Dental inlays and onlays for damaged teeth

Inlays and onlays

At Plymouth City Centre Dental Practice, we repair and strengthen teeth while preserving as much natural structure as possible.

Dental therapist Lucy Steward examines a patient's teeth

Dental inlays and onlays at Plymouth City Centre Dental Practice

When a tooth is too damaged for a filling but doesn’t need a full crown, a dental inlay or onlay might be an ideal solution. These restorations repair and reinforce the tooth while keeping more of your natural enamel intact.

At Plymouth City Centre Dental Practice, we plan every inlay and onlay carefully, using modern materials and precise scanning technology to achieve a natural fit, comfortable bite, and long-lasting result.

Contact us
A number of dental tools

What are dental inlays and onlays?

Dental inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations used to repair teeth affected by decay, cracks, or old failing fillings. A dental inlay fits within the grooves of the tooth, while a dental onlay extends over one or more cusps (the biting edges).

Often made from strong ceramic materials such as an eMax onlay, they are bonded securely to the tooth. Compared to fillings, they offer greater strength and precision. Compared to crowns, they preserve more of the natural tooth.

An image of the interior of one of our treatment rooms

How much does a dental inlay or onlay cost?

The cost of an inlay or onlay depends on the tooth involved, the material used, and the complexity of the restoration. We provide clear pricing guidance and a personalised treatment plan before starting any work.

To help spread the cost, we offer flexible payment options, including 0% finance on selected plans. Full details are available on our pricing page.

0% finance options
Practice Manager Sophie Burrows speaking on the phone while working on her laptop

Getting an inlay or onlay at Plymouth City Centre Dental Practice

Assessment and planning

We examine the tooth, take digital scans, and confirm whether an inlay or onlay is suitable.

Precise restoration

Your tooth is carefully prepared and restored with a custom-made inlay or onlay.

Review and aftercare

We check comfort and bite, then provide guidance for long-term care.

Do I need inlay or onlay treatment?

You may need an inlay or onlay if you have a tooth with moderate damage that’s too extensive for a filling but doesn’t require a crown. This includes cracked teeth, large cavities, or worn-down enamel.

During your consultation, we’ll assess the tooth and discuss whether an inlay dental restoration, onlay dental restoration, or another option—such as a crown—would best protect your tooth long term.

Contact us
Dentist Shahriar Majlessi working on a dental patient

The benefits of inlays and onlays

Tooth preservation
Strength and durability
Advanced materials
Comfort and longevity

Dental inlays and onlays from experienced dentists in Plymouth

Our restorative dentists have extensive experience planning conservative treatments that protect and strengthen teeth. With modern scanning technology and a calm, patient-focused approach, we deliver restorations that look natural and feel comfortable.

Located in Plymouth city centre with flexible appointments, we’re trusted by over 3,000 patients across the city and surrounding areas for high-quality care.

Meet the team
The front of the Plymouth City Centre Dental Practice clinic, partially obscured by out-of-focus trees in the foreground

Hear from our other patients

Meet your restorative care team

No image available of this clinician.
Tom Olivelle

Dentist & Implantologist - GDC 76550

Supports restorative planning and advises when inlays, onlays, or alternative treatments like a crown best protect long-term tooth health.

Professional headshot of Shahriar Majlessi
Shahriar Majlessi

Dentist - GDC 71481

Highly experienced restorative dentist with a special interest in long-term tooth repair and preservation.

No image available for this clinician
Anitha Praburam

Dentist - GDC 282971

Advanced training in restorative dentistry with a gentle, patient-focused approach.

No image available of this clinician.
Premal Patel

Dentist - GDC 284751

Restorative dentist using digital dentistry to deliver precise, natural-looking inlays and onlays.

Lucy Steward, one of our dental therapists, looking into the camera and smiling with a face mask pulled down below her chin

Start restoring your tooth with confidence

Contact us by phone or email for a no-obligation consultation. We’ll explain your options for tooth restoration clearly, and ensure your treatment plan works around your lifestyle – not the other way around.

Frequently asked questions

Restore your smile at Plymouth City Centre Dental Practice