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!
✨ Every smile has a story.
For this patient, treatment was about more than improving their teeth - it was about feeling confident enough to smile without hesitation.
It’s moments like these that remind us why we love what we do. Watching someone see their new smile for the first time never gets old.
If you’ve been thinking about making a change but aren’t sure where to start, we’re always happy to have a conversation about your options.
📍 Evolve Dentistry, Portishead
Worried that teeth straightening might hurt?
It’s one of the most common questions we get from patients considering aligner treatment.
The good news is that most patients don’t describe teeth straightening as painful. You may notice a feeling of pressure when you move to a new aligner, but this is usually mild, temporary and simply a sign that your teeth are moving as planned.
Many patients are surprised by how quickly they adapt and find that treatment fits comfortably into their daily routine.
Every smile is different, but our team will guide you through every step of your treatment journey and make sure you know exactly what to expect.
Thinking about straightening your teeth but still have questions? We’re always happy to help.
📍 Evolve Dentistry, Portishead
#Northsomerset #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #straighterteetheveryday #straighterteeth #newpatients #naturalteeth #healthysmiles #smilemakeovers #healthysmile #acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #portishead #clevedon #portisheadmarina #dentist #braces #adultbraces #adultbracesuk #gapsinteeth
Could you be the first smile our patients remember?
At Evolve Dentistry, we believe every patient deserves to feel genuinely welcomed, cared for and valued from the very first moment they contact us.
That’s why we’re looking for a new Patient Care Advisor to join our award-winning team.
This isn’t just a reception role.
It’s about creating exceptional experiences, building relationships and helping people feel at ease during every interaction.
You don’t need dental experience. If you love helping people, enjoy working as part of a supportive team and take pride in delivering outstanding service, we’d love to hear from you.
Here’s what you can expect:
• An award-winning team culture
• A modern private practice environment
• Ongoing training and development
• Staff dental benefits
• Team socials and celebrations
• A role where you’ll genuinely make a difference every day
Working hours
Monday: 8.00am - 7.15pm
Tuesday: 1.45pm - 6.15pm
Friday: 8.00am - 1.45pm
If this sounds like the opportunity you’ve been looking for, we’d love to hear from you.
To request an application pack, email hello@evolve-dentistry.co.uk
Please help us by sharing this post with someone who would be a perfect fit for the Evolve family.
A huge thank you to everyone who completed our latest patient survey.
Your feedback helps us celebrate what’s working well, identify where we can improve and continue providing the level of care our patients expect from Evolve Dentistry.
Every comment has been read and every response helps shape the future of our practice.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience.
Every smile has a story, and it’s a privilege to be part of the journey. ✨
This transformation is a wonderful example of what can be achieved with personalised treatment planning, attention to detail, and a focus on creating natural-looking results.
Whether you’re looking to improve the appearance of your smile, restore confidence, or simply feel more comfortable showing your teeth in photos, we’re here to help you explore the options available.
A huge well done to Dr Yasmin Zeina and the team for helping this patient achieve a smile they can feel proud of. 😊
If you’ve been thinking about making a change to your smile, why not get in touch to arrange a consultation and discover what’s possible?
📍 Portishead
📞 Contact our reception team to learn more.
✨ Thousands of happy patients ✨
Choosing a dental practice is a big decision, and we’re incredibly grateful that so many people have trusted us with their smiles over the years.
Whether it’s helping someone feel confident enough to smile in photos again, straightening teeth they’ve been unhappy with for years, or simply making dental visits feel less daunting, every patient’s journey is important to us.
Thank you to every patient who has chosen Evolve Dentistry, shared their experience, recommended us to friends and family, or trusted us with their care.
Your support means the world to our team, and we’re proud to be part of so many smile transformations and success stories.
💙 Here’s to many more happy smiles.
#Northsomerset #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #straighterteetheveryday #straighterteeth #newpatients #naturalteeth #healthysmiles #smilemakeovers #healthysmile #acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #portishead #clevedon #portisheadmarina #dentist
