Cosmetic Fillings, Inlays &
Onlays in Barnet
Been told a tooth needs more than a filling, but you’re not sure it needs a full crown either? That’s exactly the gap inlays and onlays are designed to fill. At Mona Lisa Smiles in Barnet, we repair damaged teeth using cosmetic fillings, inlays, and onlays, restoring strength while keeping as much of your natural tooth as possible.
What Are Cosmetic Fillings?
Cosmetic fillings, also known as tooth-coloured fillings, repair teeth affected by decay, minor damage, or wear. Unlike traditional silver fillings, they’re matched to the natural shade of your teeth, designed to blend naturally with your surrounding teeth. They can treat tooth decay, repair chipped teeth, restore worn tooth surfaces, and replace old fillings.
Benefits of Cosmetic Fillings
- Natural appearance, matched to your tooth colour
- Conservative treatment, removing only the damaged portion
- Strong, durable modern materials
- Usually completed in a single appointment
What Are Inlays and Onlays?
Sometimes a standard filling isn’t quite enough support, but a full crown isn’t necessary either. That’s where inlays and onlays come in.
Inlays
A custom-made restoration that fits within the grooves of a tooth, typically used when damage is too extensive for a filling but doesn’t affect the outer cusps.
VS
Onlays
Covers a larger area and may extend over one or more cusps, providing additional strength while preserving more natural tooth structure than a full crown.
When Are Inlays and Onlays
Recommended?
- Moderate tooth decay
- A failed existing filling
- A tooth weakened by damage
- Cracks or fractures
- Situations needing more strength than a standard filling provides
The Treatment Process
We assess the tooth and determine the most suitable restorative option, carefully remove any damaged or decayed tissue while preserving healthy structure, then take impressions or digital scans to create your custom restoration. A temporary restoration may be placed while the final piece is made, and once ready, it’s securely bonded and adjusted for comfort.
Cosmetic Fillings vs Inlays
and Onlays
Cosmetic fillings suit small to moderate cavities, minor repairs, and quick cosmetic improvements. Inlays and onlays suit larger areas of damage, weakened teeth, failed fillings, and situations needing longer-term reinforcement. We’ll explain which option is most appropriate for your tooth during your consultation.
Caring for Your Restoration
- Brushing twice daily
- Flossing regularly
- Attending routine dental examinations
- Visiting the hygienist regularly
- Avoiding habits that may damage your teeth
Why Choose Mona Lisa Smiles?
- Conservative dentistry that protects natural teeth wherever possible
- Tooth-coloured, natural-looking restorations
- Personalised treatment plans based on the actual condition of your tooth
- Modern restorative techniques and materials
Frequently Asked Questions
Many patients prefer cosmetic fillings because they blend naturally with the teeth while still providing excellent durability.
With proper care, cosmetic fillings can provide many years of reliable service.
An inlay fits within the tooth, while an onlay covers a larger portion, including one or more cusps.
Modern materials are carefully selected to closely match the colour and appearance of your surrounding teeth.
Book Your Consultation
Book your consultation today. If you have a damaged tooth or an old filling that needs replacing, our team in Barnet can help you understand whether a filling, inlay, or onlay is the right fit.