When a tooth is damaged or decayed, there is not always a single obvious solution. A small cavity is usually repaired with a filling, while a more extensively damaged tooth might need a crown. But what about those cases that fall somewhere in between? That is exactly where dental inlays and onlays come in.
At Love-Teeth in Prestwich, we offer dental inlays and onlays as part of our restorative dentistry services. They are not discussed as often as fillings or crowns, but for the right patient, they can be an excellent and long-lasting solution.
What Are Dental Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations that are bonded onto a damaged or decayed tooth. They are sometimes referred to as indirect restorations because, unlike standard fillings that are shaped inside your mouth, they are crafted in a dental laboratory and then fitted at a second appointment.
The difference between the two comes down to how much of the tooth is being restored. An inlay sits within the cusps of the tooth – the raised points on the biting surface. An onlay is slightly larger and extends over one or more of those cusps. When a restoration covers even more of the tooth surface, it moves into crown territory.
Both inlays and onlays can be made from porcelain, composite resin, or gold. Porcelain is the most popular choice for visible teeth, as it can be closely matched to the natural colour of your enamel, making the restoration almost invisible.
When Might Dental Inlays and Onlays Be the Right Choice?
Inlays and onlays are typically recommended when a tooth has moderate decay or damage that is too extensive for a standard filling, but not severe enough to warrant a full crown. They are also an excellent option for replacing old, failing fillings – particularly large amalgam fillings – where the surrounding tooth structure is still in good condition.
Because they are made to fit precisely and bonded firmly in place, inlays and onlays tend to be very strong and durable. They are particularly well-suited to back teeth, where biting forces are at their greatest.
They also preserve more of the natural tooth than a crown would, since only the damaged portion is replaced rather than the entire tooth being covered. For patients who want a conservative approach to restorative treatment, this can be an important benefit.
What Does the Treatment Involve?
Having a dental inlay or onlay fitted typically requires two appointments. At the first visit, your dentist will remove any decay and prepare the tooth, taking a detailed impression that is sent to our dental laboratory. A temporary restoration protects the tooth in the meantime.
At the second appointment, the temporary is removed and the finished inlay or onlay is checked carefully for fit and colour match before being permanently bonded to the tooth. The result is a seamless, natural-looking restoration that functions just like your own tooth.
At Love-Teeth we also offer CEREC same-day crown technology for certain restorations, which allows us to create ceramic restorations in-house and fit them in a single visit. Our team can advise whether this approach suits your situation during a consultation.
Caring for Your Restoration and Our Membership Plan
With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, a dental inlay or onlay can last for many years. Brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and keeping up with your hygiene appointments all help to extend the life of your restoration.
As an Adults Plan member at Love-Teeth, you benefit from check-ups, hygiene visits, X-rays, and a 20% discount on treatment costs – including restorative work. The Adults Plan starts from just £12.75 per month and is administered by DPAS Limited. Children of Adults Plan members also receive two free dental health exams per year.
If you have a damaged or heavily filled tooth and want to explore your options, our friendly team in Prestwich would love to help. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation – a relaxed chat about what is best for your smile, with no commitment required. Rated 4.9 stars by our patients, we are here to support your oral health every step of the way.
Book your free consultation today at https://loveteethdp.co.uk/contact/