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  • 367 Maidstone Road, Wigmore, Rainham, Kent, ME8 0HT

Strengthen and restore your teeth with porcelain inlays and onlays

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.

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?

Porcelain restorations offer several advantages:

  • Aesthetic appeal: Colour-matched to your teeth for a natural look
  • Strength and durability: More resistant to wear than traditional fillings
  • Minimally invasive: Preserve more of your natural tooth than crowns
  • Stain resistant: Porcelain retains its colour over time
  • Better fit: Custom-made for optimal comfort and function

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

The treatment is typically carried out over two appointments:

First Visit:

  • The decayed or damaged part of the tooth is removed
  • The area is cleaned and shaped to receive the inlay or onlay
  • An impression is taken and sent to the dental lab for custom fabrication
  • A temporary filling or restoration is placed to protect the tooth

Second Visit:

  • The temporary restoration is removed
  • The final porcelain inlay or onlay is carefully checked for fit and colour
  • It is then bonded permanently in place using a strong dental adhesive

With good care, porcelain inlays and onlays can last 10 to 15 years or more.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between an inlay, an onlay, and a filling?

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.

2. How long do porcelain inlays and onlays last?

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.

3. Is the procedure painful?

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.

4. Are inlays and onlays better than crowns?

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.

5. Can porcelain inlays and onlays be used on front teeth?

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.

6. Where in Kent can I have porcelain inlays and onlays fitted?

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.

For more information regarding this treatment
Call Us 01634 232 204 or Contact Us
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  • 367 Maidstone Road, Wigmore, Rainham, Kent, ME8 0HT