Inlays and Onlays in Kidbrooke
Strong, Natural Restorations for Damaged Teeth
Inlays and Onlays in Kidbrooke
If you have a tooth that’s too damaged for a filling but doesn’t yet require a crown, inlays and onlays may be the perfect solution. At Smile 4 U Dental Practice in Kidbrooke, we provide high-quality, custom-made restorations that combine strength, precision, and natural aesthetics.
We proudly serve patients across Eltham, Eltham Common, New Eltham, Greenwich, Blackheath, Lewisham, Sidcup, Middle Park, Woolwich, and Bexleyheath.

What Are Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays — sometimes called indirect fillings — are custom restorations used to repair teeth with moderate decay, damage, or large failing fillings. They are crafted in a dental lab and then bonded to your tooth, offering a longer-lasting and more durable solution than traditional fillings.
Inlays sit within the cusps (points) of a tooth
Onlays extend over one or more cusps and are sometimes referred to as “partial crowns”

Why Choose Inlays or Onlays?
These restorations are ideal for:
Restoring cracked or fractured teeth
Replacing large or failing fillings
Repairing moderate decay
Improving the appearance of damaged or discoloured teeth
Sealing tight spaces between teeth to prevent bacterial build-up

Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
- Superior Strength & Longevity
Stronger and more durable than regular fillings, especially for molars or heavily used teeth. - Preservation of Healthy Tooth Structure
Less invasive than crowns — more of your natural tooth is preserved. - Excellent Fit & Finish
Lab-crafted for a precise fit and sealed perfectly to reduce the risk of future decay. - Natural Appearance
Tooth-coloured options (e.g. porcelain or resin) blend beautifully with your smile and resist staining. - Stable Materials
Unlike composite fillings, inlays and onlays do not shrink, ensuring a long-lasting, stable restoration.
The Inlay & Onlay Treatment Process
Treatment typically involves two appointments:
1. Initial Preparation & Impressions
Your dentist will gently prepare the tooth and take an impression to send to a dental laboratory. A temporary filling may be placed to protect the tooth in the meantime.
2. Fitting the Restoration
At your second visit, we’ll remove the temporary material, check the fit and bite, and then bond the inlay or onlay permanently in place using dental adhesive. We’ll finish by polishing the margins for a smooth, natural look.
Materials Used for Inlays & Onlays
Porcelain – Ideal for visible teeth; aesthetic and natural-looking
Resin – Flexible and suited for patients with bruxism or bite issues
Gold – Extremely durable; often used for back teeth where aesthetics are less of a concern
We’ll help you choose the best material based on your needs, priorities, and budget.
Inlays & Onlays in SE3 – Trusted Across South East London
Smile 4 U in Kidbrooke is your go-to dental clinic for durable, aesthetic inlays and onlays. We care for patients from Greenwich, Sidcup, Woolwich, Eltham, Blackheath, and beyond — delivering restorations that blend seamlessly with your smile.
Do you want to solve the problem of tooth decay or other oral issues?
Our experts match the shade of inlays and onlays for natural looking results!