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Inlays-and-onlays

Also called indirect fillings, dental inlays and onlays are long-lasting dental restorations that are used to remedy tooth decay or similar problems, and in turn, leave the tooth more robust and healthier. This restoration is used for both functional and aesthetic purposes.

What are dental inlays and onlays used for?

There are many reasons for the use of inlays and onlays in dentistry. But primarily, they are used for:

  • The repair of a damaged or broken tooth
  • Fractured or large fillings
  • Repair of decayed tooth
  • Improvement of cosmetic appearance

Benefits of using inlays and Onlays

  • Long-lasting tooth colour: the colour of inlays and onlays do not fade off over time as other fillings. Hence they offer a long-lasting aesthetic solution.
  • Protection of the tooth structure: they protect the healthy part of the tooth structure while handling the decayed portion of the tooth.
  • Filling tight spaces: composites are not very suitable for filling cavities in between teeth. Hence, inlays are essential. They are long-lasting and easy to clean; therefore, they prevent the build-up of bacteria.
  • Easy cleaning of teeth: minimum preparation is required, and it can cover a tooth. The cleaning of this tooth is straightforward compared to other dental restorations like dental crowns. Composites shrink over time; this is not the same with inlays and onlays.
  • Stability and strength: they restore decayed tooth, and the material used for them is superb and will offer the desired strength.
  • Protection of weak tooth: tooth decay and damage cause some parts of the teeth to become weak, and inlays and onlays strengthen them. However, it is worthy of noting that this method is not used for a total reshaping of the teeth.

Procedure for getting inlays and onlays

It takes only two visits to finish up with the inlays and onlays procedure. Of course, you should book an appointment, and during the first, the dentist will prepare the tooth to be restored and take impressions. Your dentist will then send these impressions to the laboratory where the restoration will be expertly crafted. Depending on the demand, the material used for preparing this restoration may be gold, resin, or porcelain.

Your inlay and onlay expert will help you decide the most suitable material for you. If you do not have much concern with the aesthetics, you can go for gold. The porcelain works well for the aesthetic and is mostly used for the ‘smile line’. Those that grind their teeth or have malocclusion problems will benefit significantly from the resin material.

When you go for the second visit, the dentist will take away the temporary material from the teeth and replace it with the prepared material. Since this restoration is a stable one, it has to fit in perfectly. Your dentist will then evaluate your teeth for occlusion-related problems that may affect the margins of your restoration. If there is none, or the present one is managed, the dentist will perfect the fitting of the restoration and polish and smoothen the margins.

You can contact us for your inlays and onlays by calling 020 8654 1580 We will offer you specialised inlay and onlay services.

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