The clinical long-term success of ceramic restorations--Part I: Inlays and onlays.

Ceramic inlays and onlays have significant aesthetic and biologic benefits. Long-term clinical studies on the success of ceramic inlays and onlays, however, provide only limited observation periods, considering that such restorations rely on current and constantly improving adhesive bonding techniques. Alternative materials, such as cast-gold restorations, have a long history of documented clinical success, which should be taken into consideration when making decisions on proper restorative material selection.