Have you ever chipped a tooth or suffered from a cavity that a simple filling wouldn’t fix? Dental inlays and onlays offer a strong, attractive solution to restore moderately damaged teeth. This blog post will guide you through everything you need to know about these restorations, from what they are to how they compare to crowns and their typical cost.

What are Dental Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations that rebuild damaged teeth. Unlike fillings placed directly in your mouth, a dental lab creates inlays and onlays for a precise fit. Typically, they are made from durable and tooth-colored materials like porcelain or ceramic, ensuring a natural look.

Inlays: These restorations fit within the cusps (points) of your tooth, addressing damage to the chewing surface but not extending over them. They are ideal for moderate cavities or cracks.
Onlays: Onlays cover one or more cusps of your tooth, extending out onto the chewing surface for more extensive damage. They offer more structural support than inlays but still preserve a significant portion of your natural tooth structure.

Is an Onlay Better Than a Crown?

The choice between an onlay and a crown depends on the extent of the tooth damage and the specific circumstances of the patient. Both onlays and crowns are used to restore damaged teeth, but they have key differences:

Extent of Damage: Onlays are suitable for moderate damage, while crowns are needed for severely compromised teeth with extensive decay, cracks, or fractures.
Tooth Preservation: Onlays preserve more of your natural tooth structure compared to crowns, which require removing a significant portion of the tooth.
Durability: Both restorations are highly durable, but crowns might offer slightly more strength due to their complete coverage.

How Much Should an Onlay Cost?

The cost of a dental onlay can vary based on several factors, including the material used, the complexity of the procedure, and the geographical location of the dental practice. On average, the cost of an onlay can range from $650 to $1,200 per tooth.

Factors influencing the cost include:

Material: Porcelain and composite onlays tend to be more expensive than gold or other materials due to their aesthetic qualities and compatibility with natural tooth color.
Laboratory Fees: Custom-made onlays require precise fabrication in a dental laboratory, which can contribute to the overall cost.
Dentist’s Expertise: Experienced and highly professional dentists may charge more for their services.

Dental inlays and onlays offer a strong, long-lasting, and natural-looking solution for repairing moderately damaged teeth. If you’re looking for an alternative to a full crown, consult your dentist to see if an inlay or onlay is the right choice for you.