man and woman smiling showing teeth

Inlays and Onlays

A dental inlay or onlay is an aesthetic solution that restores function.

Repairing a cavity and removing the damaged portion of the tooth can require more than just a conventional filling to repair. When the damage is too extensive for a filling, but not so extensive that a crown is required, then an inlay or onlay may be recommended. This long lasting and aesthetic restoration will help to restore function to your teeth.

Benefits of Inlays and Onlays

  • Protect Your Teeth
  • Chew With Confidence
  • Preserve Natural Teeth
  • Aesthetic Restoration

What is an inlay or onlay?

A dental inlay is a small piece of porcelain that is designed to fit in the hole left following a deep cavity. These are commonly used to repair rear teeth after an extensive cavity. This option is preferable as it restores the chewing surface and helps to protect against further damage. An onlay is similar, but is used to build up the outer portion of the tooth.

There are three main types of inlays and onlays. They can be made from composite resin, metals or porcelain. Porcelain is the most aesthetic choice, as this will blend in with the surrounding teeth perfectly. Metals such as gold and silver are the most expensive and most durable option. Composite resin is often the cheapest option but may only be used in situations where the tooth is not subject to strong biting force.

Why might I need an inlay or onlay?

Inlays and onlays will help to protect and preserve your natural teeth following damage or decay. When a tooth suffers an extensive cavity, your dentist will need to remove the damaged portion of the tooth. This leaves the remaining tooth exposed to bacteria and will also leave it weakened. To prevent further damage, an inlay or onlay is used to restore function to the tooth.

This is a permanent solution to help protect damaged teeth and avoid the need for more extensive repairs such as crowns or veneers. This might also be recommended in the place of a traditional filling, as a filling won’t offer the same strength and support. The inlay or onlay should last a long time with the right care, but it may need to be replaced over time.

So happy with my new smile . Got all my confidence back. Don’t know how to thank them!

NHS Pricing bands

Transparent pricing for NHS treatments

Patient charges correct as of April 2023

Treatment Band One

  • An examination and diagnosis (e.g. x-rays)
  • Advice on how to prevent future problems
  • A scale and polish, if required

If you need to see a dentist immediately, an urgent NHS appointment costs £23.80.

£25.80

Treatment Band Two

  • Everything in band one, plus...
  • Any further treatment such as fillings or root canal work
  • Extractions, if your dentist needs to take out one or more teeth

£70.70

Treatment Band Three

  • Everything in bands one and two, plus...
  • Crowns, dentures or bridges
  • This includes more complex procedures.

You only pay once for the highest treatment band, even if multiple treatments are required.

£306.80

We’re Accepting new patients Contact the practice to book an appointment

Frequently asked questions

How can we help?

Dental restoration treatments are used to repair or replace damaged teeth. Common dental restoration treatments include fillings, crowns, bridges, and implants. Fillings are used to repair minor damage to the tooth structure, while crowns are used to cover and protect a damaged tooth. Bridges are used to replace missing teeth, and implants are used to replace missing teeth or to support a dental prosthesis.

The results of dermal filler injections typically last for several months. After that, the filler will gradually dissolve and be metabolised by the body.

Do you still have questions?

We offer excellent care and advice regarding our wide range of treatments to all of our patients.

Contact our main practice

0121 561 3526

Find your nearest practice

Patient stories

Hear from our happy patients

  • I am very nervous with Dentist but Dorsa made my visit very comfortable. Very highly recommended

    Susan Brayshaw

    Susan Brayshaw

    Jul 23,2023

  • Just had a fantastic craftsmanship done by Dorsa @Bhandal Dental practice on my front tooth. Excellent work and attitude. I get overly nervous at dentists. But i think this was the first time ever I actually got calmed down and did not rip the arms of the chair. Thank you, Dorsa, much appreciated.

    Dagnis Dancitis

    Dagnis Dancitis

    Jul 3,2023

  • Dorsa was fabulous, due to poor experiences with a different surgery in the past, I am utterly terrified of the dentist. However Dorsa put me at ease and constantly checked how I was feeling, I underwent NHS and cosmetic treatment and the results brought on happy tears, my teeth have never looked or felt so good. Thank you for giving me my smile back.

    Laura Longhurst

    Laura Longhurst

    Jun 29,2023

  • My dentist was called dorsa today and she was amazing talked me through the whole Procedure and made me feel really calm x

    Sophia Kala

    Sophia Kala

    Jun 26,2023

  • Excellent dental work, as good as private. Good manner, quick, tender, relaxed. Very good. Thank you Dorsa, and Meera.

    Micky Armstrong

    Micky Armstrong

    Jun 25,2023

  • Don't usually see this dentist (Dorsa) My usual one Luckie was not available, I was having deep filling and she kept me at ease, explained everything she was doing and was so gentle that I didn't even feel the needle for when she froze my mouth. Would definitely want to see her again. Thank you.

    sue green

    sue green

    Jun 20,2023

  • It was a very good experience. The doctors were very nice and kept on asking me if i was okay.

    Areebah Shams

    Areebah Shams

    Jun 17,2023

  • Dorsa was really kind and nice. She explained everything to me really well as well giving me advice. I feel safe and comfortable. I would totally recommend her she's amazing 😊😊

    Simran kaur

    Simran kaur

    Jun 8,2023

  • I was so nervous and felt really anxious during my procedure today but Dorsa and her colleague ( sorry I should’ve asked your name ) were absolutely wonderful and were so patient with the patient:) I can highly recommend! Thanks again ladies!

    Jeannette Mason

    Jeannette Mason

    May 31,2023

  • Great service! All staff polite and friendly and my dentist Dorsa did amazing work on my teeth

    chloe shaw

    chloe shaw

    May 30,2023

  • I like to leave reviews, when I've had an excellent service.... the receptionists( Lisa and Rebecca) always have a smile to greet you on entrance....the dentists(Dorsa and Morva) are so professional and so very friendly...dental nurse (Meera)again greet you with a friendly smile....all of the other staff, who I can't name, also always smiling.

    Deanna Shields

    Deanna Shields

    May 18,2023

  • I have been a patient with Bhandal for many years and I have never had a bad experience. I have recently had some composite bonding done by Dorsa who has done a fantastic job, she has a real eye for detail and has given me back the confidence to smile.

    James Howell

    James Howell

    May 15,2023

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