What are Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are lab fabricated fillings. The old filling is removed, an impression is made and then the inlays or onlays are made in the lab. The inlays or onlays are then fitted at a later appointment.
An inlay sits inside the cusps of the tooth (inside the hollow in the tooth). An onlay sits on the cusps of the tooth (on top of the tooth). Inlays and onlays are made from porcelain, white composites or gold. They can be colour matched to your existing teeth. They are stronger than normal fillings and normally last much longer.
Thanks for the description. I understand what they are now.
I have just had an inlay fitted on my left back tooth at the cost of £198. When i got home and looked at it for the first time in the mirror, i was horrified to see a mass of shining silver! Why couldnt they have put a porcelain one on, or is that more expensive? Im not happy with it at all.
Your comment is exactly why patients should be given a written treatment plan. Had you had a treatment plan you might have realised what you were getting and the reasoning behind it. Then you could have made an informed choice.
This was obviously NHS treatment and not private treatment so the “mass of shining silver” is unfortunately what you get. Had you been told exactly what you were getting then you might have opted for private treatment so you could get “porcelain” – that’s if this was suitable for your mouth.