Amalgam dental fillings expand and contract with temperature fluctuations, which can cause the tooth to weaken or fracture. Small cracks can harbor bacteria and result in tooth decay, or even extend beneath the gumline and require extraction. In contrast, porcelain inlays and onlays do not change size or shape with varying temperatures. Their structure makes them a more stable solution in the long-term. Daily at-home care for inlays and onlays is no different than that of healthy, natural teeth. You should brush and floss daily and visit the dentist for biannual checkups to ensure your restoration is strong and secure. Should your inlay or onlay become loose, painful, crack, or fall out completely, contact your dentist as soon as possible to schedule a visit.