Inlays and Onlays

At Islington Smiles, our comprehensive range of restoration options includes inlays and onlays to help get you smiling again.

What are inlays and onlays?

Inlays and onlays are used in a similar fashion to either a filling or a crown to repair and restore a tooth that has become damaged in some way. This damage is often a result of advanced decay but can also be caused by injury or trauma to the face. They are most often used in situations where a filling or crown would not be suitable or would not suffice.

What is an inlay?

And inlay works in a similar way to a filling and is designed to fill a hole or cavity in a tooth. They are often used on teeth that are larger, such as those towards the back of the mouth, or where a simple filling has previously failed.

What is an onlay?

Onlays are designed to work in a similar way to a crown. They are used to repair damage done to the cusp of the tooth – i.e. the part of the tooth that is most visible. They are a more minimally invasive option than a crown, however, and require significantly less of the natural tooth to be removed during application. This can make them a more attractive and suitable option in some situations, especially at our preventive care focused practice.

What are they made of?

Both inlays and onlays can be made of a variety of materials, including gold, ceramic, porcelain, and composite resin. Composite resin has become increasingly popular in recent years as it is strong and durable as well as being natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing.