Inlays and onlays are two types of restorations that your dentist can suggest if you have a cavity in your tooth that needs to be filled. An inlay is a small filling that fits into the biting surface of a tooth while an onlay covers a larger area of the tooth and is better suited to bigger cavities. For many years, gold has been used to make inlays and onlays because it is a hard material and lasts for a long time. Nowadays, tooth-coloured porcelain is also used and gives the restored tooth a more natural look, which many patients prefer.
Inlays and onlays can be made in a dental laboratory by a technician, with the help of impressions taken of your teeth. While these are being made, you will wear a temporary filling. When your inlay or onlay is ready your dentist will glue it into place using a special adhesive, after removing the temporary filling.
Thanks to advances in digital technology (called CAD/CAM) porcelain inlays can be made at the dental practice using a special milling machine known as CEREC. This means you will need less visits to the dentist to have your tooth restored.
I have been coming to Benhill Dental Practice for a number of years' now and purely because of the treatment and service provided by Dr Alexandra Fivey and support staff.
My 9 year old daughter recently had to have two fillings and an extraction, Dr Alexandra handled her so well and we were so pleased with the outcome! I couldn't recommend her enough as a dentist! Thank you!
Alex and Rachel always provide a professional and thorough service for myself, my husband and daughter. We have been going to see them for the last few years and have always had a positive and personal experience. They are very patient and gentle with my 10 year old daughter, who before going, was not keen on seeing the dentist or hygienist! I would highly recommend!
Great, friendly dentists! Dr Alexandra and her colleagues go out of their way to make you feel comfortable and offer the best advice.
I would like to thank Dr Alexandra for making our first visit in the practice an amazing experience. My son who is 6 years old needed his tooth taken out after being inflamed for some time. Dr Alexandra is a BRILLIANT dentist, clearly with lots of experience and professionalism and someone who loves her job…We are very happy that we found Dr Alexandra! Thank you so much!!!