Cosmetic Dentistry
Inlay
What is an Inlay?
Inlays are a form of indirect restoration, which means they are made outside of the mouth as a single, solid piece that fits the specific size and shape of the cavity. This is an alternative to a direct restoration, made out of composite, amalgam or glass ionomer, that is built up within the mouth.
Inlays (or onlays) are used in molars or premolars, when the tooth has experienced too much damage to support a basic filling, but not so much damage that a crown is necessary. They help to maintain remaining tooth structure making them less invasive than a crown but stronger than a filling.
Duration
45 minutes
Appointments
1
Anaesthetic
Yes
+ What are the Benefits?
- Stronger than a normal filling but less invasive than a crown
- Inlays have better physical properties and can help achieve a natural, aesthetic appearance
- More prescise than a free hand filling making them better contoured with more accurate contact points
+ What are the disadvantages?
- Higher cost compared to a normal filling due to being made precisely by a labratory
- The process takes more time than a filling
+ What is the Process?
The preparation of the tooth will be the first step, using anaesthetic we will then shape the tooth and remove any decay. The next step will be to scan the tooth electronically and/or take an impression of the tooth. The scan is then used by a specialised machine to create the restoration - This usually takes around 20 minutes.
The final step is to cement the restoration into place after checking it fits snuggly and securely and your bite comes together as it usually would.
