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?

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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

2400 Reviews

5.0

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

7th August 2026

Everything went as planed and the complete service was caried out as well as expected,

6th August 2026

Roy is very good. He knows me well and helps when I'm anxious. The reception staff are very friendly.

6th August 2026

Managed to get an appointment for treatment on the same day as requested.

6th August 2026

Friendly staff and environment. Work always completed to high standard

6th August 2026

Friendly relaxed atmosphere

5th August 2026

All staff make you feel welcome, they are amazing with my children making them less anxious

5th August 2026

Seen at a convenient time for me and give the appropriate treatment needed, with an ongoing management plan. Rav as ever was brilliant.

5th August 2026

We have been a patient of Mr Patels since he started his practice and we have never received anything other than excellent service from him and his staff and will not change.

3rd August 2026

Abigail was brilliant as usual. Asking many questions regarding my general health, any medication updates etc. She explained everything to me and showed me the results of the two e-rays that had been taken. She also provided me with a prescription for some toothpaste since my current batch was running out. Its always a pleasure to talk with Abigail.

30th July 2026

Great service from everyone and super quick appointment

30th July 2026

I am currently in a wheelchair with two broken legs and my dentist helped me to transfer safely to his chair and as always he was very professional efficient friendly helpful explained everything an absolutely incredible service

30th July 2026

Cedar dental provide a high standard of care and quality of service. Everything is explained clearly and in detail and treatment options are discussed. I have been a customer for many years and the experience has always been excellent.

30th July 2026

I was impressed by the care that Patrick took with fitting my crown. He had previously listened to my concerns and the crown fitted perfectly

30th July 2026

No one likes to visit the Dentist (sorry). But made to feel at ease throughout, treatment is professional with high quality equipment. Options always clearly explained

29th July 2026

The whole team at Cedar Dental care are so friendly professional and helpful. You can tell they really care for your health and wellbeing, not just trying to collect more money for unnecessary treatments. We have had temp fixes that have lasted 10 yrs and saved us Thousands for implants. They always look to use the latest in modern developments suitable to your needs and budgets.

29th July 2026

Abi is always so friendly and puts me at ease

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