Inlays and Onlays

Dental Inlays and Onlays: Restoring Strength and Aesthetics.

Dental inlays and onlays offer a strong and discreet solution for restoring damaged or weakened back teeth. They are ideal when a tooth is too compromised for a simple filling, but not damaged enough to require a full crown.

Crafted from tooth-coloured materials, inlays and onlays blend seamlessly with your natural teeth—offering a more aesthetic and durable alternative to traditional metal fillings.

When Are Inlays or Onlays Recommended?

Your dentist may suggest an inlay or onlay if:

• A back tooth is cracked, chipped, or decayed.
• There isn’t enough healthy tooth structure to support a standard filling.
• A crown would be excessive for the level of damage.

These restorations help protect and reinforce the tooth while maintaining as much of your natural structure as possible.

Inlay vs Onlay: What’s the Difference?

While both serve similar purposes:

• Inlays fit within the grooves of the tooth (between the cusps).
• Onlays cover one or more of the tooth’s cusps and can extend over the edge.

They can be made from porcelain, composite resin, or gold, with tooth-coloured options offering the most natural-looking results.

The Treatment Process

Treatment is typically completed over two appointments:

Visit 1:

• The area is numbed with local anaesthetic.
• Decay or damaged tissue is carefully removed.
• An impression is taken and sent to a dental lab.
• A temporary restoration is placed for protection.

Visit 2:

• The temporary inlay or onlay is removed.
• Your permanent restoration is tried in and checked for comfort and bite.
• Once satisfied, it is bonded securely with a strong adhesive.
• The surface is polished for a smooth, natural finish.

A Long-Lasting, Natural Solution

Inlays and onlays are durable, comfortable, and designed to last for many years with good oral hygiene. They restore strength to the tooth and help prevent further damage.

Think you might need one?

Contact Promenade Dental today to book a consultation. We’ll help restore your smile – and your confidence – comfortably and effectively.