Restorative
Inlays and onlaysin Cape Town
Inlays and onlays at Singh Advanced Dentistry in Gardens, Cape Town are custom-made ceramic restorations that repair larger cavities or damaged back teeth while keeping as much natural tooth as possible.
Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations for teeth too damaged for a simple filling but not requiring a full crown. They are crafted outside the mouth and bonded to the affected tooth.

At a glance
- Who it's for
- Moderate tooth decay or damage
- Time in the chair
- —
- Number of visits
- —
- Recovery
- —

Overview
Precise ceramic restorations for larger cavities.
We'll explain your options, what to expect and the costs at your consultation.
How it works
Step by step.
- 01
Consultation
We assess your teeth and talk through your goals and options.
- 02
Your plan
You receive a clear treatment plan and costs before anything begins.
- 03
Treatment
Treatment is carried out at a pace that suits you, with aftercare guidance.
Your journey
Inlays and onlays, step by step.
- Step 1
Consultation
We examine your teeth, talk through your goals and explain the options and costs.
- Time
- 45–60 min
- Visits
- 1 visit
- Step 2
Preparation & scan
Decay or an old filling is removed and the tooth scanned.
- Time
- 1–1.5 hours
- Visits
- 1 visit
Practice to confirm
- Step 3
Bonding
The ceramic inlay or onlay is bonded in place.
- Time
- About 1 hour
- Visits
- 1 visit
Practice to confirm
Times are typical and vary from person to person. We'll confirm yours at your consultation.
The full guide
Everything you need to know about inlays and onlays
When a tooth is too damaged for a simple filling but doesn’t require a full crown, inlays and onlays offer an intermediate option. These custom-made restorations are designed to fit precisely into or onto your tooth, restoring its strength, structure, and appearance.
Inlays and onlays are known as indirect fillings – crafted outside the mouth and then bonded to the affected tooth.
What are Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are known as indirect fillings – crafted outside the mouth and then bonded to the affected tooth. Inlays fit within the grooves of a tooth’s chewing surface. Onlays extend over one or more cusps (the pointed parts of the tooth), covering a larger area. Both options provide a restorative option designed for durability and a natural appearance.
When are they used?
Inlays and onlays are typically recommended when:
- A cavity is too large for a regular filling
- A tooth has moderate decay or damage
The tooth is located in the back of the mouth where biting pressure is greatest
For more severely compromised teeth, a crown may be required instead.
Customised for Strength and Aesthetics
Our inlays and onlays are made from materials such as porcelain, resin, or gold. Porcelain and resin are particularly popular for their natural tooth-like appearance, chosen to blend with your smile.
The Singh Advanced Dentistry Approach
At Singh Advanced Dentistry, we see restorative dentistry as both a science and an art. With years of experience and a commitment to excellence, we take great pride in helping our patients achieve healthy, functional, and aesthetically beautiful smiles.
Think inlays or onlays might be right for you?
Book a consultation today – we can help you explore a suitable solution tailored to your needs. Book online: /form.


