Family Friendly & Specialty Dentists in London, UK
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Inlays and Onlays in London

Our dental clinic located directly in Central London serves Inlays and Onlays with our team of specialist dentists.

Our dentists serving Inlays and Onlays treatments are registered specialist dentists in London, who are all registered with the GDC. Our Inlays and Onlays treatments that we provide to City of London and Greater London Area residents are all approved under BDA, GDC and UK standard guidelines.

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BUPA Registered
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Dental Implants Example With Abutement And Crown
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About Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are custom-made dental restorations used to repair teeth with moderate decay or damage that are too extensive for traditional fillings but don't require a full crown. Inlays fit within the cusps (tips) of the tooth's biting surface, while onlays extend over one or more cusps. Made from durable materials like porcelain, composite resin, or gold, these restorations are precisely crafted in a dental laboratory before being permanently cemented to the prepared tooth, providing a stronger, longer-lasting solution than conventional fillings while preserving more of the natural tooth structure than crowns require.
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Why Choose Us

You can feel welcome and safe choosing London Dental Specialists for your Inlays and Onlays in London. You have a full team of dental specialists behind you with a periodontist, orthodontist and endodontist which enables us to take care of your entire smile with any dental procedure necessary for your perfect smile. Don't just take our word for it, watch this video including our real Inlays and Onlays patients as a testimony to our expertise:

Contact Us & Lets Get Started

Contact us and lets get started with helping your dental health and comfort with our Inlays and Onlays treatments, and we can set up a consultation in which we plan our how our Inlays and Onlays in London can best serve you.

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Our Process For Inlays and Onlays

At London Dental Specialists, our inlays and onlays treatments are designed to restore teeth that have suffered moderate decay or damage, offering a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution. The process begins with a comprehensive consultation and assessment to evaluate the affected tooth's condition. Following this, we develop a customised treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. The procedure involves carefully preparing the tooth, taking precise impressions, and fitting a custom-made inlay or onlay crafted from high-quality materials such as porcelain or composite resin. After placement, we provide detailed post-treatment care instructions to ensure optimal healing and longevity of the restoration.

Recovery Timeline

Step 1

Consultation & Assessment



  • Thorough dental examination

  • Review of medical and dental history

  • Discussion of aesthetic goals

  • Explanation of inlays and onlays procedure

Step 2

Inlays & Onlays Custom Treatment Plan



  • Review of consultation findings

  • Material selection discussion (gold, porcelain, ceramic)

  • Custom restoration design for optimal fit

  • Detailed treatment timeline

  • Personalised care recommendations

Step 3

Inlays and Onlays Treatment Procedures



  • Custom restoration design

  • Temporary restoration placement

  • Tooth surface preparation

  • Final placement and adjustment

  • Post-treatment care guidance

Step 4

Post Inlays and Onlays Treatment Care



  • Maintain meticulous oral hygiene with gentle brushing and daily flossing

  • Follow dietary recommendations to protect the restoration

  • Manage temperature sensitivity and discomfort appropriately

  • Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments

  • Avoid habits that could damage your restoration

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The Benefits of Inlays and Onlays

The conditions we treat for Inlays and Onlays in London are:


  • Moderate to Severe Tooth Decay - When tooth decay is too extensive for a standard filling but doesn't require a full crown, inlays and onlays provide an ideal intermediate solution that preserves more of your natural tooth structure.

  • Damaged or Fractured Teeth - Teeth with cracks, chips, or fractures that compromise structural integrity can be effectively restored with custom-fitted onlays that cover and protect the damaged areas.

  • Large Cavity Restorations - When cavities are too large for conventional fillings but don't warrant full crown coverage, inlays provide durable, long-lasting restorations that fit precisely within the tooth's contours.

  • Replacement of Old Amalgam Fillings - Worn, leaking, or aesthetically unpleasing metal fillings can be replaced with tooth-coloured ceramic inlays that restore both function and appearance.

  • Cusp Damage or Wear - Onlays are particularly effective for treating teeth with damaged or worn cusps (the pointed parts of your tooth), providing protection while preserving healthy tooth structure.

  • Teeth Requiring Additional Strength - Weakened teeth that need reinforcement benefit from inlays and onlays, which bond to the tooth structure and provide greater strength than traditional fillings.

  • Aesthetic Improvements - Teeth with unsightly fillings or discolouration in the back of the mouth can be aesthetically enhanced with tooth-coloured ceramic inlays and onlays that blend seamlessly with natural teeth.

  • Teeth with Minimal Remaining Structure - When a tooth has lost significant structure but still has enough healthy tissue to avoid a crown, custom onlays can rebuild and protect the remaining tooth.

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We Can Help Treat Your Conditions With Inlays and Onlays Treatments

Fill the form below, and let's get started with a Inlays and Onlays consultation.

