Repair damaged teeth with dental inlays and onlays
Inlays and onlays
Custom ceramic inlays and onlays preserve more of your natural tooth than a crown while lasting longer than ordinary fillings.
Inlays and onlays at Pontesbury Dental Practice
When a tooth's too damaged for a standard filling but doesn't quite need a full crown, an inlay or onlay offers the perfect middle ground. These precise restorations are custom-made in a laboratory from digital scans we take right here at the practice, giving you a durable, natural-looking repair that protects what's left of your healthy tooth structure.
What are dental inlays and onlays?
A dental inlay repairs damage that sits within the cusps of your tooth, similar to a filling but made from hard-wearing ceramic in a laboratory.A dental onlay extends over one or more of the tooth's raised points, covering a larger area.
Both are more durable than composite fillings and preserve more natural tooth structure than a crown, which covers the entire visible surface. We use high-quality eMax ceramic to create inlays and onlays that blend beautifully with your natural teeth and stand up to daily use, so you can get back to enjoying your favourite foods with confidence.
How much do inlays and onlays cost?
The cost of your inlay or onlay will depend on the size of the restoration and the material we use. During your consultation, we'll explain exactly what's involved and provide a written treatment plan with clear pricing you can take away with you.
What does getting an inlay or onlay at Pontesbury include?
Your consultation
We'll examine your tooth and talk through your options together. Whether an inlay, onlay, filling, or crown ends up being right for you depends on how much healthy tooth structure you have left.
Preparing the tooth
We'll gently remove the damaged material and shape your tooth to receive the restoration. We’ll take a digital scan of your tooth and send it to our lab where technicians will craft your permanent inlay or onlay.to send to the lab.
Fitting your restoration
At your second appointment, we'll bond your custom inlay or onlay securely in place. We'll check the fit and your bite carefully, then share aftercare advice to help your restoration last for years to come.
Your consultation
We'll examine your tooth and talk through your options together. Whether an inlay, onlay, filling, or crown ends up being right for you depends on how much healthy tooth structure you have left.
Preparing the tooth
We'll gently remove the damaged material and shape your tooth to receive the restoration. We’ll take a digital scan of your tooth and send it to our lab where technicians will craft your permanent inlay or onlay.to send to the lab.
Fitting your restoration
At your second appointment, we'll bond your custom inlay or onlay securely in place. We'll check the fit and your bite carefully, then share aftercare advice to help your restoration last for years to come.
Do I need an inlay or onlay?
Your dentist will usually spot the need for an inlay or onlay during a routine check-up. You might notice a large old filling that's cracked or wearing thin, some sensitivity when you bite down, or a tooth that feels sharp or uncomfortable.
An inlay or onlay becomes necessary when decay or damage is too extensive for a simple filling to hold securely, but your tooth still has enough healthy structure that a full crown isn't needed. Attending regular check-ups means we can keep an eye on things and plan restorative treatment before small problems turn into bigger ones.
Why choose an inlay or onlay?
More durable than fillings
Custom-made and bonded securely in place, inlays and onlays are stronger and longer-lasting than a conventional filling.
Minimally invasive
We only remove the damaged material, so more of your natural tooth structure stays intact compared with a crown.
Precise fit
Laboratory-made from a digital scan for an exact, comfortable fit.
Natural-looking
Made from tooth-coloured ceramic that blends beautifully with your surrounding teeth.
More durable than fillings
Custom-made and bonded securely in place, inlays and onlays are stronger and longer-lasting than a conventional filling.
Minimally invasive
We only remove the damaged material, so more of your natural tooth structure stays intact compared with a crown.
Precise fit
Laboratory-made from a digital scan for an exact, comfortable fit.
Natural-looking
Made from tooth-coloured ceramic that blends beautifully with your surrounding teeth.
Restorative care you can trust right here in Pontesbury
Our experienced dental team has been caring for local families and communities across Shropshire for over 20 years.
Marius Ilea leads our restorative work, with advanced training in complex treatments and smile makeovers. We use modern digital scanning technology to create precise, comfortable tooth restorations without the need for traditional impressions, and we work with trusted laboratories to deliver results that look natural and last.
Book your inlay or onlay consultation
Getting started is easy, just give our friendly team a call or pop into the practice to arrange a consultation. We'll take the time to talk through your options and create a treatment plan that works for you, whether you're dealing with a damaged tooth or it's simply been a while since your last visit.