending into the dentin and cannot be recommended as a routine procedure for current clinical practice. A two-part restoration in the form of a double inlay provides an alternative to the clinically established gold inlay restoration. The double inlay is composed of a conventionally cemented metal base and an adhesively bonded porcelain inlay. After the metal substructure is coated with silica or a microretentive opaque glaze is fired, the porcelain inlay can be luted to the metallic base with a bonding resin composite. This procedure incorporates the advantages of cast restorations at the critical cervicoproximal cavity margin and the esthetic and stabilizing properties of the adhesively bonded restoration technique in visible areas.