Restorative dentistry

Crowns, inlays and onlays

Some teeth have been through a lot: multiple fillings, root canal treatment, fractures, heavy wear. At some point a filling is not the right answer. Crowns, inlays and onlays are bespoke restorations made to fit your tooth precisely, restore its strength, and look completely natural.

Book a consultation How it works

Laboratory-mademade to fit your tooth
Colour-matchedmodern ceramics
Two visitsusually

A dentist taking a digital scan, the 3D model building on screen

At the practice

Shown to you firstWe show you the tooth on screen and explain why a filling is or is not enough

About crowns, inlays and onlays

When a filling isn't enough, there's a better option

What's the difference?

A crown covers the entire visible surface of a tooth, like a cap, protecting a tooth that is heavily damaged, fractured or root-filled. An inlay sits within the cusps of a tooth, for decay or damage too extensive for a filling but not needing full coverage. An onlay extends over one or more cusps: a middle ground that preserves more natural tooth while still giving significant protection.

The right choice depends on how much healthy tooth remains, where the tooth sits, and what you need it to do. We will talk through the options and explain our thinking before you decide anything.

What they're made of

We use high-quality ceramic and porcelain, colour-matched to your natural teeth. Modern ceramics are extremely strong, stand up to the biting forces on back teeth, and look genuinely natural.

How long they last

With good home care and regular check-ups, a well-made crown or onlay can last many years. That depends on the position of the tooth, your bite, whether you grind, and how well you look after it. A crown or onlay protects your investment in a compromised tooth; it is often the difference between keeping the tooth for life and losing it later.

What to expect

Two appointments, about two weeks apart

The tooth is protected with a temporary restoration while the laboratory makes the final one.

01 · Prepare
A precise preparation
A small, exact amount of tooth is removed to make room for the restoration, under local anaesthetic.
02 · Scan
Digital impressions
A digital scan of the prepared tooth goes to the dental laboratory. No trays of impression material.
03 · Protect
A temporary in the meantime
A temporary restoration protects the tooth while the final one is made, usually over two weeks.
04 · Fit
Fitted and checked
The final restoration is fitted and cemented, your bite is checked, and any minor adjustments are made.

Read the transcript

I was born of the generation where people were brought up to be petrified of dentists. In previous days they caused a lot of pain, had no explanation, it was a very scary experience. And suddenly meeting these new young dentists, it's absolutely fantastic. They keep you calm, they give you wonderful treatment. Very sensitive, very caring. When I first came here I needed some crowns to be done and they did them painlessly. Obviously teeth are very important and as one gets older you often need a bit more treatment. Everybody is really helpful from when you first ring to make an appointment. Then when you go in for your treatment the dental nurses are always lovely and as the the dentists themselves. Nothing ever seems too much bother for any of them which is something that's very special.

Patient story · 1:01

“They keep you calm, they give you wonderful treatment. When I first came here I needed some crowns and they did them painlessly.”

Julia was brought up to be frightened of dentists. She describes what having crowns here was like, and how the whole team looks after you.

Common questions

How do I know whether I need a crown, an inlay or just a filling?

It depends on how much healthy tooth remains. A filling suits smaller cavities. An inlay is used when damage is too extensive for a filling but does not need full coverage. An onlay extends over one or more cusps. A crown covers the entire visible surface, for a tooth that is heavily damaged, fractured or root-filled. We will explain our thinking before any decisions are made.

How long does it take, and what happens between appointments?

Usually two appointments about two weeks apart. At the first we prepare the tooth and take a digital scan for the laboratory, and place a temporary restoration to protect the tooth. At the second we fit and cement the final restoration.

How long will a crown or onlay last?

With good home care and regular check-ups, a well-made crown or onlay can last many years. Longevity depends on the position of the tooth, your bite, whether you grind, and how well you maintain it. We will give you honest expectations rather than tell you what you want to hear.

Will it look natural?

Yes. We use ceramic and porcelain colour-matched to your own teeth, which look genuinely natural. We avoid metal-based crowns for cosmetic reasons in most cases, and we will always discuss the options with you.

Clinically reviewed by Dr Leigh Knowles (GDC 76315), 14 October 2026.

Patient reviews

4.9

From 245 genuine Google reviews

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“Always excellent patient care from Kim and Anna on Reception and Leigh and Hannah in the surgery. (I’m sure all the staff are equally lovely but I haven’t met them all!) Leigh is exceptionally good at explaining dental “stuff” in a way which is tailored to different individual people.”
Jane · today
245 reviews from our patients on GoogleRead them all
“A truly excellent dentists. I feel lucky to have such a renowned practice so close to us in what is just a small market town. In my family of four, we all use Clear Dentistry, and I feel we’re in brilliant hands.”
Charlie Thompson · 2 weeks ago
“As always, a friendly and personalised service from reception to the dentist’s chair”
Paul Howden · 2 weeks ago
“I would highly recommend Clear Dentistry, Chis and his team are extremely professional offering the highest level of care and service.”
Kate Holroyd Smith · 3 weeks ago
“The team at Clear dentistry are great, but a special mention to Kim who is exceptional!”
Kirsty Tilley · 3 weeks ago
“Dental care is always superb. Every procedure is explained and gold standard. The before and after images are extremely informative.”
John Morris · 3 weeks ago
“I moved from another dental practice that I was with for 5 years on the recommendation of a relative and I’m very glad I did. Equipment is first class, everyone is extremely friendly and professional and make me feel a lot more comfortable than other dental practices I’ve used. They’re also able and willing to answer any and all questions I have and answer honestly instead of just trying to sell! Highly recommend.”
Max Coghlan · 6 weeks ago
“Truly the best dental practice I’ve been to. The receptionists, nurses and dentists are very professional, friendly and really seem to care. They make you feel very informed about your options and any treatments (if needed). Would highly recommend!”
Lizzie P · 6 weeks ago
“As always, my experience with Clear Dentistry today was great. On entering the building I see the reception staff. Three faces were smiling at me and I immediately relaxed. Dealing with Kim at the desk is always a pleasure. After a couple of information checks I went upstairs to see Luke. Luke has looked after me for many years. He is the best dentist I have ever had (and I had a few before I found him). Luke has an ability to put you at ease. He is professional, has a gentle manner and is extremely experienced. You do feel with Luke that it's not about the money, it's the care that's important. Keith Lines”
Keith Lines · 6 weeks ago

Crowns, inlays and onlays

When a filling isn't enough, there's a better option

What's the difference?

What they're made of

How long they last

Two appointments, about two weeks apart

A precise preparation

Digital impressions

A temporary in the meantime

Fitted and checked

Common questions

Start with a clear picture.

Book a consultation

Make an enquiry