Dental Inlays and Onlays
For a tooth that needs more than a filling, but not a full crown. When a tooth is moderately damaged, a filling may not be strong enough, but a crown would remove more tooth than needed. An inlay or onlay is custom-made from porcelain or gold to repair just the damaged part, so more of your natural tooth is kept.
Covered by our 5-Year Warranty*
Than a full crown
With digital scanning
Made by a local lab
What are inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations that repair a moderately damaged back tooth, when a filling isn’t strong enough but a crown would remove more tooth than needed.
They’re made by a trusted local dental laboratory from porcelain or gold, then bonded to your tooth. Because only the damaged part is replaced, more of your natural tooth is kept.
Inlays
An inlay fits within the tooth, filling the space between the cusps (the raised points on the chewing surface).
Onlays
An onlay covers one or more cusps, so it overlays part of the natural tooth. It’s sometimes called a partial crown.
Filling vs inlay or onlay vs crown
How much of the tooth is damaged usually decides which one suits. Your dentist checks the tooth and explains the options for you.
| Filling | Inlay or onlay | Crown | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How much tooth is damaged | Small to medium | Medium to large | Large, or the tooth is cracked or weak |
| How much natural tooth is kept | The most | More than a crown | Less, as the tooth is shaped to fit under the crown |
| How it’s made | Placed in the tooth in one visit | Custom-made by a local lab from a digital scan | Custom-made by a local lab from a digital scan |
| Number of visits | Usually one | Usually two | Usually two |
| Durability | Strong for small areas, and can wear over time | Made from durable porcelain or gold | Covers and protects the whole visible tooth |
| Learn more | Dental fillings → | You’re here | Dental crowns → |
Inlays and onlays near you
Our dentists provide inlays and onlays at every Avenue Dental practice across the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide.
Sunshine Coast
Inlays and onlays at Caloundra, Maroochydore, Bli Bli, Kawana, Baringa, Sippy Downs, Tewantin and Beerwah.Avenue Dental Sunshine Coast →
Brisbane
Inlays and onlays at North Lakes, Murrumba Downs and Woolloongabba.Avenue Dental Brisbane →
Melbourne
Inlays and onlays at Brunswick.Avenue Dental Melbourne →
Adelaide
Inlays and onlays at Fulham Gardens.Avenue Dental Adelaide →
Our General Services Include
Inlay and onlay materials
Inlays and onlays are made from porcelain or gold. Your dentist talks you through which suits your tooth, your bite and how much the tooth will show when you smile.
Porcelain
A tooth-coloured ceramic, shade-matched and designed to blend with your natural teeth. A ceramic onlay is a popular choice for teeth that show when you smile.
- Made from durable ceramic
- Matched to the shade of your teeth
- Often chosen for visible back teeth
Gold
A gold alloy that’s strong and gentle on the teeth it bites against. It’s often used for back teeth that take a lot of chewing force, where looks matter less.
- Very strong and long-wearing
- Needs less tooth removed
- Often chosen for heavy biters or grinders
How much do inlays and onlays cost?
The cost of an inlay or onlay depends on its size, the material and the tooth being treated. Your dentist gives you a personalised quote at your consult, before any treatment starts.
- 01SizeHow much of the tooth needs to be replaced, and whether it’s an inlay or an onlay.
- 02MaterialPorcelain and gold are priced differently.
- 03Which tooth it isLarger back teeth can take more work to restore.
- 04Health fund coverWhat you pay depends on your fund and your level of extras cover.
Book a consult for a quote
Your dentist checks the tooth, explains whether a filling, inlay, onlay or crown suits your tooth, and gives you a written quote before you decide.
Health fundsInlays and onlays are often claimable under extras cover, usually as major dental. How much you get back depends on your fund and cover.
Payment plansSpread the cost with Humm, Afterpay, Zip or TLC. See payment plans →
5-Year Warranty*Every inlay and onlay is covered. View warranty terms →
The inlay and onlay process
Inlays and onlays are usually done over two visits, with your custom piece made by a local dental lab in between.
Visit one
-
Preparing the tooth
Your dentist numbs the area with local anaesthetic, removes the decay or old filling and shapes the tooth.
-
Digital scan
A digital scan of your tooth is taken and sent to a local dental lab, where your inlay or onlay is made to fit.
-
Temporary restoration
A temporary filling protects the tooth while your inlay or onlay is being made.
Visit two
-
Checking the fit
The temporary is removed, and your dentist checks the fit, bite and colour of your inlay or onlay.
-
Bonding
It’s bonded to your tooth, then shaped to your bite and polished.
Covered by our 5-Year Warranty* on every inlay and onlay we fit.
Flexible payment plans
At Avenue Dental on the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne, we understand that dental treatment can be difficult to fit into your budget, which is why we offer a range of different dental payment plan options.
Inlay and onlay FAQs
This is general information only. Your dentist can answer your questions at your appointment.
What is an inlay or onlay in dentistry?
An inlay or onlay is a custom-made restoration that repairs a moderately damaged back tooth. An inlay fits within the cusps of the tooth, and an onlay covers one or more cusps. They’re made by a dental lab from porcelain or gold, then bonded to the tooth.
Is an onlay better than a crown?
It depends on the tooth. An onlay keeps more of your natural tooth because only the damaged part is replaced, while a crown covers the whole visible tooth. If a tooth is heavily damaged, cracked or has had a root canal, a crown may give it more protection. Your dentist explains which suits your tooth.
Is an onlay a crown?
Not quite. An onlay is sometimes called a partial crown, because it covers one or more cusps of the tooth. A crown covers the whole visible tooth.
Are onlays cheaper than crowns?
Onlays are often similar in cost to crowns, as both are custom-made by a dental lab. The price depends on the size, the material and the tooth. Your dentist gives you a quote for each option at your consult.
How much does an inlay or onlay cost?
The cost depends on the size of the inlay or onlay, whether it’s porcelain or gold, and the tooth being treated. Your dentist gives you a personalised quote at your consult, before any treatment starts.
How long do inlays and onlays last?
With good care, inlays and onlays can last many years. How long they last depends on the material, the size, your bite and habits like grinding. Every inlay and onlay we fit is covered by our 5-Year Warranty*.
Does getting an inlay or onlay hurt?
Your dentist numbs the tooth with local anaesthetic, so you’re comfortable while it’s prepared. Some people notice mild sensitivity for a few days after each visit.
How many visits does an inlay or onlay take?
Usually two. At the first visit your tooth is prepared, scanned and given a temporary filling. At the second, your inlay or onlay is checked and bonded in place.
Are inlays and onlays covered by health insurance?
Inlays and onlays are often claimable under extras cover, usually as major dental. How much you get back depends on your fund and your level of cover.
Should I get an inlay or a filling?
A filling usually suits small to medium areas of damage and is done in one visit. If the damage is larger, or a filling may not be strong enough, your dentist may suggest an inlay or onlay. Learn about dental fillings.
*Conditions apply. View warranty terms.
