DENTAL INLAYS, ONLAYS & TOOTH FILLINGS STELLENBOSCH
Dental Inlays, Onlays & Tooth Fillings
In previous years, receiving restorative treatments meant prolonged inconvenience — temporary fillings, repeated appointments, and an uncomfortable fit. Modern dental inlays, onlays and fillings eliminate this hassle.
Dorp Street Dental Stellenbosch ensures you leave with a restoration that feels natural, while providing a radiant smile.
What are Dental Inlays, Onlays & Tooth Fillings
The tooth filling procedure is a minimally invasive restoration made from tooth-coloured resin that bonds directly to your natural enamel, primarily used for small to moderate cavities. When decay extends beyond what a filling can handle, a custom-made inlay is the solution.
For even worse decay or when your dentist needs to rebuild more extensive tooth structure without a full crown or dental implants, onlays provide a hybrid approach. Onlays cover the biting surface and cusps, providing the strength of a crown while preserving more of your natural tooth.
The Dental Inlays, Onlays & Tooth Fillings Procedure
Step 1: Assess
Your dentist will inspect the tooth to reveal decay, micro-cracks, or worn-out tooth fillings. We personalise your care with a risk review that aligns with your aesthetic goals and dental health.
Step 2: Diagnose
If the decay is minor, we seal it quickly with a composite filling. Your dentist may opt for an inlay if the cavity runs deeper, or an onlay if the cusps are damaged. They will discuss the treatment options with you before proceeding.
Step 3: Fix
Your dentist will numb the area and then proceed to remove the decay, preserving your healthy enamel. Your new restoration is expertly fabricated and placed on the same day, depending on your dental needs.
Before you leave, we will brief you on gentle chewing while the anaesthetic wears off and how to care for your inlay, onlay or fillings.
Benefits of Dental Inlays, Onlays and Tooth Fillings
Single-visit convenience
In-office milling means that your dentist can design, fabricate and place your inlays or onlays in one appointment. If you’re leading a busy professional or home life, this means you don’t need to compromise your dental health to be present in both these areas.
Retains the original tooth
Inlays and onlays only preserve the damaged portion, allowing you to retain more natural tooth structure than full dental crowns.
Seamless aesthetics
High-strength ceramic means restorations blend invisibly with your enamel for a natural-looking result that resists staining.
Metal-free materials
Composite resin tooth fillings don’t corrode or leach like metal fillings, protecting your health and the environment.
Why Choose Dorp Street Dental For Dental Inlays, Onlays & Fillings?
Modern Practice
Benefit from the latest dental technology and materials, ensuring precise, comfortable, and effective treatments.
Transparent Pricing
Enjoy clear, upfront pricing with no hidden costs, making your dental care stress-free.
Decades of Experience
Trust in a team led by Dr Andre Brand and Dr Evert Burger, with over 45 years of combined expertise delivering exceptional results.
Convenient Location
Located in the heart of Stellenbosch, our practice is easily accessible for busy professionals and families alike.
Comprehensive Services
From cosmetic enhancements to general dental care, we offer a broad range of tailored treatments to meet your needs.
FAQs About Dental Inlays, Onlays & Tooth Fillings
What is the difference between an inlay, an onlay and a composite filling
Composite tooth fillings are a tooth-coloured resin that your dentist directly places into a cavity. Inlays are a lab-milled ceramic insert that restores damage within the biting cusps. Onlays are a larger ceramic overlay that rebuilds one or more cusps.
Can Dorp Street Dental finish my restoration in a single appointment
Yes. Our CEREC® workflow scans, designs, mills and bonds ceramic inlays or onlays while you relax in the chair, eliminating temporaries and second visits.
How long do these restorations last
With good oral hygiene and check-ups, composite fillings typically last 5–8 years, while ceramic inlays and onlays often exceed 10–15 years before replacement is considered.
How should I care for my new restoration?
Regular brushing, flossing, and check-ups are sufficient to maintain the health of your dental restoration. Avoid biting ice or hard sweets, as this can dislodge your filling, inlay or onlay.
