Inlays and onlays in Isle of Man

Available at all of our practices.

What are inlays & onlays

Dental inlays and onlays are restorations used to repair rear teeth with mild to moderate decay or cracked and fractured teeth that are not sufficiently damaged to need a crown.

Ideal candidates for inlay or onlay work typically have too much damage or decay in the tooth structure to be successfully treated using a filling, but have sufficient healthy tooth remaining to avoid the need for a crown. This allows the dentist to conserve more of the patient’s original tooth structure.

    What Are Inlays And Onlays In Isle Of Man
    Benefits Of Inlays And Onlays Isle Of Man

    What are the benefits?

    In comparison to other metal fillings, there are multiple benefits to Inlays and Onlays:

    • Inlays and onlays are durable — they’re made from tough, hard-wearing materials which last up to 30 years.
    • They help to strengthen teeth by up to 75 percent, unlike traditional metal fillings which can actually reduce the strength of the teeth by up to 50 percent.
    • Inlays and onlays prolong tooth life and prevent the need for more dental treatment in the future.

      What are onlays and inlays made from?

      Like fillings, inlays and onlays are usually made from porcelain or composite resin to blend naturally with the rest of your teeth and provide lasting strength and reinforcement to your otherwise damaged tooth. It is possible to get gold and amalgam inlays and onlays, however composite resin and porcelain choices make for a solution that is hardly noticeable.

      How long does an onlay or inlay take to fit?

      Treatments will take two appointments as the carefully moulded part to replace your tooth needs to be crafted in a dental laboratory. On your first visit, your dentist will take a mould of the tooth, which will be used to create the inlay or onlay. Your finished inlay or onlay will then be carefully fitted during your second appointment.

      Do I need an inlay or an onlay?

      Larger cavities are best treated with inlays and onlays, as fillings simply won’t manage the damage. Inlays are very similar to fillings in that they close up a gap. An inlay sits inside your tooth, while an onlay is fitted to the outside of it and is usually used to build up any area of tooth damage or if your tooth has fractured. It is often the back teeth that require this kind of attention, as the surfaces of the ‘chewing’ teeth are particularly vulnerable to developing cavities. 

      You may also have an amalgam (silver) filling that you would like replaced with a more natural coloured onlay or inlay. Our Elliott McCarthy Dental Care dentists can remove old fillings, clean out any existing decay and replace unsightly dark patches with a more natural looking treatment.

      Meet our Practices

      Learn more about our practices across the Isle of Man. Book an appointment with your local dentist today.

        Pricing and Fees

        We believe in open, honest pricing at Regent Dental. View our transparent fees today.

          Get started on your dental journey

          If you'd like to learn more about inlays and onlays, or believe that this is the right treatment for you, please get in touch.

            Portman Dental Care Awards

            Dental Industry Award - Portman Dental Care
            Award Logo 2018
            Fmc Logo 2019 Winner Oby M25
            Elite Practice Award - Portman Dental Care
            Private Dentistry Awards - Portman Dental Care

            We can confirm that we have handed back our NHS contract at our Hillside practice in the Isle of Man. The practice will remain open until 30th November 2023, during this time, Manx Care will re-tender the NHS contract to alternative providers. We will be working closely with Manx Care to ensure a smooth transition and will be prioritising the completion of ongoing treatment plans prior to the new provider taking over. We understand that you may have questions in light of this information, and as such please email our help team or alternatively you can contact MCALS (Manx Care Advice and Liaison Service) on 642642 or mcals@gov.im