Inlays and Onlays

In cases where a cavity requires a stronger, more durable solution than a filling, inlays and onlays can be used instead.

Created from accurate 3D scans of your teeth, inlays and onlays are made to be in-keeping with your smile. Thanks to modern dentistry, they appear more tooth-like than ever before. Inlays and onlays are a popular and less invasive alternative to a crown. Enjoy your favourite foods again and smile with confidence.

Inlays and onlays: what are they?

Inlays and onlays are handmade by the dental laboratory team and returned to the practice, where we will fit them for you. Inlays sit inside a tooth, filling the hole your dentist will have rendered decay-free, which is also what onlays do. However, onlays recreate some of the tooth’s shape, giving it additional support, notably in cases where a tooth has sustained more extensive damage. Onlays sit on top of your tooth, a little like a top hat covers your head.

Inlays and onlays: the benefits

• Feel great about having a decay-free smile.
• Eliminate the risk of infection spreading to neighbouring teeth.
• Inlays and onlays deal with problems a filling cannot.
• Durable – if you look after them properly, they can last up to 15 years.
• Unlike a crown, inlays and onlays don’t require you to have as much tooth matter removed, making them a less invasive treatment.

What to expect from getting an inlay or onlay

After your dentist has looked at the tooth that needs attention, local anaesthetic may be used to numb the area. The decay will be removed and 3D scan of your tooth is taken, which will be the basis for the design of your custom inlay or onlay. Whilst we wait to receive your inlay or onlay back from the dental lab (this is usually around 2 weeks), we will give you a temporary filling to protect your tooth surface. We will invite you back for a fitting, using a special adhesive to secure the inlay or onlay in place.