

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!


BRACES


BONDING


Dental Health Plan
We are accepting new patients, book an introduction call today
Book An Introduction Call
The team are cycling for 5 hours straight today to raise funds for Bridge2Aid.
If you would like to support Carol you can do so via the JustGiving page https://www.justgiving.com/page/carol-somerville-roberts-1
#bridge2aid #cyclothon #5hourcycle #dontstoppedalling #keeponpedalling pleasesupportus


We love seeing our team grow ✨
Hannah, our Hygienist, attending an implant training course to expand her skills and knowledge—so our patients benefit from the very latest in dental care.


Behind every great patient experience is a well-trained, passionate team 🦷✨
Yesterday was all about learning, growing and investing in our skills—because our patients deserve the very best.


Dear patients and friends,
Evolve Dentistry will be closed today as our team takes part in a full day of training. 📚
🦷 We believe that continually developing our skills is essential to providing you with the highest level of care and the best possible experience every time you visit.
If you have an emergency please call 01275 842 550.


🦷 Grinding your teeth can take a toll over the years. Jason’s worn and chipped teeth have now been beautifully restored with composite bonding at Evolve Dentistry!
He’s thrilled with the results, we love seeing our patients regain their confidence and smile. 😁
📞 Call our reception to find out how we can help with worn or chipped teeth.
#EvolveDentistry #SmileTransformation #CompositeBonding #HealthySmiles #PortisheadDentist


We’re excited to invite you to a special event we’re hosting at Evolve Dentistry on Monday 15th December, and we’d love for you to be part of it.
From 10am to 3pm, we’ll be running a Cyclathon at the practice to help raise funds for Bridge2Aid, a charity providing vital emergency dental care and training in communities that need it most.
This year, our very own Carol Somerville Roberts is taking on the incredible Peaks to Plains Safari Cycle Challenge in Tanzania, and this event is part of her fundraising efforts.
How you can get involved:
🚴♂️ Hop on a bike – join us for a few minutes (or more!) and help us cover as many miles as possible.
💙 Come along to cheer us on – your support means so much.
📱 Make a donation on the day – we’ll have SumUp, cash collection, and QR code donation options available.
If the weather is kind, we’ll be cycling outside Evolve; if not, we’ll set up indoors, so the event will go ahead either way.
Whether you’re keen to pedal or just pop by to show your support, we’d absolutely love to see you there. Every mile and every pound makes a real difference to the communities Bridge2Aid supports.
Thank you in advance for your kindness and encouragement — it means the world to us and to Carol.
#EvolveDentistry #PortisheadDentist #FunAtThePractice #CommunitySmiles #Portishead #DentalTeam #ProudMoment #bestteam #bestpractice #BestTeam #DentalNurse #BestPractice #PortisheadCommunity #ThankYou #TeamEvolve #TeamNews #PortisheadClinic #bridge2aid


✨ What is amalgam removal — and when do we use the SMART protocol?
In this video, Carol Somerville Roberts explains what amalgam removal involves and the different options available to patients.
Some patients choose to have their amalgam fillings replaced for cosmetic reasons, while others request that the removal is carried out using the SMART protocol.
For those who request the SMART protocol, it provides an enhanced approach designed to minimise exposure during the procedure, with additional safety measures for both patients and our team.
If you’re considering having your amalgam fillings replaced — with or without the SMART protocol — our team is here to guide you through your options. 💙
#EvolveDentistry
#Portishead
#AmalgamRemoval
#SMARTProtocol
#DentalHealth
#HealthySmile
#DentalCare
#HolisticDentistry
#CosmeticDentistry
#MercurySafeDentistry



