Scientifically based rationale and protocol for use of modern indirect resin inlays and onlays

The desire to place esthetically pleasing, conservative, functionally stable, posterior restorative materials has steadily increased over the past 20 years. The creation of successful dentin bonding adhesives and appropriate resin luting cements has paved the way for the development of a myriad of indirect resin-based restorative materials. These materials have been specifically designed to overcome the negative attributes of their porcelain counterparts, and to simplify fabrication, insertion, and post-delivery adjustments. Possibly like no other product before, these restorative materials have met with instant clinical acceptance by many practitioners, and concern exists that these materials have not been sufficiently studied to warrant such widespread acceptance. This article presents an overview of the history and development of resin-based, esthetic, indirect systems, and offers the clinician a review of the literature supporting their role in posterior restorative dentistry. Additionally, a scientifically based protocol for preparation, impressing, provisionalization, and subsequent cementation and adjustment of indirect laboratory-processed resin inlays and onlays is presented.