The Conservative Alternative to Crowns
Ceramic onlays and inlays that preserve healthy tooth structure while restoring strength
Ceramic onlays and inlays are lab-made pieces that fit precisely into the damaged area of a tooth and bond in place. They restore similar strength to a crown while keeping far more of your natural tooth. Treatment is usually two appointments around a week apart.
What to know
- First choice for large restorations on back teeth. Keep more of your natural tooth.
- Digital scan of the tooth. No putty impressions.
- Made to fit exactly, then bonded in place.
- Typical longevity 10 to 20 years.
Why Choose Onlays
Preserve More Tooth
Onlays require less tooth reduction than crowns. We keep as much healthy structure as possible.
Bonded Strength
Adhesive bonding means the onlay becomes part of your tooth, actually strengthening it.
Seamless Aesthetics
Ceramic onlays match your natural tooth colour and blend invisibly.
Ideal for Large Cavities
When a filling would be too large but a crown too destructive, an onlay is often perfect.
Long-Lasting
Well-bonded ceramic onlays can last 15-20+ years with good care.
Rubber Dam Placement
Bonded under rubber dam isolation for optimal adhesion and longevity.
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.
The Onlay Process
Consultation & Assessment
30 minutesWe examine your tooth and discuss whether an onlay is the best option for your situation.
Minimal Preparation
The damaged area is prepared conservatively, preserving healthy tooth structure.
Impressions or Digital Scan
Accurate records are taken for the technician to craft your custom onlay.
Temporary Restoration
A temporary filling protects your tooth while your onlay is made.
Bonded Placement
Under rubber dam isolation, your onlay is precisely bonded to your tooth.
Polish & Bite Adjustment
Final polishing and bite check ensure comfort and natural appearance.
Investment
Ceramic onlays. Price similar to crowns but preserves more tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
An inlay sits within the biting surface of a tooth, like a filling. An onlay extends over one or more cusps (the pointed parts of the tooth). Both are custom-made restorations bonded to the tooth, chosen based on how much tooth structure needs restoring.
Book Your Consultation
Ready to start your onlays & inlays journey? Get in touch to arrange your consultation.
Get In Touch
Phone
01539 720820Location
Crossbank Dental Care
10 Captain French Lane
Kendal, LA9 4HP