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Our Team of Dental Specialists

Our expert team excels in providing precision-crafted inlays and onlays—durable restorations that offer superior alternatives to traditional fillings. Unlike fillings, these custom-made porcelain or composite restorations preserve more of your natural tooth structure while providing exceptional strength and longevity. Dr. Sodeinde and Dr. Patel bring their specialist expertise to every procedure, ensuring each inlay (fitting within tooth cavities) and onlay (covering tooth cusps) is perfectly matched to your tooth's contours. With advanced training in restorative dentistry, our specialists deliver these conservative treatments that beautifully restore damaged teeth without requiring full crown coverage.
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dr ope sodeinde specialist in periodontics london

Dr Ope Sodeinde

Principal Dentist & Specialist in Periodontics

BDS MFDS RCS(Ed) MSc(Rest Dent) MClinDent(Perio) MPerioRCS(Ed)

GDC No: 104071

dr neha patel specialist endodontist london

Dr Neha Patel

Specialist in Endodontics

BDS MFDS RCS(Ed) FHEA MClinDent(Ed) MEndoRCS(Ed)

GDC No: 150517

dr kia papagalani specialist orthodontist london

Dr Kia Papagalani

Specialist in Orthodontics

DipDS Athens MS(Ortho) OSU

GDC No: 228487

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Frequently Asked Questions

Wondering about dental inlays and onlays? These restorative treatments bridge the gap between fillings and crowns, offering a durable solution when tooth damage is too extensive for a standard filling but doesn't require a full crown. At London Dental Specialists, we precisely craft inlays (which fit within the cusps of your tooth) and onlays (which cover one or more cusps) to match your natural tooth structure. Made from strong, tooth-coloured materials, they provide superior longevity compared to traditional fillings while preserving more of your natural tooth. Our patients appreciate how these custom-made restorations strengthen damaged teeth, restore function, and blend seamlessly with their smile. Below are answers to the questions we hear most frequently about these versatile treatments.

What are dental inlays and onlays?


Dental inlays and onlays are conservative restorations used when a tooth has moderate damage but doesn't require a full crown. An inlay fits within the cusps (tips) of your tooth, while an onlay covers one or more cusps. Both are custom-made in a dental laboratory from durable materials like porcelain or composite resin, providing a stronger and longer-lasting solution than traditional fillings while preserving more of your natural tooth structure.



What is the difference between inlays and onlays?


The main difference between inlays and onlays is their coverage area. Inlays fit entirely within the cusps (tips) of your tooth, similar to a filling but more durable. Onlays extend over one or more cusps of the tooth, providing greater coverage for more extensive damage. Both restorations are custom-made in a laboratory to precisely fit your tooth, but onlays are used when damage extends to the chewing surface of the tooth.



How do inlays and onlays differ from crowns?


Inlays and onlays are more conservative treatments than crowns. While inlays and onlays cover only a portion of the tooth (inlays fit within cusps, onlays cover one or more cusps), crowns cover the entire tooth above the gum line. Inlays and onlays preserve more of your natural tooth structure, requiring less removal of healthy tooth material. Crowns are typically reserved for teeth with extensive damage or decay, while inlays and onlays are ideal for moderate damage.



Are inlays and onlays better than traditional fillings?


Yes, inlays and onlays offer several advantages over traditional fillings. They are more durable, lasting 15-30 years with proper care compared to 5-10 years for composite fillings. Inlays and onlays strengthen the tooth structure rather than weakening it, distribute chewing forces more evenly, and resist staining better than composite fillings. They also provide superior protection against further decay and are easier to clean and maintain, making them a more cost-effective long-term solution despite the higher initial cost.



What is the procedure for getting inlays and onlays?


The inlay or onlay procedure at London Dental Specialists typically requires two appointments. During the first visit, the dentist removes decay, takes precise impressions, and places a temporary restoration. These impressions are sent to a dental laboratory where your custom inlay or onlay is crafted. At the second appointment, the temporary restoration is removed, and the permanent inlay or onlay is bonded to your tooth using strong dental adhesives. The dentist then checks your bite and makes any necessary adjustments for comfort.



What materials are used for inlays and onlays?


Inlays and onlays can be made from several materials, each with unique benefits:


  • Porcelain: Highly aesthetic, matching natural tooth colour, stain-resistant, and biocompatible

  • Composite resin: Tooth-coloured, less expensive than porcelain, and can be repaired if damaged

  • Gold: Extremely durable, causes minimal wear to opposing teeth, and has excellent longevity

  • Ceramic: Excellent aesthetics with strength comparable to natural tooth enamel


At London Dental Specialists, we'll recommend the most appropriate material based on your specific needs, location of the restoration, and aesthetic preferences.



How long do inlays and onlays last?


With proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, inlays and onlays can last 15-30 years. This longevity significantly exceeds that of traditional fillings, which typically need replacement every 5-10 years. The durability of your restoration depends on several factors, including the material used, your oral hygiene practices, diet, and whether you grind or clench your teeth. Regular visits to London Dental Specialists for professional cleanings and examinations will help maximise the lifespan of your inlays and onlays.



Are inlays and onlays painful to get?


The procedure for placing inlays and onlays is virtually painless. Local anaesthesia is used to numb the area before treatment begins. After the procedure, you might experience mild sensitivity for a few days, particularly to hot or cold temperatures, but this typically resolves quickly. Most patients find inlays and onlays cause less post-procedure discomfort than traditional fillings because they're precisely fitted to your tooth, reducing pressure points and uneven bite forces that can cause pain.



How do I care for my inlays and onlays?


Caring for inlays and onlays is straightforward and similar to caring for your natural teeth:


  • Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste

  • Floss daily, paying special attention to the areas around the restoration

  • Avoid chewing extremely hard foods (ice, hard sweets) that could damage the restoration

  • Wear a night guard if you grind or clench your teeth

  • Attend regular check-ups and cleanings at London Dental Specialists

  • Consider limiting staining substances like coffee, tea, and tobacco


With proper care, your inlays and onlays will provide years of functional and aesthetic benefits.


Can’t find the answer to your Inlays and Onlays questions here? Always feel welcome to contact us with your Inlays and Onlays questions and concerns.
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Aftercare Methods & Products for Inlays and Onlays


































































Product Brands What it Takes Care of Details
Non-Abrasive Toothpaste Sensodyne Pronamel, Oral-B Gum & Enamel Repair Gentle cleaning, Sensitivity relief Safe for inlays and onlays while protecting against sensitivity common after placement.
Ultra-Soft Toothbrush Oral-B Sensitive, Colgate Slim Soft Gentle cleaning around restorations Extra-gentle bristles safe for cleaning around inlay and onlay margins.
Interdental Brushes TePe, Boots Interdental Cleaning around restoration edges Helps clean the margins where inlays and onlays meet natural tooth structure.
Alcohol-Free Mouthwash Corsodyl, Listerine Zero Gentle rinsing Won't damage the cement or affect the longevity of inlays and onlays.
Night Guard Custom-fitted from dentist Protection Protects inlays and onlays from grinding forces that could damage them.
Sensitivity Relief Gel Sensodyne, Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief Sensitivity management Provides relief for post-treatment sensitivity common with new inlays/onlays.
pH Balancing Rinse Biomin, Regenerate Acid protection Helps protect the margins of inlays and onlays from acid erosion.
Water Flosser Waterpik, Philips Sonicare Airfloss Margin cleaning Effectively cleans around inlay and onlay margins without damaging cement.
Travel Cleaning Kit Boots, Superdrug On-the-go care Maintains inlays and onlays while away from home.
Looking for more information for aftercare guide and instructions for post treatment? We take the whole process of treatment to recovery very seriously with a lot of car for our patients, so if you're looking for more information on this check out our aftercare guide for Inlays and Onlays post treatments recovery.
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Get Started with Inlays and Onlays Treatments

Ready to take the next step with our  Inlays and Onlays Treatments?

We are happy to answer your questions and help you feel as comfortable as can be with taking the next step in your Inlays and Onlays treatments and dental care!
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Areas We Serve Inlays and Onlays

London Dental Specialists provides expert Inlays and Onlays services across Central London's premier districts, including Mayfair, Soho, Westminster, and Belgravia. Our Harley Street clinic is ideally situated to serve patients from prestigious areas such as Knightsbridge, Marylebone, and the City of London. With excellent transport links and a central location, we're easily accessible to residents and professionals in Bloomsbury, Fitzrovia, and Clerkenwell.

Our Inlays and Onlays services extend throughout London's vibrant inner suburbs, serving patients from well-connected areas within 5-10km of central London. From the artistic quarters of Camden and Hackney to the residential neighbourhoods of Islington and Brixton, we provide expert dental implant care to patients across these diverse communities. Our clinic is easily accessible via public transport from areas such as Fulham, Greenwich, and Hampstead.

Patients from Surrounding Areas of London, UK within 5-10KM of Central London, UK that we serve Inlays and Onlays to:
Whiter Smile for a Special Day | London Dental Specialists - 1

We extend our Inlays and Onlays expertise to patients throughout Greater London's outer regions, serving communities beyond the 10km radius of central London. From the residential areas of Enfield and Harrow to the suburban communities of Bromley and Croydon, our specialists provide the same exceptional level of care to patients in these outer London locations. With convenient transport links and flexible scheduling, we make advanced Inlays and Onlays treatment accessible to residents throughout these broader London areas.

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