Inlays + Onlays

Inlays and Onlays Berkshire

Restore cracked or damaged teeth

Inlays and onlays are restorations that are made to rear teeth that have a mild to moderate amount of decay. They can also be used to restore teeth that are cracked or fractured if the damage is not severe enough to require a dental crown. Because they can be created from tooth-coloured materials, inlays and onlays are often used to replace metal fillings for patients who desire a more natural looking smile.

Before Inlays & Onlays
After Inlays & Onlays

The restoration process

Inlays and onlays are made of composite resin material, porcelain, or gold by a dental laboratory. Once completed, your dentist will glue them to your tooth. An inlay sits in a hole inside the tooth and an onlay sits on top of the tooth to build up its shape. Their use helps to conserve much of the natural tooth structure.

Benefits of dental Inlays and Onlays

In treating dental decay, inlays and onlays help to eliminate tooth sensitivity and eventual tooth loss. The following benefits may be achieved:

  • Made from tooth-coloured material,
    inlays and onlays are virtually invisible.
  • They will not expand or contract
    like metal fillings, in response to temperature changes caused by hot or cold foods diminishing the possibility of fracture.
  • Less tooth reduction
    than metal fillings allowing you to conserve more natural tooth structure
  • The durable material
    from which inlays and onlays are made helps them last up to 30 years, much longer than that of conventional amalgam fillings.
  • Healthier, more natural-looking smile,
    inlays and onlays can replace silver, amalgam fillings.
  • Saving decayed teeth,
    inlays and onlays can prevent the need for more extensive treatment later on.

What is an Inlay?

Made of a composite resin, porcelain or gold, an inlay sits in a hole inside the tooth to fill a cavity, leaving a healthy, natural looking tooth.

What is an Onlay?

Also made of a composite resin, porcelain or gold, an onlay sits on top of the tooth to build up it’s shape.

To find out more, call our friendly reception team at your local practice.

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