Crowns vs Onlays Cost in Kendal
Both start from £964. The decision isn't about the price tag, it's about how much of your natural tooth is still healthy.
Ceramic crowns and ceramic onlays in Kendal both start from £964. The fee is the same because the lab work and chair time are similar. The real question is which one keeps the most natural tooth structure. If healthy walls remain, an onlay is usually the better answer. If the tooth is heavily broken down or root-treated, a crown is the right call.
How to decide
- Both crowns and onlays start from £964 per tooth.
- Onlay first, where the case allows. We keep healthy walls and bond into the tooth.
- Crown when the tooth is too broken down or weakened for an onlay to be predictable.
- Two visits, usually a week apart. Digital scan, no putty impressions.
Investment
What you pay, line by line
From-fee per tooth. Same starting figure for ceramic onlays and ceramic crowns.
Included in the per-tooth fee
Digital scan of the tooth
Included
Lab-crafted ceramic onlay or crown
Included
Temporary between preparation and fit
Included
Bonded fit appointment under rubber dam
Included
Bite check and polish
Included
Cost-driver: how much tooth is left
Healthy walls remain. Onlay is usually right.
Conservative preparation. The onlay bonds into the tooth and reinforces what's left.
Heavily broken down or root-treated. Crown is usually right.
Full coverage where the tooth needs more support and structure than an onlay can give.
Borderline cases
We'll talk through the trade-offs at consultation. Sometimes a build-up filling first, then onlay, is the right sequence.
Other lines that may apply
New patient consultation
Examination, x-rays, photos, and written plan.
£129
Large composite filling as a smaller alternative
Right answer for some cases. Less long-term reinforcement than an onlay.
£204
Root canal treatment if needed before the crown
Some heavily broken-down teeth need a root canal first.
Quoted at consultation
Nightguard to protect the case
Recommended where there's grinding or wear.
Quoted at consultation
Written quote after the consultation, before any preparation. Interest-free payment plans available.
Ceramic Onlay vs Crown
Both restore a damaged back tooth. An onlay covers only the part that needs rebuilding; a crown covers the whole tooth. The right choice depends on how much healthy structure is left.
Best for
Large cavities, cracks, or replacing a worn filling on a back tooth that still has healthy walls.
Teeth that are heavily broken down, root-treated, or where there is not enough healthy structure left for an onlay.
Tooth preparation
Conservative. We remove only the damaged area and keep the healthy walls intact.
More extensive. The tooth is shaped down to make room for full coverage.
How it stays in place
Bonded under rubber dam. The onlay becomes part of the tooth.
Cemented or bonded over the prepared tooth for full coverage.
Appointments
Two visits, usually a week apart. Scan, then bonded fit.
Two visits, usually a week apart. Prep with a temporary, then fit.
Typical longevity
10 to 20 years with good hygiene and a nightguard.
10 to 20 years with good hygiene and a nightguard.
Cost
From £964.
From £964.
When it is the right choice
There is enough healthy tooth left to bond to. We look at this option first wherever the case allows.
The tooth is too broken down or weakened for an onlay to be predictable.
| Dimension | From £964 | From £964 |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Large cavities, cracks, or replacing a worn filling on a back tooth that still has healthy walls. | Teeth that are heavily broken down, root-treated, or where there is not enough healthy structure left for an onlay. |
| Tooth preparation | Conservative. We remove only the damaged area and keep the healthy walls intact. | More extensive. The tooth is shaped down to make room for full coverage. |
| How it stays in place | Bonded under rubber dam. The onlay becomes part of the tooth. | Cemented or bonded over the prepared tooth for full coverage. |
| Appointments | Two visits, usually a week apart. Scan, then bonded fit. | Two visits, usually a week apart. Prep with a temporary, then fit. |
| Typical longevity | 10 to 20 years with good hygiene and a nightguard. | 10 to 20 years with good hygiene and a nightguard. |
| Cost | From £964. | From £964. |
| When it is the right choice | There is enough healthy tooth left to bond to. We look at this option first wherever the case allows. | The tooth is too broken down or weakened for an onlay to be predictable. |
We assess the tooth at consultation and choose the option that keeps the most natural structure while protecting it long term.
Common questions about crowns vs onlays
Both are lab-made ceramic, both take a digital scan, both fit in two appointments, and both bond into your tooth. The lab time and chair time are similar, so the per-tooth fee is the same from £964. The decision isn't about price, it's about which option keeps more of your natural tooth.
Book Your Consultation
Ready to start your crowns and onlays journey? Get in touch to arrange your consultation.
or book online
Get In Touch
Phone
01539 319170Location
Crossbank Dental Care
10 Captain French Lane
Kendal, LA9 4HP