Inlays and onlays to repair damaged teeth
Inlays and Onlays
A strong, custom-made repair for back teeth with damage too big for a filling, but not enough to need a crown.
Inlays and onlays at Outwood Dental Care
When a cavity or crack is too big for a filling but your tooth doesn't need a full crown, an inlay or onlay is the gentler option. Our dentists always aim to keep as muchhealthy tooth as possible, and inlays and onlays only replace the part of the tooth that's damaged.
We design inlays and onlays from a digital scan taken with our 3Shape intraoral scanner, so the fit is precise, and there's no need for uncomfortable impressions.
What are inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations that fit into or over the damaged part of a back tooth, a bit like a jigsaw piece. An inlay fits inside the grooves between the cusps (the raised points on the biting surface of your tooth). An onlay covers one or more of the cusps too, which is why it's sometimes called a partial crown. Unlike a filling, which your dentist shapes in your mouth, a dental laboratory makes inlays and onlays to fit, and your dentist then bonds them in place.
How much do inlays and onlays cost?
The cost of inlays and onlays can change depending on which tooth needs to be treated, and whether you're having an inlay or an onlay. You can view up-to-date pricing guidelines on our pricing page, and we'll also give you a clear quote at your consultation, so you know what to expect before going ahead with your treatment.
Inlays and onlays at Outwood Dental Care
Your consultation
We'll examine the tooth, take an x-ray if needed and explain whether a filling, an inlay or onlay, or a crown suits it best.
Preparing your tooth
Your dentist removes the decay, gently shapes the tooth, and takes a digital scan. You'll wear a temporary covering while the dental laboratory makes your inlay or onlay.
Fitting your restoration
At your second appointment, we check the fit of your inlay or onlay, then bond it in place. You'll leave with clear aftercare advice.
Your consultation
We'll examine the tooth, take an x-ray if needed and explain whether a filling, an inlay or onlay, or a crown suits it best.
Preparing your tooth
Your dentist removes the decay, gently shapes the tooth, and takes a digital scan. You'll wear a temporary covering while the dental laboratory makes your inlay or onlay.
Fitting your restoration
At your second appointment, we check the fit of your inlay or onlay, then bond it in place. You'll leave with clear aftercare advice.
Do I need an inlay or onlay?
You might need an inlay or onlay if a back tooth has a large cavity, a cracked or broken cusp, or an old filling that's starting to fail.
Your dentist will often spot the need for an inlay or onlay at a routine dental check-up, before it causes pain.If the damage is small, a filling may be all you need. If there's too much damage for an onlay, your dentist may recommend a dental crown instead.
Why we might recommend an inlay or onlay
Keeps more natural tooth
Less of your tooth needs shaping than for a crown.
Made to fit
Designed from a digital scan of your tooth and made in a laboratory for a close fit.
Strong and durable
Built to stand up to everyday chewing on your back teeth.
Protects the tooth
Holds a weakened tooth together and seals out bacteria.
Keeps more natural tooth
Less of your tooth needs shaping than for a crown.
Made to fit
Designed from a digital scan of your tooth and made in a laboratory for a close fit.
Strong and durable
Built to stand up to everyday chewing on your back teeth.
Protects the tooth
Holds a weakened tooth together and seals out bacteria.
Inlays and onlays from a longstanding Wakefield team
Our longstanding team of dentists has been looking after families across Wakefield since 1986.
Christine Gratton, our former principal dentist with over 30 years' experience, still practises here, and dentist Jamaal Sheikh is well known for taking a conservative, minimally invasive approach to ceramic restorations.
Our 3Shape intraoral scanner means you'll get a more comfortable appointment, without the need for any impression putty, and your dentist is able to get an accurate digital record of your tooth.
Meet the Outwood Dental Care team
Repair your tooth with an inlay or onlay
If you've got a large cavity, a cracked tooth or a filling that's seen better days, an inlay or onlay could be the answer.
Book online or call our reception team on 01924 827 854, and we'll arrange a consultation for you.
