Inlays / onlays

Dentistry offers several options when it comes to restoring decayed teeth so they look natural and attractive after the procedure. Inlays and onlays are two types of restorations that your dentist can suggest if you have a cavity in your tooth that needs to be filled. An inlay is a small filling that fits into the biting surface of a tooth while an onlay covers a larger area of the tooth and is better suited to bigger cavities. For many years, gold has been used to make inlays and onlays because it is a hard material that can withstand the high biting and chewing forces in the mouth over a long period. Nowadays, tooth-coloured porcelain is also used and gives the restored tooth a more natural look, which many patients prefer.

Inlays and onlays can be made in a dental laboratory by a technician, with the help of impressions taken of your teeth. While these are being made, you will wear a temporary filling. When your inlay or onlay is ready your dentist will glue it into place using a special adhesive, after removing the temporary filling. 


Do you want to talk to a dental professional about the appearance of your teeth? Contact the practice today on 0208 6881311 to book your next appointment.