Preserve Your Natural Smile
We specialise in advanced inlays and onlays in Cheltenham, providing minimally invasive restorations that preserve your natural tooth structure. Ideal for those with moderate decay or damaged teeth where fillings aren’t sufficient but crowns are excessive, our custom-crafted solutions bridge the gap perfectly. Utilising high-quality ceramic or composite materials and precise digital techniques, we restore strength, function, and aesthetics to your smile. Trust your local experts in restorative dentistry Cheltenham families rely on for durable, natural‑looking dental work.
What Are Inlays & Onlays
Inlays and onlays are indirect dental restorations made to repair teeth that have moderate decay or damage—more extensive than what fillings can handle, yet not severe enough to require a full crown.
Dental inlays are shaped to fit within the grooves of a molar or premolar, restoring the chewing surface precisely.
Onlays, often called partial crowns, cover one or more cusps and may extend over the tooth’s biting surface. Crafted in a dental lab from porcelain or composite resin, they deliver a strong, precise fit. Unlike traditional fillings that are placed directly in the mouth, inlays and onlays are bonded to the tooth after removal of decay, preserving much of the natural enamel and offering exceptional durability while blending seamlessly with your existing teeth .
Benefits of Inlays & Onlays
Choosing inlays or onlays means opting for a superior, long-lasting restoration that protects your natural teeth. These restorations offer robust strength and stability often lasting decades when well cared for—due to their precision fit and high-quality materials . Because they preserve more healthy tooth structure compared to crowns, they support better oral health and lower the risk of further decay .
Their custom matching to tooth colour ensures exceptional aesthetics, making them nearly indistinguishable from natural enamel. Additionally, inlays and onlays facilitate easier cleaning and reduce sensitivity, providing a comfortable and visually pleasing long-term solution against traditional fillings.
How Inlays & Onlays Work
we utilise cutting-edge digital scanning or impressions to create inlays and onlays tailored to each patient’s unique tooth anatomy. Once the decayed area is cleaned, we prepare the cavity and capture a precise 3D model of the tooth. This data is sent to a dental laboratory where technicians fabricate a restoration that matches your bite and shade.
The restoration is then bonded to your tooth under controlled conditions, ensuring a seamless union with maximum strength. The result: a durable, refined restoration that blends naturally with your smile while fortifying weakened teeth—a process grounded in modern restorative dentistry practices
The Inlays & Onlays Process
Step 1 – Consultation & Preparation
Your dentist will assess the affected tooth, remove any decay, and shape it carefully to prepare for the restoration.
Step 2 – Impression or Digital Scan
We take a detailed impression or use advanced CAD/CAM technology to create an accurate model of your tooth for precise laboratory fabrication.
Step 3 – Bonding & Final Fit
When the inlay or onlay is ready, it is securely bonded to your tooth, ensuring a comfortable fit, correct bite alignment, and a smooth, natural finish.
Inlays & Onlays FAQs
How long do inlays/onlays last
Are they painful
What materials are used
Why choose an inlay over a filling?
When is an onlay needed
How long does treatment take
Do I need a crown instead
How do I care for them
Ready to restore your tooth with a durable, natural-looking solution in Cheltenham? Call Leckhampton Dental Clinic on 01242 382117 to schedule a consultation. We can also discuss flexible payment plans designed to fit your budget.
To see price please visit our PRICING page.
