At Unley Park Dental, we understand that the thought of a Inlays and Onlays can be a bit daunting.
Our philosophy is simple: we’re here to make this a comfortable and straightforward experience, not a chore.
Not every damaged tooth needs a crown. Inlays and onlays are a more conservative option, restoring strength without overwhelming the tooth. We use them when there’s decay or fracture too large for a filling but not enough to justify removing more healthy enamel.
We plan every inlay and onlay around your lifestyle, not just your x-rays. We consider how you speak, laugh, and live because restoration means returning you to yourself, not adapting to something foreign. And we stay with you through healing, making sure you’re comfortable long after you leave our chair.
What are inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays are custom-made dental restorations used to repair teeth that have been damaged by decay, fracture, or wear, but not to the extent that they need a full crown.
An inlay fits inside the grooves of a tooth, much like a traditional filling, but is made outside the mouth using materials like porcelain or composite resin, then bonded into place. It’s ideal for damage that hasn’t reached the tooth’s outer edges.
An onlay, on the other hand, covers one or more of the tooth’s cusps (the raised points on the chewing surface). It’s a more extensive repair than an inlay but still more conservative than a crown, which covers the entire tooth.
What makes inlays and onlays different from standard fillings is the level of strength they offer. Because they’re custom-made to fit your tooth, they tend to last longer, resist further decay, and protect the tooth’s structure more effectively. They’re also less invasive than crowns, which often require more of the natural tooth to be shaved down.
At Unley Park Dental, we take this one step further. We design inlays and onlays with close attention to detail: how they fit, how they feel, and how they blend with the rest of your smile.
We use digital scanning besides traditional moulds for greater accuracy and comfort, and we plan each piece with your long-term wellbeing in mind, not just how the tooth looks today, but how it will hold up over time.
The Process
Our process ensures every patient receives personalised attention, comprehensive treatment, and ongoing support. From your first consultation through your complete recovery, we prioritise your comfort, understanding, and long-term oral health success. This is what ‘care beyond the chair’ truly means.
Step 1
Comprehensive Discovery & Examination
During your first visit, we gently remove the damaged or decayed portion of your tooth, preserving as much healthy structure as possible. Next, we take a highly accurate digital scan of your tooth. Our team uses this scan to design a custom-made inlay or onlay that fits your tooth’s exact shape. We then place a temporary restoration to protect the area while we create the final piece.
Step 2
Treatment Process
When your inlay or onlay is ready—usually within a week or two—you return for the fitting. We remove the temporary restoration, check the fit and bite, and securely bond the final restoration in place. This creates a firm, smooth surface that blends naturally with your tooth.
Step 3
Aftercare & Post-treatment Evaluation
Because we perform the procedure with precision, the final result feels comfortable and lasts for years. You’ll experience minimal discomfort, avoid unnecessary drilling, and benefit from our focus on preserving your healthy tooth structure.
Why Unley Park Dental?
Our care goes beyond the chair.
Because you want a dentist who combines experience, innovation, and care. We deliver thoughtful, individualised treatments with the latest technology—always guided by your comfort, needs, and goals.
We don’t follow the standard script. We plan deeper, communicate better, and aim higher. Our process is led by genuine relationships, not conveyor-belt care. From our technology to our tone, everything we do is about delivering a more refined experience.
Each member of our team brings a specialist skillset and a shared philosophy: excellence with empathy. Our dentists are not only highly qualified—they’re deeply committed to your comfort and results.
We believe that great results begin long before treatment starts. Our process starts with a detailed consultation and examination. Using state-of-the-art tools–hih-resolution photography, digital x-rays, and 3D imaging–we map out every detail of your dental needs. This approach allows us to plan with precision and avoid unnecessary surprises. Whether you’re here for a simple clean or a full-mouth reconstruction, we’re always thinking three steps ahead.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is an inlay and onlay?Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations used to repair damaged teeth. An inlay fits within the tooth’s grooves, while an onlay covers one or more cusps. Both preserve more natural tooth structure than crowns and provide a durable, natural-looking alternative to large fillings.
