Inlays and Onlays

At Witney Smile Clinic, we can use inlays and onlays to help restore and strengthen damaged teeth.

What is an inlay?

An inlay functions similarly to a filling and is used to fill the centre of a tooth that may have suffered damage from decay, injury, or trauma. Inlays not only repair the tooth from this initial damage, but they can help prevent additional damage by reinforcing the tooth and minimising any sensitivity.

What are inlays made with?

Inlays are typically made with a composite insert that can often be applied in a single appointment.

What is an onlay?

Unlike an inlay that repairs and restores the inside of a tooth, an onlay is used to repair the outside of a tooth, commonly called the ‘cusp’, which is the most visible portion of the tooth. It will be designed and fabricated to recreate the natural tooth shape and bonded to the exterior surface. This helps reinforce the existing tooth while restoring it to complete function.

Onlays are made at a specialist dental laboratory, and therefore typically require two appointments to be completed.

Will anyone be able to notice my inlay or onlay?

Inlays and onlays are both designed to be discreet and natural-looking, blending in with the rest of your teeth so they should not be noticeable.