Inlays and Onlays

Dental inlays and onlays provide support and protection for decayed or damaged back teeth. They can be used to resolve tooth sensitivity or to replace old amalgam (silver) fillings.

An inlay is bonded into place within the cusp tips of a tooth, like a filling. An onlay is instead bonded over the cusps of a tooth for added protection.

Inlays and onlays are typically made from dental grade resin, porcelain or gold. The first two materials are more popular as they can be colour-matched to existing teeth, making the required treatment almost invisible.

Benefits of inlays and onlays

The main benefit of these restorative fittings is to strengthen a damaged tooth, returning it to functionality. Additional benefits include:

• Protecting fractured or cracked teeth
• Once in place, an inlay or onlay can reduce tooth sensitivity
• The inlay or onlay will be colour-matched to your existing teeth making them virtually invisible.
• The use of an inlay or onlay results in more of the existing tooth remaining in place

If you would like to change your silver fillings into more aesthetically pleasing inlays or onlays, please call Horton Dental Practice on 020 8391 9222 or click here to contact us.