Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations that fit precisely over damaged teeth, preserving more of the natural tooth structure compared to traditional fillings. Their smooth surfaces are easier to keep clean and they offer superior strength and durability, protecting and reinforcing the tooth.
An inlay is cemented within the cavity and an onlay covers more of the tooth for when the repair needs to fully cover the biting surface.
Firstly, we remove any areas of decay or old fillings and carefully clean your tooth.
We take images and impressions of your tooth, which are used by a dental laboratory to create your custom-made inlay or onlay. The accurate impressions mean it will exactly match the area to be filled.
We fit a temporary restoration on your tooth to protect the prepared cavity between appointments.
When your inlay or onlay is ready, we check it for fit and comfort before fixing it permanently into place using a strong dental adhesive.
Inlays and onlays are made from hard wearing materials, including porcelain and composite resin. 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 restoration 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.