Porcelain inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations used to repair teeth that have been damaged by decay or wear, particularly on the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. They offer a more durable and natural-looking alternative to standard fillings, preserving more of your healthy tooth structure in the process.
At Toothcare Dental in Medway, Kent, we offer beautifully crafted, tooth-coloured inlays and onlays made from high-quality porcelain for a strong, discreet, and long-lasting solution.
Preserve natural tooth structure
Inlays and onlays repair damaged teeth while conserving more of the natural tooth compared to full crowns.
Strong and durable restoration
Made from high-quality materials, inlays and onlays provide long-lasting strength and resistance to wear.
Natural-looking finish
Colour-matched to your teeth, inlays and onlays blend seamlessly for a discreet, natural appearance.
Restore tooth function
These restorations rebuild the tooth’s shape, allowing you to bite and chew comfortably and confidently.
Protect weakened teeth
By covering and reinforcing damaged areas, inlays and onlays help prevent further decay or fracture.
Precise, custom-made fit
Crafted to fit your tooth exactly, inlays and onlays offer excellent comfort, stability, and long-term performance.
What’s the Difference Between Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays are fitted into the grooves of the tooth and lie within the cusps (the raised parts of the chewing surface). They are ideal when the damage is contained in the centre of the tooth.
Onlays extend over one or more cusps of the tooth. They are used when the damage is more extensive and provide extra support, often referred to as a partial crown.
Both options are bonded securely to the tooth and are custom-designed to blend seamlessly with your natural enamel.
Why Choose Porcelain Inlays or Onlays?
Inlay and onlay porcelain restorations are particularly suitable when a tooth is too damaged for a filling but doesn’t require a full crown.
What to Expect – The Inlay/Onlay Procedure
First Visit:
Second Visit:
With good care, porcelain inlays and onlays can last 10 to 15 years or more.
A filling is placed directly into the tooth and shaped in the mouth, while inlays and onlays are created outside the mouth and then bonded to the tooth. Inlays fit within the tooth’s surface; onlays extend over one or more cusps.
They can last between 10 to 15 years or more with proper oral hygiene and regular check-ups. Porcelain is a durable material resistant to staining and wear.
The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, so you won’t feel pain during treatment. Some mild sensitivity is normal after the first appointment but usually settles quickly.
It depends on the level of damage. Inlays and onlays are less invasive and preserve more of the natural tooth. Crowns are typically used when the tooth is more severely compromised.
These restorations are primarily designed for your back teeth due to their strength and chewing function. Veneers or other cosmetic options are usually more suitable for front teeth.
The Toothcare Dental practice is located in Wigmore, Gillingham which means we are easily accessible from the Medway towns including Chatham, Rainham, Strood and Rochester.
We value every patient’s experience and take pride in the trust they place in our care. Their feedback not only helps us improve but also reflects the quality of service we’re committed to delivering to every patient. Read what our patients have to say about their time at our practice in Wigmore, Gillingham, Kent.
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