Identity Smile Bespoke Dentistry London | Smile Makeover | Porcelain Veneers

Treatments

White Fillings

Composite and Inlays

A Filling is the dental treatment used to repair teeth that are decayed. 

Identity Smile Bespoke Dentistry London | Smile Makeover | Porcelain Veneers

About This Treatment

A filling does what it says it does—it is filling in a cavity, a hole that has been created by decay or trauma, essentially building back a tooth to its original form. 

When we create a filling from composite resin, we shade the white material so that it blends naturally with the surrounding tooth structure. The result is a restoration that is practically invisible.

Inlays and onlays are used when the damage or decay to a tooth requires more than a filling—but less than a crown. In other words, if your tooth does not have enough tooth structure for a filling but it is not so severely damaged that it warrants a crown, you may be an excellent candidate for an inlay or onlay.

Different types of fillings exist: 

  • Amalgam – the strongest, most durable and least expensive option.
  • Composite resin – durable fillings for small to medium-sized cavities, a little more expensive than amalgam, but more attractive in both hidden and visible areas.
  • Glass or resin “ionomers” – mimic natural tooth color and are used for filling cavities in areas of the root or gum line.

Inlays and Onlays – are superior fit fillings, made in the laboratory, extremely durable due to the material they are made of, resemble more natural teeth and less likely to discolour over time. They are a great choice if the decay extends into the flossing area or repair teeth that already have large defective fillings.

At A Glance

As A Comparison

White CompositeInlays/Onlays
Plastic LikeMaterialGlass Like
MediumDurabilityMaximum
Less StrongStrengthStronger
1 VisitNo. Of Visits2 Visits, 2 Weeks Apart

Dr Germain Explains Inlays and Onlays

Dr. Alexandra is great! Very professional, detail oriented and truly cares about her clients. I got two fillings done with her and she even checked in after the procedures to make sure everything is OK. She Uses the most modern equipment and is a pleasure to work with. Would highly recommend her! Also, very hygiene and safety oriented in this time of Covid

-Google Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

This is what to expect during a white filling procedure at Identity Smile Clinic
  1. The tooth is numbed and is isolated from saliva to keep it dry.
  2. Any dental decay is removed or any old defective filling
  3. Active dental products are applied to the tooth to ensure the bonding of the filling onto the tooth. 
  4. A special light is used to harden each layer of composite resin white filling material.
  5. The Bite on the tooth is adjusted so the patient feels comfortable on biting
  6. Finally, the filling is smoothed and polished.
This is what to expect during an inlay or onlay procedure at Identity Smile Clinic

Inlays and onlays require 2 dental visits:

At the first Dental visit:

  1. The tooth is numbed and is isolated from saliva to keep it dry.
  2. Any dental decay is removed or any old defective filling
  3. An impression is made of the tooth and sent to our dental laboratory.
  4. A temporary filling is placed on the tooth until the second appointment
  5. At the laboratory, the inlay or onlay is crafted by an expert ceramist

At the second dental visit:

  1. The tooth is numbed
  2. The temporary filling is removed
  3. The tooth is cleaned and the new inlay/onlay is tried
  4. The inlay/onlay is cemented 
  5. The new filling is adjusted so the bite feel comfortable 
  6. The inlay/onlay is polished.
What is the difference between an inlay and an onlay?

They are both indirect white fillings, made by the laboratory but their shapes are different. Inlays are smaller and fit inside the cusp tips of the tooth, in the inner centre part of it. Onlays cover the top chewing surface of the tooth plus the inner surface. They are bigger. 

When do I know I need an inlay or an onlay?

 Reasons you might need an inlay  or an onlay:

  • Broken or fractured tooth.
  • Cosmetic enhancement, replacing old large amalgam fillings
  • Decayed teeth, caries
  • Fractured fillings.
  • Large fillings.

Our Treatments

Client Reviews

Highly recommend Dr Germain and her colleagues. Not only she has a great personality, she makes sure that the BEST job is provided and the patient is happy with her job. Best experience I had in a dental practice.
Maryam Javidan
Maryam Javidan
Dr Germain did my orthodontist work. She has done a tremendous job and was really attentive to answering my numerous questions.
She was also available to deal with my queries even out of office hours.
I highly recommend dr German for anyone looking for a truly caring and qualified dentist.
Grégoire Pennec
Grégoire Pennec
My experience with Dr. Germain has been nothing short of a pleasure. The attention to care and comfort is second to none and it’s a genuine joy to go to the dentist when being seen by Dr. Germain. She has taken her time inside and outside of our normal appointments to ensure that I am getting the treatment that I need to be confident about my teeth and oral hygiene. Superb knowledge and facilities, top tier professionalism but also a reassuring and friendly presence - couldn’t recommend her more highly.
Ryan Couch
Ryan Couch
Dr. Alexandra is the best dentist you can find in London! I contacted her for an emergency and I got an appointment within 1 hour! She is not only an amazing doctor but also a lovely person. I would definitely recommend her.
Benedetta Bisetto
Benedetta Bisetto
I was very nervous going to the dentist after too many years avoiding it. Dr. Germain was amazing! Professional but down to earth, she was able to put me at ease. Setting up appointments with her assistant, Chloe has been a breeze and very client-centric. Definitely recommend!
Saul Palomera
Saul Palomera
Dr. Germain is the best dentist I’ve ever had. She is incredibly thorough, uses the latest technology, and is totally present and focused during visits. I actually look forward to cleanings with her! The relaxing music and overall environment help. :) I recommend her enthusiastically!
Sonia Miranda Tekle
Sonia Miranda Tekle
Dr Germain has literally changed my life for the better! Thanks to her amazing meticulous work, she was able to conduct the best smile makeover for me.

I’m over the moon with my new smile!
Sam EA
Sam EA
Yay! Finally found a good dentist in London. Dr. Germain does all the right checks (lymph-nodes, tongue and mouth check, jaw, etc) and her cleaning is the best I've had in London. She doesn't waste time trying to upsell you on things (this can be common in the US) but she'll answer all your questions and provide an opinion on options and cost and leave it with you -- which is great. Definitely my primary dentist now.
E K
E K
Excellent dentist with a wonderful sense of humor, patient-focused, available and sympathetic. I had total confidence visiting the office multiple times during the pandemic. She has a very good associated periodontist. If you are looking for an American-style dentist I highly recommend Dr. Germain. She is also experienced with US dental insurance forms.
Robin Abrams
Robin Abrams
Dr. Germain is an OUTSTANDING dentist! She exceeded my expectations in delivering the highest quality results and a smile that brings me so much confidence. She is professional, thorough, efficient and cares about me as a patient. She's proactive and checks in post-dental work to make sure all is going smoothly; I couldn't recommend her enough! She has made visits to the dentist much more positive than any other dentist!
Georgina Fitzpatrick
Georgina Fitzpatrick
Dr. Germain is incredible about seeing the whole picture, made the biggest difference to my face, teeth and I’m incredulous more dentists are NOT like her but wow! I am LUCKY to have found her. She is incredibly tenacious about getting results you are happy with. Her ethics are second to none. The people she co-ordinates with are incredible. Her team are wonderful. She works for you. I now have my gum lines fixed, a set of straight, all natural looking teeth (I showed her my picture before accident so I look like me again!) and my whole face looks fresh. Taken years of me. I can smile!!!
Akashia LondonTalent
Akashia LondonTalent
Dr Germain is an excellent dentist and a lovely, warm and caring person. She is highly knowledgeable and skilled and takes the time to fully explain everything she does so that you feel comfortable and informed as the patient. As a Canadian, I previously had avoided dentists in the UK, preferring to wait until I returned to Canada several times a year to go to a dentist I trusted. I searched long and hard for a dentist I felt confident in in London, and I am so happy to have found an excellent dentist in Dr Germain. I would highly recommend her!
Hayley Jones
Hayley Jones
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