Inlays

The procedure

On your first appointment we will take an impression once we have completed preparing the cavity and send it to the dental laboratory where they will get underway with making your restoration. Usually the lab only needs the maximum of 10 days to make your inlay or onlay. In the meantime, we will place a temporary filling.

On your second appointment we will fix the inlay or onlay in place with a strong dental cement and check that the margins of the restorations fit perfectly against the tooth surface.

We will give you details of how to clean and maintain your new restoration on this appointment.

How long do Inlays and Onlays last?

• The teeth in which an Inlay or Onlay is placed on is a big deciding factor to their success.
• There is also an indication as to a patient’s oral hygiene and how well they care for their restorations.
• Having a hard biting position or forceful chewing may cause the inlay to de-cement

The benefits of Inlay and Onlays

• Useful in the treatment of tooth decay
• Getting rid of sensitivity
• The ability to choose natural coloured (porcelain/resin) restorations for a natural look
• Gold inlays/onlays will not change in shape
• Inlays and onlays can strengthen the tooth by up to 75%

        What is an Inlay/ Onlay?

The image above shows an Inlay (the smaller cross shaped restoration) and the Onlay, the larger restoration covering more of the tooth's surface, both in tooth coloured material to blend in with the natural smile. 

• The main advantage of both the Inlay and the Onlay is that is can preserve natural tooth, which is less risk to the nerve inside your tooth

The image below shows the Inlay/Onlay in a metal material

An Inlay or Onlay can be made from either Tooth coloured composite, Porcelain or Metal material. Each material has their advantages and disadvantages so your dentist will recommend the right material for the specific tooth in question and they will also take into consideration the way you will bite on this new restoration. 

Inlays and Onlays are considered as a type of filling restoration, but rather than it being placed in one appointment at the dental practice, your inlay or onlay is specially made at the laboratory. Inlays are used to cover a small biting area of the tooth whereas an onlay is used to cover a large surface of the tooth.

The materials used in the restoration can differ from either Composite, porcelain or gold although porcelain is becoming the more attractive option as it is tooth coloured. An advantage of the gold onlay is that it does not tarnish and also boasts great strength. The laboratory we use has the ability to design your restoration with high attention to detail so that it fits perfectly and blends into your dentition.

We always work closely with you when aesthetics are of high indication and you are involved with the shade-taking part of the procedure. 

This type of restoration is usually used in the premolar and molar area of the mouth.