TREATMENTS

Crowns, Inlays & Onlays

Have you noticed a tooth that’s cracked, decayed, or just doesn’t feel right? Maybe you’ve tried to manage it, but it’s affecting your smile or making eating uncomfortable.

When damage occurs to your teeth, whether from decay, injury, or wear, it can impact how you look, how you eat, and how confident you feel. But you don’t have to live with it.

Crowns, Inlays & Onlay Treatments in Edinburgh

Is Your Tooth Damaged or Worn?

Our Crowns, Inlays, and Onlays provide effective solutions for restoring damaged, decayed, or weakened teeth.

Using advanced materials and precise digital planning, we create custom restorations that look and function like natural teeth.

Whether you need full coverage with a crown, a filling replacement with an inlay, or a partial crown with an onlay, our restorations strengthen your teeth and enhance your smile’s appearance.

Our focus is on preserving as much of your natural tooth as possible while enhancing its strength and function.

Crowns, Inlays & Onlays

Is this the right treatment for you?

If you have damaged or decayed teeth that affect your bite or overall oral health, crowns, inlays, or onlays might be perfect for you. Here’s a quick guide to help you determine the right fit:

Crowns: Recommended for teeth with significant decay or damage that extends beyond repairable limits, crowns fully cap the tooth, adding structural strength and aesthetic appeal.
Inlays: Inlays fit within the grooves of your tooth, ideal for moderate damage confined to the tooth’s surface without affecting the outer edges. They restore function and protect against further decay.
Onlays: These are a middle-ground solution, covering a larger area than inlays but not requiring full coverage like crowns. Onlays extend over one or more cusps (the pointed parts of the tooth), making them ideal for larger areas of damage that still retain some natural structure.

During your consultation, we’ll assess your oral health and discuss the best option for you, ensuring a restoration that suits your unique needs.

The Procedure

1. Consultation and Assessment

We begin with a comprehensive examination to evaluate the health and structure of your teeth. Digital scans and 3D imaging technology capture every detail, allowing us to plan a personalised restoration. Our team will discuss the best options based on the extent of damage and aesthetic goals.

2. Tooth Preparation and Digital Impressions

Once we’ve selected the appropriate restoration, we prepare the tooth by removing any decayed or damaged tissue. For crowns, more of the tooth is reshaped, while inlays and onlays require minimal reshaping. Then, we take precise digital impressions, ensuring a perfect fit and bite alignment. These impressions are sent to a specialised lab for the custom crafting of your restoration.

3. Fitting and Bonding Your Restoration

When your crown, inlay, or onlay is ready, we carefully place and bond it to the tooth with advanced adhesives for a durable hold. We refine the restoration to ensure it aligns with your bite and polish it for a smooth, natural feel, leaving you with a restored smile that looks and feels natural.

Restore Your Smile Perfectly

Why Choose Crowns, Inlays & Onlays?

Choosing a customised crown, inlay, or onlay offers numerous advantages over conventional fillings or temporary fixes.

Our carefully crafted restorations not only provide a functional solution for damaged teeth but are designed to protect your teeth for the long term. They help you maintain your natural tooth structure while restoring both the appearance and function of your smile.

With advanced technology and precise methods, we can give you a restoration that feels just like your natural tooth, blending seamlessly with the rest of your teeth.

From the initial consultation to the final fit, we’re committed to making your restorative journey smooth and stress-free.

Key Advantages

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What Our Patients Are Saying

Inverleith Dentalcare

4.9

Based on 349 reviews

review us on

Clara Gore

08:29 11 Feb 25

What a great gentle experience! Thank goodness for a lovely dentist

billy darling

08:21 11 Feb 25

Outstanding service as always

Amanda Robbins

08:15 10 Feb 25

Thomas Chan

11:20 07 Feb 25

David is very gentle and considerate with his patients. He explained every steps during the treatment. Very satisfied.

Gordon Clayton

10:00 06 Feb 25

Although a double appointment with the Hygienist is not my idea of fun, Rihanna and her Assistant were as usual very pleasant and took care to carry out the various procedures with care and ensure my comfort and provide good advice for future dental hygiene. Inverleith Dental practice can be recommended for care. .

chris fowles

15:27 30 Jan 25

I had an excellent hygiene appointment today with Brianna and Peter.They were very professional and the level of cleaning was second to none. I appreciated the advice that was given at the end of the appointment regarding my at home care.Thanks!

Brian Mulholland

14:23 06 Jan 25

I had a great experience at Inverleith Dentalcare. John McAleavey was very thorough during my check-up and used a camera system to create a 3D scan of my teeth, showing where plaque had built up, which was really helpful. Briana, the hygienist, did an excellent job, leaving my teeth feeling very clean. Overall, I was very pleased with the service and would recommend Inverleith Dentalcare, especially John and Briana.

Iwona Walkowiak

11:29 19 Dec 24

I was able to secure an emergency appointment as a new patient and was impressed by the friendly and welcoming reception staff. The dentists were both positive and highly professional, ensuring a smooth and painless removal of my wisdom tooth. Thank you so much for the exceptional care. I highly recommend their services.