What is the difference between inlays and onlays and crowns?Inlays and onlays restore parts of a tooth, preserving healthy enamel, while crowns cover the entire tooth. Crowns require more tooth removal and are used for more extensive damage. Inlays and onlays offer a conservative option, balancing strength and preservation for moderate tooth repair.
Are inlays better than fillings?Inlays and fillings address different problems. Fillings are used for small to moderate cavities and are applied directly into the tooth. Inlays are custom-made for larger or more complex damage, providing a stronger, longer-lasting restoration that fits precisely to the tooth’s shape.
What is inlays and onlays treatment?The treatment involves removing damaged tooth material, taking a digital scan or impression, and designing a custom inlay or onlay. After placing a temporary restoration, the permanent piece is bonded to the tooth during a follow-up visit, restoring strength and function while preserving healthy tooth structure.
What are the benefits of Inlays and Onlays?If dental work makes you nervous, inlays and onlays might be exactly what you’re looking for. They’re used to repair teeth that are too damaged for a filling but don’t require a full crown, allowing us to restore strength while keeping treatment as conservative and gentle as possible.
Another benefit is that the process involves minimal intervention. We only treat the area that needs attention, preserving healthy tooth structure wherever we can. Each inlay or onlay is custom-made to fit your tooth precisely, which means a more natural feel and appearance, without the bulk or discomfort that can come with larger restorations.
These restorations are also highly durable, reducing the need for future work. And at our clinic, your comfort is always a priority. We use digital scanning along with traditional impressions, and we take the time to explain each step, so you can anticipate and prepare for what’s about to happen.
What are some tips for Recovery/Post Treatment?Do’s:
- Avoid eating or drinking until the numbness fully wears off to prevent biting your cheek or tongue.
- Stick to soft foods for the first 24 hours, especially on the treated side.
- Maintain good oral hygiene by gently brushing and flossing around the restoration to keep the area clean.
- Use over-the-counter pain relief if you experience mild sensitivity or discomfort.
- Contact your dentist if you notice persistent pain, swelling, or any unusual symptoms.
Don’ts:
- Don’t chew hard, sticky, or crunchy foods on the treated tooth until your dentist confirms the restoration is fully set and comfortable.
- Avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks for a few days if you experience sensitivity.
- Don’t skip follow-up appointments; they ensure your restoration fits well and functions properly.
- Avoid smoking or alcohol for at least 24 hours after treatment to support healing.
Other Services We Offer
Cosmetic Dentistry
Your smile says a lot about you. We offer tailored cosmetic solutions designed to enhance, not overhaul, your appearance. Our services include professional teeth whitening to lift stains, porcelain veneers to perfect shape and colour, and full smile design services that harmonise aesthetics with facial balance. Every cosmetic treatment is planned with your goals and ensures that results look naturally beautiful and feel comfortable.
Orthodontics
Orthodontic care is about more than just aesthetics. Straighter teeth are easier to clean, less prone to wear, and better for your bite and jaw health. We offer clear aligners for discreet correction and traditional braces for more complex cases. Our orthodontic plans are personalised for adults and teens, ensuring comfort, compliance, and great results.
Dental Implants & Restorative Dentistry
Missing or damaged teeth can impact your confidence, speech, and chewing ability. Our restorative dentistry solutions—like dental implants, crowns, and bridges—help you regain full function and appearance. We use digital scans and premium materials to ensure every restoration fits perfectly and lasts. For those needing full-arch solutions, we offer All-on-4 treatments and high-quality dentures designed for natural appearance and stability.
Specialist Dental Services
We offer in-house access to advanced dental procedures you’d typically need a referral for. Our specialist services include gum disease management (periodontics), oral surgery, and crown lengthening for aesthetic or functional improvement. We also provide sleep dentistry (sedation) for nervous patients and emergency appointments when urgency matters most.
Book With Confidence
At Unley Park Dental, tooth extractions are never routine. We treat each case with the care it deserves. With highly detailed imaging, a gentle approach, and a focus on your comfort, we aim to make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
