Repair damaged teeth with same-day inlays and onlays
Inlays & onlays
Custom ceramic restorations that save your natural tooth structure and deliver strength far beyond a standard filling, designed and fitted in a single visit using CEREC technology.
Dental inlays and onlays at Muirhead & Associates
When a tooth has too much damage for a simple filling but doesn't need a full crown, an inlay or onlay gives you the perfect middle ground. We design and fit your restoration on the same day using our CEREC system, so you leave with a precise, long-lasting repair without a second appointment or a temporary in between.
What are inlays and onlays?
A dental inlay repairs decay or damage sitting within the cusps, the raised points of your tooth, much like a precisely fitted puzzle piece. A dental onlay extends further and covers one or more cusps when the damage is more extensive. We design both from durable eMax ceramic and mill them in-house using our CEREC system, then bond them permanently into place, all within one appointment.
When you compare an onlay vs crown, the key difference is coverage: a crown encases the entire visible portion of your tooth, while an onlay preserves more of your natural structure by replacing only the damaged areas.
How much do inlays and onlays cost?
The cost of your inlay or onlay depends on the size of the restoration, the tooth we're treating, and the materials involved. You can get an idea of costs from our up-to-date pricing guidelines on our pricing page.
We give you a clear, written quote at your consultation so you know exactly what to expect. For higher-value restorative treatments, we offer flexible payment options, including 0% finance, to help you spread the cost comfortably.
Your same-day inlay or onlay experience
Your consultation
Your dentist examines the damaged tooth and discusses whether an inlay, onlay, filling, or crown suits your needs best. We give you a clear treatment plan and a detailed quote before any work begins.
Digital scan and design
We remove the damaged material and take a digital scan of your tooth using our CEREC system. Our software designs your restoration precisely to match your bite and the shade of your surrounding teeth.
Milling and fitting, same day
We mill your custom ceramic restoration on-site while you wait, then bond it into place, check your bite, and give you aftercare guidance, all in the same appointment.
Your consultation
Your dentist examines the damaged tooth and discusses whether an inlay, onlay, filling, or crown suits your needs best. We give you a clear treatment plan and a detailed quote before any work begins.
Digital scan and design
We remove the damaged material and take a digital scan of your tooth using our CEREC system. Our software designs your restoration precisely to match your bite and the shade of your surrounding teeth.
Milling and fitting, same day
We mill your custom ceramic restoration on-site while you wait, then bond it into place, check your bite, and give you aftercare guidance, all in the same appointment.
When might you need an inlay or onlay?
You may need an inlay or onlay if you have a cavity too large for a standard filling to restore effectively, a tooth with a cracked or fractured cusp, or an old filling that has failed and needs replacing with something more durable.
If you notice sensitivity, discomfort when chewing, or visible damage to a back tooth, book a consultation so we can assess the best way to protect your tooth before the damage progresses further.
Why choose a same-day inlay or onlay for your damaged tooth?
More durable than fillings
We custom-make your restoration from high-strength eMax ceramic and bond it permanently in place, giving you a result significantly stronger and longer-lasting than a conventional composite filling.
Minimally invasive
We remove only the damaged or decayed material, preserving far more of your natural, healthy tooth structure than a full-coverage crown requires.
Precise fit
Our CEREC system designs your restoration from a digital scan, so it fits your tooth exactly and feels comfortable from the moment we fit it.
Completed in one visit
We design, mill, and fit your inlay or onlay in a single appointment, so you avoid a temporary restoration and a second visit.
More durable than fillings
We custom-make your restoration from high-strength eMax ceramic and bond it permanently in place, giving you a result significantly stronger and longer-lasting than a conventional composite filling.
Minimally invasive
We remove only the damaged or decayed material, preserving far more of your natural, healthy tooth structure than a full-coverage crown requires.
Precise fit
Our CEREC system designs your restoration from a digital scan, so it fits your tooth exactly and feels comfortable from the moment we fit it.
Completed in one visit
We design, mill, and fit your inlay or onlay in a single appointment, so you avoid a temporary restoration and a second visit.
Digital precision and restorative expertise you can trust
Muirhead & Associates has delivered advanced restorative dentistry to patients across Bradford, Shipley, and the surrounding Yorkshire communities for over half a century. Our clinicians combine traditional care with modern digital workflows, including intraoral scanning with Primescan technology, to create restorations that fit beautifully and last. Robert Muirhead has used CEREC technology since 1993 and teaches other dentists nationwide, and our entire clinical team provides CEREC same-day inlays, onlays, crowns, and veneers.
Meet our restorative team
Ready to restore your damaged tooth?
If you're living with a cracked, weakened, or heavily filled tooth, a same-day inlay or onlay could give you back the strength, function, and confidence you deserve.
Our team takes the time to explain your options clearly, answers all your questions, and creates a restoration that feels like part of you, all in one visit.
Book a consultation today and let us help you protect your smile for the long term.