Inlays and Onlays

Our tooth-coloured inlays and onlays are just what you need if you have a tooth that’s suffered a moderate crack, chip or decay.

Durable, reliable and barely visible

There are occasions when fillings aren’t quite robust enough to solve teeth that are cracked, chipped or decayed. This is where inlays and onlays come in. The latter is used when the inner tooth cavity requires fillings, whilst an onlay fills and protects the cusp and outer structure of a tooth.

The way we like to describe inlays and onlays to our patients, is as sitting somewhere between a filling and a crown: when the former is not enough but the latter is too restorative, that’s when inlays and onlays come in.

FAQs

What kind of materials are used for inlays and onlays?

We use only the most blendable materials for both inlays and onlays, so as to achieve the most subtle result possible. Tooth-coloured composite resin, porcelain and zirconium are all extremely effective at achieving the natural appearance of a real tooth.

Can inlays and onlays cover up an old amalgam filling?

It is possible to cover unsightly amalgam fillings with an inlay or onlay, to improve its aesthetic when you open your mouth. Should we find your amalgam filling is damaged, we may recommend replacing it completely with a more cosmetically pleasing alternative, such as a tooth-coloured inlay, onlay or filling.

What are the post-treatment benefits of an inlay or onlay?

There are both functional, health and aesthetic benefits to getting and an inlay or an onlay. Firstly, you will have a stronger and healthier tooth, and any decay that was present will have been addressed. The robust materials we use, and the techniques we employ to fit your inlay or onlay allow for a long-term outcome. As it is tooth-coloured, you can also expect a natural-looking finish.

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