Not to be confused for dental veneers, inlays and onlays are restorative indirect dental treatments that improve the cosmetic appearance of the tooth, as well as the tooth function. Instead of being prepared in the mouth, inlays and onlays are prepared outside the mouth. Custom designed to the shape and size of the tooth cavity, they are created as a single piece and then bonded to the tooth.
Inlays and onlays aren’t applied to teeth in exactly the same way. An inlay is applied within the tooth structure, while an onlay covers the external tooth structure, thereby protecting it.
It’s important to realise that not all teeth are suited to inlays and onlays. They are most often used for molar and premolar teeth, particularly those affected by significant damage and for which a direct treatment, such as a white filling, is unsuitable.
As with veneers, the Chelsea Dental Group team only uses the highest quality materials available for inlays and onlays. Once we understand your teeth and needs, we’ll prescribe a suitable approach for treatment, and depending on your requirements, it may be possible for your inlays and onlays to be prepared and fitted in a single visit.
Inlays and onlays are a cost-effective alternative to fillings because our dentists can preserve more of your natural tooth. Your teeth will also be stronger and will resist hot or cold foods better. They have a more natural look and seamlessly contour to your healthy gums.
When you repair a decayed or damaged tooth with a dental inlay, you restore the chewing surface of your tooth. Not only that, but we can create a customised porcelain inlay, based on an impression of your tooth, that will match the colour of your natural teeth exactly.
A dental restoration that involves the entire biting surface of your teeth is considered an onlay. These structures are also custom made to perfectly fit in your mouth between your other teeth. After a few visits, our dentist can install a permanent onlay and bond and polish it onto your teeth.
Some of the most notable benefits of inlays and onlays are that they require the same regular dental attention as all of your other teeth. They’re easy to clean, natural in colour, true to size and stable amongst other teeth. They also preserve the healthy part of your tooth to provide you with greater dental longevity.
