PORCELAIN DENTAL INLAYS AND ONLAYS IN LONDON
A large filling that keeps failing or a back tooth with a cracked cusp doesn't always need a crown. Dental inlays and onlays rebuild only the damaged part of the tooth with a custom-made porcelain restoration, so you get to keep as much of your natural tooth structure as possible.
At The Oliver Cosmetic Dental Clinic in Mayfair, Dr Joe Oliver, who has 35 years' experience in cosmetic and restorative dentistry, will assess your tooth at your consultation and explain which option suits you best.
WHAT ARE INLAYS AND ONLAYS?
Both inlays and onlays are indirect restorations custom-made in a dental laboratory, rather than shaped directly in the tooth like a standard filling.
- An inlay sits within the grooves of the biting surface, between the cusps (the raised points on a back tooth).
- An onlay does the same job but extends over one or more cusps, covering more of the chewing surface.
They're made from porcelain and bonded to the tooth, matching the colour of your surrounding teeth for a seamless look. We use porcelain for its natural look and stain resistance, but other dental materials exist - gold inlays and metal inlays offer good wear resistance but show when you smile, and composite resin inlays cost less but stain faster.
HOW WE FIT INLAYS AND ONLAYS
After your consultation, the treatment usually takes two appointments, one to two weeks apart.
- Assessment: At your consultation, your dentist examines the tooth and takes X-rays to confirm if an inlay or onlay is suitable.
- Tooth preparation: At your first visit, under local anaesthetic, we remove the old filling or decay and shape the tooth, keeping as much healthy tooth structure as we can. Digital impressions of the prepared tooth go to the dental laboratory, and a temporary filling protects it in the meantime.
- Fitting: At your second visit, we check the fit, colour and bite of your new porcelain inlay or onlay, then bond and polish it so the restored tooth feels and looks natural.
RENOWNED COSMETIC DENTIST DR JOE OLIVER
Dr Joe Oliver (GDC No. 62456) works closely with you from consultation to fitting, bringing 35 years of cosmetic and restorative experience to every case. With inlays and onlays, that experience shows in the fit and how you feel when you bite.
At The Oliver Cosmetic Dental Clinic, you're paying for a restoration that's planned carefully, made to measure and built to last.
HOW MUCH DO INLAYS AND ONLAYS COST COST
Our porcelain inlays and onlays start from £895 per tooth. The final price depends on the size of the restoration and how much missing tooth structure needs rebuilding, which we confirm at your consultation before treatment begins.
It costs more than a filling because it is made individually in a laboratory, but it usually lasts longer.
Learn more about treatment costs on our fees page. You can also spread the cost with our flexible finance options.
IS AN INLAY OR ONLAY BETTER THAN A DENTAL CROWN
The main difference is how much of your tooth is removed. A dental crown gives full coverage, so the tooth has to be reduced on every side to make room. An onlay covers only the damaged area, which makes it a more minimally invasive choice when enough healthy tooth remains.
If a tooth has extensive damage or extensive decay, a crown will usually protect it better. A back tooth that has had root canal treatment also needs its cusps protected with an onlay or a crown, depending on the remaining tooth structure.
HOW LONG DO INLAYS AND ONLAYS LAST?
With proper care, porcelain inlays and onlays typically last 10 to 15 years or more.
Good oral hygiene matters when it comes to the longevity of dental restorations. You need to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth daily and attend regular visits with our dental hygienist. If you grind your teeth, a night guard will help to protect the porcelain from heavy chewing forces.
WHO ARE INLAYS AND ONLAYS SUITABLE FOR
You may be suitable for an inlay or onlay dental restoration if you have:
- An old filling that has cracked, leaked or worn down
- Decayed teeth or larger cavities that need more support than filling material can give
- A cracked or chipped cusp on a back tooth
Any active decay or gum disease is treated before we restore damaged teeth. For small chips on front teeth, composite bonding is often the simpler option.
BOOK INLAY AND ONLAY TREATMENT WITH OUR DENTISTS
Not sure which treatment you need? Book a consultation at our cosmetic dental practice in London, or call us on 020 7770 6441 and we'll talk you through your options.
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