Dental Inlays & Onlays | Oxfordshire & Hampshire
Have you suffered from tooth decay or trauma to your teeth? then, you may be able to have an inlay or onlay fitted to improve the appearance of your smile, as well as to create a stronger tooth.
In the modern age of adhesive dentistry, we can offer great-looking inlays and onlays that serve to protect the teeth whilst preserving a more intact tooth structure. Inlays and onlays are most commonly made from either a toughened white filling material or more commonly, porcelain in the laboratory and cemented/bonded onto the tooth.
What Are Inlays & Onlays?
Inlays are often described as large fillings. They’re used to fill in the gaps between your teeth, or, the ‘cusps’ as they’re often referred to.
Onlays are larger than dental inlays and can be used to cover more than one cusp. They’re sometimes referred to as a partial crown.
Unlike dental crowns, a dental inlay and onlay do not cover the entirety of a tooth, both serve the same purpose, which is to repair damage or decay at the top of the tooth – the chewing surface. Inlays and onlays can also be used as replacement alternatives for metal fillings.
What Are They made From?
Similar to fillings, inlays and onlays can be made from porcelain or composite resin to blend naturally with the rest of your teeth, or If aesthetics are not an issue, gold is an alternative choice.
Both materials are durable and hard-wearing, so it depends on whether you want a tooth-coloured or gold. Gold inlays and onlays are thought to have better longevity, however with the technology today porcelain inlays and onlays offer a similar result.
What Are The Benefits Of Inlays & Onlays?
- Dental inlays and onlays provide additional strength and support for your affected tooth, allowing your tooth to withstand more chewing pressure.
- Dental inlays and onlays can last longer than fillings with proper care.
- With dental inlays and onlays, less enamel is removed and more of your natural tooth is preserved.
- Dental inlays and onlays are designed to blend with your natural tooth colour/shade.
- Dental inlays and onlays can often be completed in just one appointment.
- Dental inlays and onlays can be used to restore a failed dental filling.
What IS The Procedure?
Whether you have an inlay or onlay, it will take two visits to complete the treatment. During the first visit, we will clean out the area of decay and take an impression of the tooth. We will then use a temporary filling to protect the cavity until your next appointment. The impression will be sent off to the dental laboratory to create a bespoke porcelain or gold cap. During your second visit, the temporary filling is removed and the inlay or onlay is fitted with dental cement.
Is There Any Aftercare Required?
You’ll need to look after your inlays or onlays just like you would your regular teeth. So by brushing twice daily, flossing once a day, and maintaining regular checks with your dentist and hygienist. Your dentist may also advise you to avoid certain foods when your temporary filling is in place so as not to dislodge it before your permanent prosthetic arrives.
What Do Inlays & Onlays Cost?
The cost of your Inlay or Onlay will depend on the type of filling material you opt for, and the tooth or teeth to be repaired. The price of your treatment will be explained to you during your initial appointment and you can also find information on this on our Fee Guide page.
Inlay & Onlay Appointment
If your teeth are broken, fractured, decayed or have chips, cracks, or discolouration or you have other concerns about the way your teeth look, schedule an appointment at any of our clinics in Benson or Kingsclere. We would be more than happy to carry out a check-up of your teeth to assess whether Inlays or Onlays would be appropriate for you.