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.

£26.80

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

£73.50

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.

£319.10

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

  • Amazing dentist. For the first time ever I’ve felt completely at ease seeing anyone about my teeth. Dr Dorsa has been amazing and so understanding of my anxieties and I can’t recommend her enough. Thank you

    abigail wathen

    abigail wathen

    Sep 23,2024

  • Great treatment. Lovely doctor Dr. Dorsa

    Leah-gwendoline Stokes

    Leah-gwendoline Stokes

    Sep 12,2024

  • Dr Dora the dentist who carried out work I desperately needed was absolutely first class. She was kind, considerate and very professional. I could not have asked for more, the six fillings I had to save my lower teeth were so well matched that I couldn’t tell they had been done. I cannot thank her enough, you are a tribute to the company.

    Paul Connors

    Paul Connors

    Sep 2,2024

  • Dr Dorsa gave me great service thankyou

    James Pound

    James Pound

    Aug 23,2024

  • 17/08/24 Excellent dental practice. Receptionist lovely and polite. I brought my teenage granddaughter to have her braces of she was so nervous but warm welcoming dentist nurse and Orthodontist. Granddaughter super happy to have no brace for her 18th birthday. Thank you

    Elizabeth Kelly

    Elizabeth Kelly

    Aug 17,2024

  • Dr Rahim-salehi is excellent.

    Julia Peas

    Julia Peas

    Aug 16,2024

  • Absolutely terrified of dentists, 18 years since my last appointment Had a very difficult tooth extraction, and was very anxious.. Dr bhandal, was very gentle, with initial numbing injections. And absolutely fabulous with the extraction.. It was tough going, but felt absolutely no pain whatsoever.. All staff were very friendly. Really felt at ease.. Definitely would recommend to my friends and family.. And feel my fear of dentists has been significantly reduced.. Keep up the good work....

    Ian Hollyoake

    Ian Hollyoake

    Aug 16,2024

  • 5***** stars for Dr Dorsa. She is genuinely the best dentist I have had, encouraged me to stop smoking in a very positive manner, always greeted with a smile, gentle when examining and treating and absolutely amazing at her job I can not fault her. She always gives amazing advice as well, I travel from Handsworth just for her because I don’t want to change dentists, that says it all!

    Areeba Shabir

    Areeba Shabir

    Aug 1,2024

  • Saw Dr Dorsa yesterday, front tooth was loose and giving me pain, i was very nervous, she checked me over and I asked her to just pull it out, she gave me all the different options and was so calming, kind, gentle and reassuring, 7 needles later, the tooth was out, going back in 2 weeks for false tooth, thank you Dr Dorsa and assistant xxx

    JULIE price

    JULIE price

    Jul 25,2024

  • I would like to thank Dr Dorsa at Bhandals she recently arranged for me to have surgery under sedation. I have had been back for more treatment recently. Dr Dorsa is very kind and caring and put me at ease and explained whst she was doing during my treatment. I would highly recommend Bhandals

    Sharon Walker

    Sharon Walker

    Jul 23,2024

  • I recently had my first appointment with the dental therapist at the clinic, and I am thoroughly impressed with the experience. Lesley, the dental therapist who treated me, was exceptionally professional and friendly. She made me feel comfortable throughout the procedure. Davina, the dental nurse, was equally professional and courteous, contributing to a positive and reassuring atmosphere. The level of care and professionalism displayed by both Lesley and Davina was outstanding, and I am very satisfied with the treatment I received.

    Jamila Arif

    Jamila Arif

    Jul 18,2024

  • Bhandal dental surgery in Blackheath Birmingham are the best Dentists I have ever been to. All the staff are nice and polite and Dr Pavan and her assistant Liv are absolutely fantastic and I do not use those words lightly.Incidentally this is the first review I have ever left for a Dentist. A great thank you to this Dentist practice who go above and beyond to provide exceptional service and this applies to NHS patients.

    John Musgrove

    John Musgrove

    Jun 21,2024

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