Custom inlays and onlays to protect and strengthen damaged teeth
Inlays & onlays
When a filling isn't enough but a crown is more than you need, inlays and onlays offer a precise, long-lasting middle ground.
Inlays and onlays at Brookvale & Merrifield
Inlays and onlays allow us to restore damaged teeth with precision, and replace only what's been lost while preserving the healthy structure beneath. At Brookvale & Merrifield Dental, we’ll create your inlay or onlay to fit your tooth perfectly, providing a durable, conservative solution that puts your long-term oral health first.
What are dental inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays are both custom-made restorations, crafted in a laboratory from tooth-coloured ceramic and bonded permanently into place to give you a result that's significantly stronger and longer-lasting than a standard filling.
The difference between an inlay and an onlay comes down to how much of the tooth is affected. An inlay repairs damage contained within the cusps (the raised points on your tooth's chewing surface) while an onlay extends further, covering one or more of those cusps when the damage is more widespread.
Getting an inlay or onlay
Your consultation
We'll examine your tooth, talk you through your options, and confirm whether an inlay or onlay is the right call.
Preparing the tooth
We gently remove the damaged material and take precise digital scans of your tooth. A temporary cap will protect your tooth while your inlay or onlay one is made in the laboratory.
Fitting your inlay or onlay
When your custom restoration is ready, we’ll bond it securely into place, check your bite carefully, and make sure you're completely happy before you leave.
Your consultation
We'll examine your tooth, talk you through your options, and confirm whether an inlay or onlay is the right call.
Preparing the tooth
We gently remove the damaged material and take precise digital scans of your tooth. A temporary cap will protect your tooth while your inlay or onlay one is made in the laboratory.
Fitting your inlay or onlay
When your custom restoration is ready, we’ll bond it securely into place, check your bite carefully, and make sure you're completely happy before you leave.
How much do inlays and onlays cost?
The cost of an inlay or onlay depends on the size and complexity of the restoration, but we'll give you a clear breakdown at your consultation before any treatment is agreed, so there are no surprises. You can find general pricing on our pricing page.
If you need multiple restorations and would like to spread the cost of your treatment, we offer 0% finance through Tabeo, which allows you to pay over 3, 6, 10, or 12 months.
Do I need an inlay or onlay?
Your dentist will usually suggest an inlay or onlay when a tooth has too much damage for a filling to hold reliably long-term, but removing healthy tooth structure for a full crown isn't yet justified.
Inlays and onlays are particularly useful for larger cavities on back teeth, or when an old filling has cracked, worn down, or developed new decay around the edges. If you're not sure which option is right for you, that's exactly what your consultation is for; we'll talk you through it without any pressure.
How do inlays and onlays help
Stronger than a standard filling
Custom-made to withstand years of normal chewing forces.
Minimally invasive
We remove only what's damaged, leaving your healthy tooth structure intact.
Precision fit
Digital scanning means your restoration is crafted to fit your tooth exactly.
Natural-looking results
Made from tooth-coloured ceramic that blends seamlessly with your teeth.
Stronger than a standard filling
Custom-made to withstand years of normal chewing forces.
Minimally invasive
We remove only what's damaged, leaving your healthy tooth structure intact.
Precision fit
Digital scanning means your restoration is crafted to fit your tooth exactly.
Natural-looking results
Made from tooth-coloured ceramic that blends seamlessly with your teeth.
Expertly crafted restorations from your local East Devon team
At both Brookvale in Honiton and Merrifield in Sidmouth, we use digital intraoral scanning to capture precise images of your tooth, allowing us to avoid taking impressions that some patients find messy or uncomfortable.
We've been providing restorative care across East Devon for over 19 years, and our approach has always been the same: recommend the most conservative option that gives you the best long-term result.
Meet the Brookvale & Merrifield team
Take the guesswork out of restoring your tooth
Working out whether you need a filling, an inlay, an onlay, or a crown isn't something you should have to figure out alone. Get in touch with our team in Honiton or Sidmouth and we'll find a time to take a proper look, talk you through what we find, and make sure you leave with a clear picture of your options.