Laboratory-made fillings - inlays, onlays, overlays

Now it is possible for fillings to be indiscernible and to last longer than 15 years. 

Though light cure composite fillings have almost entirely replaced the old, unaesthetic amalgam ones, they could not achieve the long life of amalgams (more than 15 years). In this sense neither the amalgam, nor the composite fillings can offer an aesthetic and lasting solution at once.

Even the best light cure composite shrinks during polymerization in the mouth, and this results in micro-percolation between the filling and the tooth.

Advantages of porcelain inlays, onlays, overlays - recognized as all the vogue in cosmetic dentistry 

1. The drawbacks of composite fillings have been successfully avoided – namely, percolation of saliva and bacteria
2. Last more than 15 years
3. Given that they are made in a laboratory (indirectly) they can merge perfectly in color and shape with the rest of the tooth 

Disadvantages:

1. Require more visits than the ordinary composite or amalgam fillings
2. High price: from 5 to 10 times higher than the price of composite white fillings
3. Require utter precision and special know how from the dentist, coupled with a top-quality laboratory.