Porcelain vs. Metallic Inlays

Cost

• The cost of an inlay varies with the doctor's training and the cost of the laboratory, but typically ranges from $650 to $1,200 as of September 2011. Per "docshop.com," a patient with reasonable insurance coverage can expect to pay between $10 and $50 for gold inlays. That same patient can expect to pay between $40 and $100 for porcelain-fused-to-metal and all-porcelain inlays.

Appearance

• All-porcelain tooth restorations look the most like real teeth. Their translucency and color palette most closely match the look of real enamel. Porcelain over metal looks more or less like natural teeth, but without the natural translucency of real enamel. Gold-alloy inlays look the least like real enamel. The color of the metal makes it obvious that the repaired tooth has been repaired.

Durability

• Porcelain fused to metal is more durable than all-porcelain tooth restorations. If the porcelain is not smoothed appropriately, it can wear the surfaces of the opposing tooth. All-porcelain tooth restorations are more prone to fracture from impact or tension. Gold-alloy inlays are very durable, particularly in areas of high impact, such as the molars. They are very resistant to tarnish and corrosion, and don't wear away the surface of the opposing tooth.

Health Concerns

• Possible allergic reactions with porcelain fused to metal occur in patients with metal sensitivity. Gold-alloy inlays are generally well tolerated by most patients. Gold alloy requires the least invasive removal of healthy tooth tissue to fit the inlay correctly. As a result, healing time is much faster than with all-porcelain or porcelain-fused veneers. Also, there is a reduced risk of infection and other post-surgery complications.