Decayed or chipped teeth can often be repaired with fillings, however if the damage is too
substantial, particularly on the back teeth, then an inlay or onlay may be recommended. Inlays or
onlays can be made from a number of strong materials such as metals or ceramics.
An inlay is a small filling that fits into the biting surface of a tooth. An onlay covers a larger
area of the tooth and is better suited to bigger cavities. Gold was traditionally used for these
types of restorations. However, in recent times hard-wearing tooth-coloured porcelain has become a
more popular choice of material. This is a more aesthetic way to restore the teeth and creates a
more natural-looking smile.
Here is how they work:
After an impression is made of your tooth, the inlay or onlay will be made in a dental
laboratory by a technician.
While these are being made, you will wear a temporary inlay/onlay. When your lab-made inlay or
onlay is ready we will bond it into place using a special adhesive, after removing the
temporary.
