Which dental material is typically favored for onlays due to its properties?

Gold is typically favored for onlays because of its exceptional properties, making it a preferred material choice in restorative dentistry. It has a high fracture toughness and wear resistance, which is crucial for onlays that bear significant occlusal forces. Gold’s ability to withstand the stresses associated with chewing provides durability and longevity to the restorations.

In addition, gold has excellent biocompatibility, which means it integrates well with the surrounding dental tissues and does not cause adverse reactions. Its malleability allows for precise adaptation to the tooth structure, ensuring a tight fit that can prevent leakage and secondary caries.

Moreover, gold restorations can be polished to a smooth finish, which not only enhances aesthetics but also contributes to oral hygiene by reducing plaque accumulation. While other materials like ceramics and resin composites have their own advantages, particularly in aesthetics, they may not offer the same level of durability and resistance to wear as gold does in posterior teeth, where onlays are frequently placed.

The other materials, such as ceramic and resin composite, can be used for onlays but tend to fall short in terms of strength compared to gold, especially in posterior applications. Silver amalgam, while strong, is rarely used for onlays due to its aesthetic limitations and the fact that