Face
Dentistry
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!
Why do people grind their teeth?
In this video, Maggie explains some of the most common reasons people grind their teeth, particularly during sleep.
Grinding can be linked to things like stress, the alignment of your teeth or certain sleep issues. Over time it can lead to problems such as worn enamel, jaw pain and headaches.
If tooth grinding is causing problems, a custom dental guard may sometimes be recommended to help protect your teeth while you sleep.
Watch Maggie explain what to look out for and when it may be worth getting things checked.
#TeethGrinding #OralHealth #HealthySmile #PortisheadDentist
Clenching, headaches, pain when chewing… these can all be signs of TMJ problems.
In this video, Yasmin explains some of the common symptoms people experience and how treatments using neurotoxins can help relax the muscles around the jaw.
For some patients, this can reduce tension, relieve discomfort and improve day-to-day symptoms.
If you’ve been experiencing jaw pain or tension, it may be worth having a conversation about your options.
Book a consultation with our team at Evolve Face to learn more.
#TMJ #JawPain #FacialAesthetics #EvolveFace #Portishead
We are currently accepting new patients at Evolve.
If you’re looking for modern dental care in a friendly, patient-focused practice, we would love to welcome you.
Our team provides a wide range of dental treatments in a relaxed environment, with a focus on long-term oral health and natural-looking results. We’re proud to be a multi award-winning practice, and everything we do is centred around putting patients first.
We also offer finance options to help make treatment more manageable.
If you’ve been thinking about joining a new dental practice, now is a great time to get started.
📍 Evolve Dentistry, Portishead
📞 Contact our reception team on 01275 842550
#Northsomerset #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #newpatients #acceptingnewpatients #healthysmiles #healthysmile #naturalteeth #portishead #portisheadmarina #nailsea #clevedon #dentist
🪥 Smile hack: timing your tooth brushing
Did you know that brushing your teeth straight after eating isn’t always the best idea?
In this quick video, Maggie explains why it’s better to wait a little while before brushing. After eating, especially acidic foods and drinks, the enamel on your teeth can be temporarily softened. Brushing too soon can actually cause more wear.
Waiting around 30 minutes gives your saliva time to neutralise the acids and protect your teeth.
Watch Maggie’s smile hack to learn the simple change that can help keep your teeth healthier.
#SmileHack #DentalTips #OralHealth #HealthySmile #Portishead
What exactly is a dental crown?
In this video, Carol explains how crowns help restore and protect teeth that have been weakened by cracks, root canal treatment or large fillings.
A crown acts like a protective cap, binding the tooth together and giving it the strength it needs for everyday biting and chewing.
Watch the video to learn when a crown may be recommended and how it helps protect your smile.
#DentalCrowns #OralHealth #HealthySmile #PortisheadDentist
Did you know that chewing sugar free gum after eating can actually help protect your teeth? 🍬➡️🦷
In this video, Carol explains why dentists often recommend sugar free gum after meals. Chewing gum stimulates saliva, which helps wash away food particles and neutralise acids that can lead to tooth decay.
It’s not a replacement for brushing, but it can be a helpful extra habit when you’re out and about and can’t brush your teeth straight away.
#OralHealth #DentalTips #HealthySmile #Portishead
We’re delighted to welcome Flora, our new dental therapist, to the team at Evolve.
Flora works closely with our dentists to help patients maintain healthy smiles. Her role includes supporting gum health, providing preventative care and helping patients keep their teeth and gums in the best possible condition.
She’s passionate about helping people feel comfortable and confident about their oral health, and we’re really pleased to have her join the practice.
If you see Flora during your next visit, please do say hello and give her a warm Evolve welcome.
#MeetTheTeam #DentalTherapist #HealthySmiles #Portishead
