Dental Inlays and Onlays in Croydon
For your cavities need a makeover too!
Dental Inlays and Onlays—an Overview
Do you have a large tooth cavity that is sensitive but not painful yet? Do your tooth fillings keep breaking? Do you have worn-out tooth surfaces? Not all cases need a dental crown or an extensive white filling. Sometimes, a perfectly balanced solution lies in between—and that’s where dental inlays and onlays in Croydon come in. They combine the comforts of multiple restorative dental treatments—the aesthetics of and durability of ceramic crowns—and preserve the natural tooth structure, like in tooth bonding.
What Are Dental Inlays and Onlays?
Dental inlay and onlay restorations are customised tooth fillings designed to repair damages to the chewing surfaces of teeth. Made from durable, tooth-coloured materials like porcelain, ceramic, gold or dental composites, these fillings blend seamlessly with your natural teeth and do not need expensive shaping of the natural healthy tooth structures.
Inlays and onlays bridge the gap between traditional fillings and crowns, offering a minimally invasive yet highly effective alternative for damaged teeth.
The difference between inlays and onlays lies in the extent to which they repair the tooth:
- Inlays: These lab-manufactured fillings neatly into the grooves of your tooth and restore large, deep cavities.
- Onlays: Unlike inlays, onlays extend beyond the grooves, covering one or more cusps (the raised edges) of the tooth and extensively repairing damaged teeth.
Do You Need Dental Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are ideal when:
- A tooth has extensive decay or damage but doesn’t need a full crown.
- A traditional filling won’t provide enough strength or durability.
- Cracks or fractures on biting surfaces of teeth that threaten the tooth’s integrity.
- Old, failing fillings that need to be replaced with a more robust solution.
- Those who want to preserve as much of their natural tooth structure as possible.
Types of Dental Inlays and Onlays
At Smile 4 U, we offer different types of inlay and onlay restorations:
- Porcelain or Ceramic: Inlays and onlays for front teeth are typically made of ceramic due to their natural, enamel-like appearance.
- Composite Resin: This is a cost-effective, tooth-coloured option suitable for minor damages or as temporary restorations for the biting surfaces of the teeth.
- Gold: These are durable inlays and onlays and are ideal for molars, offering unmatched strength and longevity.
We regularly provide dental inlays and onlays to patients from Croydon, Addiscombe, Shirley, West Wickham, Thornton Heath, and Addington.
Benefits of Dental Inlays and Onlays
Natural appearance
They are custom-designed to match the colour and shape of your teeth, blending seamlessly into your smile.
Improves the ability to chew comfortably
Inlays and onlays let you enjoy meals and chew tough and fibrous foods more effortlessly.
Durability
These restorations are stronger than traditional fillings and can withstand years of wear and tear like dental crowns.
Preserves the natural tooth structure
They do not need extensive shaping of teeth; conserve more natural tooth structure than crowns.
Precision fit
Crafted using accurate impressions or advanced digital scans, inlays and onlays fit perfectly for maximum comfort.
Easy maintenance
Care for inlays and onlays like your natural teeth with regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups.
What Our Patients Say
Frequently Asked
Questions
Find the answers to the most commonly asked questions regarding the treatment below:
Are inlays and onlays painful?
Not at all. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia for a painless experience For anxious patients, we also offer sedation options.
Are gold inlays or onlays better than porcelain?
Gold inlays and onlays are exceptionally durable and ideal for back teeth that endure heavy chewing forces. Porcelain, on the other hand, is more natural-looking and often preferred for front teeth.
How do I care for my inlay or onlay?
Caring for inlays and onlays is easy. Brush your teeth twice daily; floss regularly to prevent plaque buildup; and visit your dentist for routine check-ups and cleanings.
The Treatment Process
Every patient’s experience is unique, but this is what you can expect when you start treatment with the Smile 4 U Dental Practice.
Consultation
We first assess your tooth, discuss your treatment expectations and options, and explain the benefits and expected costs for inlays and onlays to prepare a treatment plan.
Treatment
The damaged part of your tooth is gently removed after numbing the gums. Digital scans of the tooth are made to ensure a perfect fit and a temporary filling soon after.
Fixing
Once your inlay or onlay is ready, it is carefully bonded to your tooth using strong dental adhesive; we make necessary adjustments; and address discomforts if any.
Do not let damaged teeth ruin your smile, eating experience, or social life
Contact us at Smile 4 U to learn more about dental inlays and onlays in Croydon.
Book your Consultation Today
You are invited to our dental clinic for a consultation. During the consultation, one of our experienced dentists will carry out a full and comprehensive examination of your smile. Based on the dental treatment you are interested in, we will give you a breakdown of the options available that are tailored to your needs, as well as your budget and timeframe.
