Inlays and Onlays: A Modern Alternative to Crowns

Discover why we choose advanced inlays and onlays to restore damaged teeth with precision, strength, and minimal intervention.

What Are Inlays and Onlays?

Whenever possible, we use composite fillings to repair damaged teeth. However, the composite material applied directly in the clinic isn’t as durable as natural tooth enamel.

For small repairs under minimal chewing pressure, this is usually sufficient. But when a tooth is more extensively damaged or under heavy bite forces, standard fillings are likely to wear down or break over time.

In these cases, we recommend inlays or onlays — custom-made restorations crafted in a dental lab from much stronger materials, designed to provide long-lasting strength and stability.

A Better Way Than Crowns

Traditional crowns involve significantly reducing the tooth to a small core or “stump,” which is then covered with a cap made from various materials.

This approach was essential in the past, when bonding techniques were less advanced and we relied on mechanical retention to keep the crown in place. But with today’s modern materials and adhesive technologies, such preparation is often unnecessary.

At Calm Dental, we prefer to preserve as much natural tooth as possible. Here’s why we’re cautious about using crowns:

Extensive Tooth Removal: Crowns require the removal of a large amount of healthy tooth structure.
Weakened Tooth Structure: The preparation process can compromise the strength of the remaining tooth, increasing the risk of fractures over time.
Risk to the Tooth Nerve: The trauma from shaping the tooth can lead to nerve damage, potentially requiring root canal treatment.
Hidden Old Fillings: Existing fillings — even older mercury-based ones — are often left inside the tooth and simply covered by the crown.
Limited Monitoring: Once placed, it’s difficult to inspect or X-ray beneath a crown, making it harder to detect issues early.

Instead, we focus on minimally invasive solutions like inlays and onlays, which are strong, long-lasting, and preserve your natural tooth structure.

Why Aren’t Inlays and Onlays Used Everywhere?

Inlays and onlays require a higher level of precision and skill to place correctly. They’re technically more demanding and take more time to get just right.

Crowns, by contrast, are more forgiving — the shaping of the tooth creates a retentive base, making it easier for the crown to stay in place, even if the bonding isn’t perfect.

If a dentist isn’t confident or experienced with modern adhesive techniques, inlays and onlays are more likely to fail. That’s why many still default to crowns — even when less invasive options are possible.

The Advantages of Inlays and Onlays

Minimally Invasive

We only remove what’s necessary — old fillings and any damaged or decayed areas. Healthy tooth structure is preserved, allowing us to maintain the natural strength and integrity of your tooth.

Protects the Nerve

Because the preparation is gentle and conservative, the underlying nerve remains undisturbed — reducing the risk of post-treatment sensitivity or the need for root canal therapy later on.

Natural Aesthetics

When crafted and placed with precision, inlays and onlays blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. They’re colour-matched and made from materials that mimic the way real teeth look and feel — even as they age.

What's the process for Inlays and Onlays?

Your Guide to Inlays and Onlays – The Contemporary Alternative to Crowns

1. Initial Consultation

During your examination — or in some cases, an emergency visit following a fracture — we’ll evaluate the tooth’s condition, including the health of the nerve, to determine if it’s suitable for an inlay or onlay.

We’ll also talk you through your options, including the possibility of a direct composite filling, and explain the short- and long-term benefits of each approach so you can make an informed decision.

2. Tooth Preparation

We typically begin under local anaesthetic to ensure you’re completely comfortable throughout the procedure.

Old filling material and any damaged or decayed areas are gently removed — but all healthy tooth structure is preserved. Once cleaned, we apply a bonding agent to seal and protect the exposed tooth, helping to ensure strong adhesion and prevent post-treatment sensitivity.

Finally, we take a precise digital scan of your teeth, which is sent to the dental lab to craft your custom inlay or onlay.

3. Fitting the Restoration

At your fit appointment, we first try in the inlay or onlay to ensure it fits precisely and looks natural.

Once confirmed, we isolate the tooth to keep the area clean and dry, then bond the restoration securely in place using high-strength adhesive.

Thanks to the sealing done during the preparation visit, this step is usually painless — and in most cases, no anaesthetic is needed.

Your Dentist In Bermondsey, London

Located near Bermondsey High Street, we are very accessible by Bus, Tube or Train:

Eighteen-minute walk from London Bridge tube and rail station (National Rail, Jubilee Line, Northern Line, Windrush)
Nineteen-minute walk from Bermondsey station (Jubilee Line)

We are on many bus routes, including the 1, 78, 188 and N1.

We have good disabled access for all our treatments and services including our well-proportioned bathroom.

We look forward to welcoming you in person very soon!

Discover Your Options – Book Now!

We’ll examine everything thoroughly and walk you through all your treatment options.