Dona Easton

10:16 02 Nov 24

I cannot recommend this practice highly enough!It is a delight to visit. I am treated with courtesy, friendliness and respect from the reception staff. Likewise, my excellent dentist - Dr Chris Fowles, who is highly skilled and takes time to explain all the procedures to me, often on screen, which ensures my complete understanding of all my treatments.

David Wilson

20:26 15 Oct 24

Excellent service. Emergency appointment as lost a filling away from home. Staff were exceptionally helpful and supportive. From Reception through to Treatment it was a very positive experience. Should I move to Edinburgh I would be extremely happy to apply to join their books. Many thanksDavid Wilson

Jean Kenyon

18:00 12 Aug 24

David Neilson

16:45 08 Aug 24

Great dentistry. I would definitely recommend.

Susanne Goetzold

13:57 25 Jul 24

Really happy with this dental practice. Chris Fowles is an excellent dentist. He takes time to explain treatment and options and also explains what he is doing during check ups and treatments, so nothing comes as a surprise. Great for anxious patients. He also has a great sense of humour. Staff always really friendly and helpful.

Mariam Aziz

08:46 25 Jul 24

I would very highly recommend the Inverleith Dental clinic. They are very professional and really knowledgeable. The admin staff is very helpful and will get you the information that you need to make a decision abo the best treatments you need. Dr. John McAleavy is excellent. He was also very knowledgeable about my TMJ issues and he was really understanding during the appointment and he sign posted me to the tools I needed; this made me feel that he cares about my progress and the best outcome for my case. Overall, I had a great experience and I can confidently say that will come back to Inverleith for any follow ups and future dental needs.

mattias nuella

20:16 24 Jul 24

The staffs were nice and big ups to Dr. Chris, my consultation session with him was good and he was friendly.

Sandra Johnson

19:00 24 Jul 24

Could not ask for better treatment! Thank you so much for all your care, attention and kindness for my son Jay who is having treatment with Chris Fowles he has Cerebral palsy and cannot make it up the stairs so they use a room downstairs to support Jay, Chris has been so thoughtful and makes Jay feel at Ease and explains everything he is doing before he does it this really means a lot. Highly recommend to anyone.

Jo Nash

17:14 17 Jul 24

I met with Dr John McAleavey as a new patient for a consultation about my complex dental health situation. I'm a nervous patient and was instantly at ease on entering the practice. John really listened to my background story and quickly spotted the source of my problems that had been missed by other dentists. My assessment was the most rigorous I've ever received, yet very gentle. John took the time to explain everything thoroughly and clearly. I left the practice with a sense of peace that I'd found the answers I'd been seeking, and confident I was in the hands of expert professionals. I'd recommend them to anyone.

Rosemary Jamieson

19:58 05 Jul 24

I was anxious before my first appointment with Inverleith Dental - my dentist of 25 + years had retired and I needed a practice nearer home - but I should not have worried!The welcome from the receptionist was lovely - The initial conversation with the dentist was very helpful - I learned about the ethos of the practice and felt I was being listened to - in addition this chat took place before the mouth examination so I was not in the reclining position which can put the patient at a disadvantage!The receptionist was most helpful with my mobility problems on leavingThe beautiful Georgian building is a bonus

Ookii Neko

11:50 09 Jun 24

I found Inverleith Dentalcare as I needed emergency dental treatment. They were very accommodating and managed to allocate an appointment the next day. Their service is second to none with professional and caring staff, dentists take the time to explain the procedure to the patient, and use modern standard techniques, materials and treatments. Worth every recommendation.

Your Questions Answered

Crowns, Inlays, & Onlays FAQs

What is the difference between a crown, an inlay, and an onlay?

A crown is a full-coverage restoration that encases the entire tooth, protecting and restoring its function, shape, and appearance. It’s often recommended for teeth that are heavily damaged, cracked, or decayed. An inlay is a smaller restoration that fits within the grooves of the tooth, replacing lost or damaged enamel while preserving much of the tooth’s natural structure. An onlay, sometimes called a partial crown, extends over one or more cusps of the tooth, providing additional coverage and support while still being less invasive than a full crown. Your dentist will assess your tooth’s condition to determine which option is most suitable.

How long do crowns, inlays, and onlays last?

These restorations are designed to be durable and long-lasting, often remaining functional for 10-15 years or longer with proper care. Factors that influence their longevity include your oral hygiene routine, the materials used, and your dietary habits. Avoiding habits such as grinding, clenching, or chewing on hard objects can also extend their lifespan. Regular dental check-ups allow your dentist to monitor the condition of your restorations and address any issues early.

Are crowns, inlays, and onlays noticeable?

Modern restorative materials are carefully chosen to match the colour, shape, and texture of your natural teeth. Porcelain or composite materials are commonly used because they mimic the translucency and appearance of enamel. Once placed, these restorations blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth, ensuring a natural look that allows you to smile and speak confidently.

How do I care for my crown, inlay, or onlay?

Caring for your restoration is much like caring for your natural teeth. Brush twice daily using fluoride toothpaste, floss regularly, and consider using an antibacterial mouthwash to keep your gums and teeth healthy. Avoid biting down on hard items such as ice or pens, as this can cause damage. If you grind your teeth at night, your dentist may recommend wearing a protective mouthguard to safeguard your restorations. Regular dental check-ups and hygiene visits are crucial for keeping both your natural teeth and restorations in excellent condition.