Inlays and Onlays

Strong and natural-looking repairs for damaged teeth

Inlays and onlays are fantastic restorative solutions for teeth with extensive decay or damage that are not suitable for traditional fillings. They offer a less invasive and often more affordable option than dental crowns.

Inlays are designed to fill cavities within a tooth, while onlays restore larger areas of damage, including the biting surface. These long-lasting restorations are commonly used on back teeth but can also be applied to front teeth for large repairs.

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Why have an inlay or onlay?

Tailored to fit for a comfortable repair
More of the healthy tooth is preserved
Easier to keep clean
Strong protection for your tooth
More durable and stable than fillings

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What does the procedure involve?

Two appointments are typically needed to complete your inlay or onlay. To begin, we remove the decayed tooth structure or old fillings and carefully clean your tooth to prepare it for treatment.

Using advanced equipment, we take images and impressions of your tooth. These are used to create your custom-made inlay or onlay and ensure it matches your exact specifications. We fit a temporary restoration on your prepared tooth to protect it between your appointments.

When your inlay or onlay is ready, we check that it fits comfortably and looks good in your mouth before fixing it permanently in place using strong dental adhesive.

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Frequently asked questions

: Inlays and onlays are made from hard wearing materials, including porcelain and composite resin for a natural-looking finish. If aesthetics is not an issue, gold can be used to provide a particularly durable restoration.
: Inlays and onlays are generally regarded as long-term solutions for restoring your teeth. They are very stable restorations that fit a damaged tooth perfectly, are able to provide superior protection, and withstand stronger chewing forces. Generally, we would expect your inlay or onlay to last a similar number of years to dental crowns. This is usually around 10-15 years, provided you have good oral hygiene and look after your teeth properly.
: You care for your inlays and onlays in the same way you would care for your natural teeth. You should brush and floss daily and visit the dentist for routine appointments to ensure your restoration is secure and strong. As the inlay or onlay is tailored to fit, they can be easier to keep clean than other restorations.
: You should take care when eating immediately after having your inlays and onlays fitted, and should avoid eating hard foods. However, you are able to resume eating as normal after a few days.