Dental inlays and onlays
With results that are virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth, dental inlays and onlays are a way to restore teeth that are too badly decayed or chipped for fillings.
Most commonly used for the back teeth of your mouth, they are durable, strong and considered a more conservative option to a dental crown. Inlays and onlays strengthen the tooth structure and are custom-made to fit exactly into your tooth cavity and are bonded into place, making them strong and hard wearing.
Inlays are bonded within the centre of the tooth, within the cusps (the raised points on your teeth) or rounded edges of your tooth. Onlays are like inlays, but they are used when the damage to your teeth covers one or more than one cusp or covers the entire chewing surface of your tooth.
Dental inlays and onlays
at mansion house
- Strong and long-lasting
- Natural-looking results
- Protection against recurring tooth decay
Inlays and onlays at a glance
<highlight-peru>Inlays and or onlays are sometimes used instead of fillings to repair damaged teeth.<highlight-peru>
Fillings are soft to begin with and are moulded in the tooth which has been shaped to take and hold the filling.
Inlays and onlays are made outside the mouth, usually in a dental laboratory, and then glued to the tooth in the surgery. An inlay sits in a hole in the tooth. An onlay sits on the tooth and builds up its shape. Inlays and onlays can be made in tooth-coloured porcelain, gold or a white filling material called composite.
Different materials are suitable for different parts of the mouth and different parts of the teeth. Inlays and onlays are strong and can last longer than fillings. They are especially suitable for the chewing surfaces of back teeth and for large repairs to front teeth, where it can be difficult to make a white filling look natural, as your City of London dentist can match the colour to your other teeth.
Reviews that make us smile
At Mansion House, we aim to provide the highest standard of dental care in a friendly, modern, comfortable and conveniently located environment. Because patient satisfaction means everything to us.
Went in to see Dr Qasim Abbasi to discuss some issues I've had over the years. Extremely thorough, professional and descriptive in his explanation and the best way to move forward. Highly appreciate the time that was taken during the assessment and discussion. Easily the best experience I've had at the dentist. I'm confident in the treatment provided since and the team as a whole are lovely to interact with. Great place to go if you're looking for a dentist in the City!
Your Dental inlays and onlays questions answered
After an initial consultation with you to discuss your options, the process of placing inlays or onlays is usually spread over two appointments. On the first appointment your dentist will remove any old filling material, decay or damaged tooth, before making an impression for the dental laboratory to build either an inlay or onlay. A temporary filling will be used to protect the tooth until your next appointment. On your second appointment the temporary filling will be removed and either an inlay or onlay will be glued in place.
You should brush and floss daily and visit your dentist here in London for routine appointments, to ensure your restoration is strong and secure. Should your inlay or onlay become loose, painful, crack, or fall out completely, contact us as soon as possible to schedule a visit.
Your dentist will colour the porcelain so that it matches your natural tooth colour. Porcelain doesn’t discolour like natural teeth, so you will need to maintain good oral hygiene to ensure your teeth and the inlay or onlay continue to match. There is also no visible seam where the onlay or inlay meets your natural tooth surface, so with proper care, inlays and onlays should provide a completely invisible repair.
