How do these restorations protect the tooth? Inlays and onlays are incredibly strong – due to the fact that they are made from high quality porcelain and are skilfully fabricated by our specialist dental technician.

By protecting the tooth from fracturing, inlays and onlays actually strengthen the tooth. Inlays and onlays fit perfectly into the prepared surface of the tooth, helping to keep decay from reoccurring under the restoration.

Inlays and onlays are dental restorations used to repair teeth that are too damaged for a filling but do not require a full crown. An inlay fits within the grooves of a tooth, while an onlay covers one or more of the cusps. They are usually made from materials such as porcelain, ceramic, or composite resin and are bonded securely to the tooth surface.

Because they are fabricated outside the mouth and then fitted, inlays and onlays can provide a strong and precise restoration. However, like all dental work, they are not permanent and may eventually require replacement due to wear, fracture, or changes in the surrounding tooth structure.

• Possible risks include tooth sensitivity, particularly if a large area of enamel or dentine has been affected.
• In some cases, teeth that require inlays or onlays may already be weakened, and further treatment such as root canal therapy may be needed in the future.
• As with all bonded restorations, there is a risk of dislodgement or fracture under heavy biting forces.

Treatment usually involves two visits: one to prepare the tooth and take impressions, and another to fit the restoration. Most patients return to daily activities quickly, though some may experience mild discomfort or sensitivity that settles over time. Good oral hygiene and regular dental reviews are important to help prolong the life of inlays and onlays. Additional maintenance costs may apply.

Made from porcelain, inlays and onlays match the colour and shade of your teeth—which means your inlays and onlays will seamlessly match the rest of your teeth and they should feel like normal teeth too.

Before the restoration can be applied the tooth needs to be prepared. Dental decay and damaged parts of the tooth are removed and the inlay or onlay will be designed and moulded to fit the prepared area.

At justSMILE in Ramsgate we use the latest technique and technologies dentistry has to offer. One of these pieces of technology is the E4D system. The E4D system enables the dentist at justSMILE to design and create porcelain restorations in just one appointment. That means no messy moulding material and no annoying temporary restorations.