We begin your treatment by removing all signs of decay or old fillings before carefully cleaning your tooth.
We take precise digital impressions of your tooth, which are used to ensure your inlay or onlay is custom-made with a seamless fit. We place a temporary restoration to protect your tooth while your restoration is being created.
When your inlay or onlay is ready, we check it for fit and comfort before removing the temporary cover and bonding it permanently into place using strong dental adhesive.
Inlays and onlays are typically made from hardwearing and tooth-coloured porcelain or composite resin, giving a strong and natural finish. If aesthetics are not an issue, particularly for back teeth, gold can also be used to provide a highly durable restoration.
Inlays and onlays are very stable, built to withstand strong chewing forces, and generally regarded as long-term solutions for restoring teeth. With good daily oral hygiene and regular check-ups, they generally last between 10-15 years, similar to a dental crown.
Look after your inlay or onlay just as you would care for your natural teeth. Brush twice daily and floss carefully around the restoration. As the inlay or onlay is tailored to fit your tooth, they can be easier to keep clean and clear of plaque.
Avoid biting into hard or sticky foods for the first couple of days after your inlay or onlay is fitted, to ensure it has completely set and hardened into place. After this initial healing period, you can return to eating all your favourite foods as normal.
