

When you need a filling, there are usually plenty of options open to you. However, if you want a natural-looking, strong option that can also be used to improve the appearance of your smile, you should ask your dentist about inlays and onlays.
What are inlays and onlays?
Sometimes known as “indirect fillings” both inlays and onlays can be used to treat decayed or badly damaged teeth where traditional filling materials may not be a viable choice. Unlike composite or amalgam, inlays and onlays are solid pieces of material that are attached to your tooth. You can choose to follow a natural-looking approach and opt for porcelain or ceramic inlays and onlays. Or, you can have them in precious metals such as gold – it all depends what you want your smile to look like, but your dentist will also advise which materials might be best for your situation! In some cases, an inlay/onlay may be made out of composite – the same tooth-coloured material that you would have for a standard filling.
The difference between inlays and onlays is the amount of the tooth they cover. Inlays are placed within the cavity on the tooth, while an onlay will replace the cusps (tips) of your tooth.
What are the advantages?
Inlays and onlays are a versatile option that come with many benefits. They both provide additional strength compared to very large fillings for the affected tooth following treatment, meaning that they will likely be able to restore biting and chewing forces once again.
They’re also usually a longer-lasting option than traditional fillings, especially when properly maintained. Another great benefit is that inlays and onlays can help to boost your smile aesthetics. If you opt for a porcelain or ceramic material, this will be specifically created to blend in with your natural tooth colour.
Plus, compared to crowns, placement of inlays and onlays require less of your natural tooth to be removed, making them a perfect choice for people keen to retain as much of their original tooth structure as possible.
How long do inlays and onlays take?
Dental inlays/onlays usually require two appointments to place. The first appointment will involve your dentist assessing your mouth and taking a dental impression. This impression will then be sent to a dental laboratory who will create your dental inlay/onlay to perfectly fit onto your tooth. This will then be placed in your second appointment, with the inlay/onlay secured into place using a dental resin or cement.
If you opt for a composite inlay/onlay, this can sometimes be created in your dental practice by your dentist and may only take a single appointment. However, it’s worth remembering that composite inlays/onlays won’t necessarily offer the same strength benefits as those made from porcelain and precious metals.
Ask your dentist to find out more!
Dental inlays/onlays are just one of the many restorative dental options you can choose to protect and improve your smile. Our dentists are members of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD) which means that they are fully trained to deliver only the highest standard of treatment. So, if you want to explore the options available to you, please contact our team today!


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How often should you brush and floss your teeth? 🪥✨
In this short video, Carol explains the best routine for healthy teeth and gums, why consistency matters, and simple tips to make oral care easy every day.
Even a few extra minutes of care each day can make a huge difference for your smile — and your confidence!
💡 Pro tip: Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day keeps your teeth and gums happy.
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She did it! 🚴♀️👏
Carol has officially completed her charity bike ride and we’re incredibly proud of her. One of our lovely patients even brought in this card to celebrate the achievement – such a thoughtful gesture.
The ride may be finished, but the fundraising is still open. If you’d like to support Carol and the cause she rode for, there’s still time to donate.
Every contribution makes a difference and means a lot to Carol and the team.
Tap the link in our bio to donate. Thank you for all the encouragement and support along the way. 💙
#TeamEvolve #CharityRide #Fundraising #CommunitySupport #ProudMoment
If you’d like to contribute, please use the link below. Thank you for cheering Carol on and supporting such a fantastic effort. 💙
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https://www.justgiving.com/page/carol-somerville-roberts-1


When should your child see the dentist for the first time? 🦷👶
Swipe through our carousel to learn why early dental visits matter, what to expect, and how starting young can set your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
At Evolve Dentistry, we make children feel calm, understood, and cared for — because dentistry should be a positive experience from the very first visit.
#Portishead #FamilyDentist #ChildrensDentistry #HealthySmiles #FirstDentalVisit #EvolveDentistry #NorthSomerset #SmileConfidence


Portishead means more to us than a place of work - it’s home.
We’ve written an open letter to our local community to share what Evolve Dentistry truly stands for: compassion, authenticity, respect, and doing the right thing - always.
This practice was built with people at its heart. Not transactions, not targets - but neighbours, families, familiar faces and lasting relationships.
If you are part of this wonderful town - whether you’ve been with us for years or are simply curious about who we are - we’d love you to take a few moments to read it.
Thank you for trusting us to care for your smiles. We are incredibly proud to belong here.
👉 Read our letter to Portishead - link in bio.
#Portishead #Community #EvolveDentistry #Portishead
#PortisheadBusiness
#PortisheadLife
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#Gordano
#LovePortishead
#supportlocalsomerset
#CommunityMatters
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#dotherightthing
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Huge congratulations to Maisie 🎉
We are so proud to share that our trainee dental nurse, Maisie, has officially passed her dental nurse exams!
Maisie has worked incredibly hard alongside her training here at the practice, showing real dedication to her learning and to our patients every single day. From supporting clinicians chairside to helping create a calm, welcoming environment, she has grown in confidence and skill throughout her journey.
Becoming a qualified dental nurse is a fantastic achievement, and we couldn’t be happier for her. Please join us in congratulating Maisie next time you see her at the practice! 👏
Well done, Maisie – we’re so proud of you. 💙
#DentalNurse #TeamEvolve #PracticeLife #DentalTeam #ProudMoment


Thinking about straightening your teeth but unsure where to begin?
Lisa breaks down the difference between clear aligners and fixed braces - simply, clearly and without the jargon.
Both are effective. Both can create beautiful results. The right choice depends on you.
Watch the video to learn more, and if you’d like personalised advice, we’d be delighted to help.
#PortisheadBusiness #FamilyDentist #Orthodontics #DentalCare #SmileJourney #EvolveDentistry



