Inlays & Onlays

What are they?

You can have inlays or onlays instead of a filling. Fillings are soft to begin with and are moulded to the shape in the mouth. Inlays and onlays are made outside the mouth, usually in a dental laboratory, and then glued to the tooth in the surgery.

An inlay sits in a hole in the tooth, and an onlay sits on the tooth and builds up its shape. They can be made in tooth colouring porcelain, gold or a material called composite. Different materials are suitable for different parts of the mouth and different parts of the teeth.

What will my dentist do?

Your dentist will:

  • Normally give you a local anaesthetic to numb the area
  • Remove any old filling material and any decayed or damaged tooth
  • Use soft, mouldable material which sets in the mouth to record the shape of the tooth being repaired and the teeth around it
  • Give the impression to the dental technician to make the inlay or onlay
  • Use a temporary filling to protect the tooth that is being repaired while you wait for the inlay or onlay to be repaired
  • Glue the inlay or onlay in place on your next visit (they may make small adjustments so that the tooth is comfortable to bite on)

What are the benefits?

  • Inlays and onlays are strong and can last longer than fillings
  • They are especially suitable for the chewing surfaces of back teeth and for large repairs to front teeth where it can be difficult to make a white filling look natural
  • Your dentist can match the colour to your other teeth.

Why choose us?

Leading Dental Care

Leading
Dental Care

Five Star Customer Service

Five Star
Customer Service

Specialist Services

Specialist
Services

Disabled Access

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Access

Invisalign Provider

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Provider

Patient Reviews

People are talking about us

The biggest complement we receive is when our patients refer their friends and family to Cedar Dental Care. In fact, we have built much of our practice on these valued, trusted recommendations over the years. Read our reviews to hear why our patients are recommending us…

Patient reviews

2416 Reviews

5.0

22nd August 2026

As always good administration and good treatment by all

21st August 2026

From beginning to end, with lovely reception staff, amazing dentist, Abi and her assistant Randy....Full check up inc x ray and dental clean. Always checks with me for medical news and always takes care of me so well...

20th August 2026

Highly professional friendly explained things as he progressed with treatment Highly skilled

20th August 2026

comfortable atmosphere, well trained and competent staff

20th August 2026

All is made clear during the appointment. Once the treatment begins you are never rushed. Staff are always helpful.

19th August 2026

Always made to feel welcome and relaxed! Dental nurse extremely polite and helpful! Of all the dental practices I have attended Cedar is the very best! Patrick Bannister is professional and confident at all times! Thank you!

19th August 2026

Full explanation giving me confidence of way forward with treatment.

19th August 2026

Every thing was explained, every step of my treatment moving forward was explained. So very happy with my experience.

16th August 2026

The dentist explained everything that was happening and was caring and understanding

16th August 2026

Dr Dundas is an absolutely amazing dentist - I drive for over two hours to see her. She is amazing at explaining things, remembers everything from the last visit and is generally great. I’ve been coming to her since I was a child and am now 37! The best dentist in the UK for sure!

13th August 2026

Anish is very friendly and communicates well

13th August 2026

It’s been 35 years since I last visited a dentist, years of childhood trauma and experiences that left me petrified of dental treatment. Fast forward to the present and excruciating pain led me to seek services from Cedar. Your team have been exemplary from the first conversation on the phone when I was trying to explain the problem to my first consultation where Anish dealt with me firmly but very sympathetically, exactly what I needed and coached me through the whole process as I struggled to even sit on the chair. A few days later and Jacob was just as nice and kind despite the fact I was high as a kite on diazepam - something I am very grateful that they agreed to prescribe. I also wish to thank the nurses for their kindness and patience as well, that gentle rubbing on the back of my hand was very comforting.I don’t have a sudden urge to return to see a dentist again, but I know for a fact it when I do, I won’t leave it as long and I won’t hesitate to return to Cedar.

13th August 2026

Abby is gentle and kind, caring and non-judgemental. She and her technician explain everything clearly and carefully and always prioritise my ease. I have had more work done with her over the last couple of years than I have in the last 2 decades, and this is the measure of trust I have in them.

12th August 2026

Staff are great and dentist is excellent r but price is prohibitive

10th August 2026

My dentist is excellent as is his dental nurse we have a great relationship and I would go nowhere else, I moved 50 miles away but I still attend there. Says it all really doesn't it :)

9th August 2026

always very good

7th August 2026

I've used Cedar Dental Care for a number of years and have always been very pleased with the service received. I've always felt listened to and that my opinion matters, both are important to me.

7th August 2026

very welcoming reception. Patrick and his nurse are very polite and make you feel at ease. It is so nice and refreshing to be welcome and looked after. Thank you again

7th August 2026

Excellent

7th August 2026

I’m always treated with care and friendliness on my visits

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