Dental Inlays & Onlays

What are they?

Dental inlays and onlays are used instead of fillings to replace parts of a damaged or decayed tooth. Similarly to dental crowns and bridges they are bespoke made in the dental lab and placed over the damaged are that has been prepared beforehand (usually the top, biting surface of the tooth). Inlays and onlays can be made of gold which are placed on the back molar teeth because they are stronger and more resistant to chewing. However, they are less aesthetically pleasing than the alternative white (composite or porcelain) dental inlays and onlays.

Dental Inlays and Onlays

Dental Inlay

Dental Inlay

BEFORE & AFTERS

Dental Inlays and Onlays

Dental Inlay

Who offers this treatment?

Restore Your Teeth Back To Health

Damaged and decaying teeth if left untreated can lead to avoidable treatments such as tooth extraction.

Don’t allow it to get that far and gain back control of your smile.

Inlays and onlays are great solutions if you have damaged or decaying teeth. These treatments will strengthen your natural teeth and replace what you have lost.

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In Pain Or Discomfort?

We advocate prevention to avoid oral health problems, but if you are experiencing pain or discomfort right now, we can remove that problem for you as early as possible. Don’t wait until your next check-up!

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Dental Inlay

Restoring Damage
&
Replacing Loss

HIGH-TECH DENTAL SCANNING

At Holford Partners Curaden we use high-tech 3D digital scanners to take accurate images and create digital models of your teeth to produce the final inlays and onlays.

HIGH-QUALITY MATERIALS

We only use technicians that we know and trust. Some individuals have been creating our lab work for more than 20 years. We only use the highest quality materials available to provide you with the best possible results.

LONG-LASTING SOLUTIONS

Inlays and onlays will last a few decades. Ensure that your dentist has the necessary skills to provide you something that will last and not require premature replacements.

Restoring Damage
&
Replacing Loss

HIGH-TECH DENTAL SCANNING

At Holford Partners Curaden we use high-tech 3D digital scanners to take accurate images and create digital models of your teeth to produce the final inlays and onlays.

HIGH-QUALITY MATERIALS

We only use technicians that we know and trust. Some individuals have been creating our lab work for more than 20 years. We only use the highest quality materials available to provide you with the best possible results.

LONG-LASTING SOLUTIONS

Inlays and onlays will last a few decades. Ensure that your dentist has the necessary skills to provide you something that will last and not require premature replacements.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are very few differences between inlays and onlays. Quite often both terms are used interchangeably. An inlay is a bespoke made piece of dental material that is placed inside a cavity on your tooth and an onlay will restore the tips/cusps of the biting surface of your tooth. They can be made of a variety of materials, such as gold, composite or porcelain.

Inlays and onlays offer several advantages over traditional fillings. They are more durable, can last for many years, are less likely to cause tooth sensitivity, and can help to preserve more of the healthy tooth structure. They also have a natural-looking appearance and can be matched to the color of the tooth.

Dental Inlays and onlays are indicated for teeth with moderate to severe decay or damage that cannot be repaired with a traditional filling. They are also a good option for teeth that have had previous fillings and need to be replaced. Inlays and onlays are also suitable for teeth with cusps that have been worn down.

The process of placing inlays and onlays typically involves two dental appointments. During the first appointment, the dentist will remove the decay or damage and prepare the tooth for the inlay or onlay. An impression of the prepared tooth will be taken and sent to a dental laboratory where the inlay or onlay will be custom-made. During the second appointment, the dentist will bond the inlay or onlay to the prepared tooth using a dental adhesive.

Caring for your dental inlays and onlays is similar to caring for your natural teeth. It is important to brush and floss regularly to remove plaque and food particles, and to visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Avoiding hard and sticky foods, and using proper biting and chewing techniques can also help to prolong the life of your inlays and onlays.

As inlays and onlays are specifically made to fit your tooth, we will need to see you for two visits. The first appointment will be to prepare the damaged area of the tooth and prevent the removal of healthy tooth structure. The dentist will place a temporary material over the trimmed area to protect it whilst the inlay or onlay is being made.

The second and final visit will be around one to two weeks later to fit the permanent restoration.

Inlays and onlays can last for many years with proper care and maintenance. The longevity of inlays and onlays depends on the type of material used and the location of the restoration. Porcelain inlays and onlays, for example, can last up to 15 years, while composite resin inlays and onlays typically last between 5-10 years.

There may be some mild discomfort or sensitivity after getting a dental inlay or onlay, but this is usually temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. If you experience severe pain or prolonged discomfort, please contact your dentist.

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Holford Partners Curaden Dental Clinic is London’s No. 1 Advocate for Preventive Dentistry.
Your dental health matters and we are here to provide only the best dental service in London.