Dental Inlays and Onlays

If one of your back teeth is too broken or fragile to support a filling, your Dentist at Gloucester Street Dental may recommend an Inlay or Onlay as a treatment option.

Inlays and Onlays are stronger than standard fillings, and require less shaping of healthy tooth structure compared to placing crowns.

What are Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays and Onlays are types of restorations that are custom-made by a Dental Laboratory, after the teeth have been prepared by a Dentist. Inlays are usually used where the cavity is on the biting surface of the tooth; Onlays are used to cover larger surfaces where the cusps or edges of the teeth need to be protected.

What materials are Inlays and Onlays made from?

Inlays and Onlays were traditionally cast using metal alloys of gold- or silver-coloured metals; nowadays modern materials such as composites, porcelain, and ceramics can be used by the Dental Laboratory to produce very natural-looking restorations.

How are Inlays and Onlays applied?

Inlays and Onlays usually require two visits to Gloucester Street Dental. After gently numbing the tooth with local anaesthetic, your Dentist will remove any decay or old filling and carefully prepare the tooth. An impression of the tooth is taken with a putty material; the opposing teeth are also recorded, along with the way the teeth bite together. If a tooth-coloured material is being used then we select a shade to match your teeth. This information is sent to one of our preferred Dental Laboratories, where your restoration will be created. A soft temporary filling will be placed in your tooth to protect it until the next visit.

When the new Inlay or Onlay returns, we will arrange the fitting visit. Your dentist will carefully remove the temporary restoration, and check the fitting of the Inlay/Onlay. We ensure an accurate fit onto the tooth, and check that your bite is even. Minor adjustments can be made if necessary. Once we are happy that all fits well, and you are happy with the appearance, the Inlay/Onlay will be bonded to your tooth with a strong dental adhesive.

For more information regarding this treatment