All about dental fillings and dental inlays/onlays

Porcelain or gold inlays are used to repair minor damages to the teeth and dental onlays for greater damage. Dental inlays and onlays are also known as dental fillings or dental restoration.

Simplified, one could describe dental fillings or dental inlays/onlays as ‘partial crowns’ that are used in cases when there is enough healthy enamel left on a tooth worth saving rather than inserting a completely new, artificial dental crown.

One can say that the dental inlays resemble a small piece of puzzle which is customised, fitted and glued into the remaining enamel in order to restore the tooth’s strength and longevity. The inlays are normally made from either porcelain or gold.

What is the difference between a porcelain/gold inlay and a normal dental filling?

The major difference between an porcelain or gold inlay and a normal plastic dental filling is that an porcelain or gold inlay is used for larger dental restoration whereas plastic fillings/ restoration are used on smaller damages. The porcelain or gold inlays are stronger, last longer, look better and can provide a tighter fit between the tooth and the dental filling than normal plastic fillings.

The dental inlays strength and longevity in combination with modern glue makes them a good alternative when a normal plastic dental filling is not enough but there is healthy enamel worth saving rather than changing the entire crown.

The dental filling (inlay/onlay) procedure

To receive dental inlays or dental onlays requires two dentist appointments. During the first one the tooth that is to have the dental inlay is examined and prepared. This may imply the tooth being rubbed down, that an old dental filling is removed or that caries is attended to.

Once the tooth is prepared an impression is made and sent to a dental technological laboratory where the porcelain or gold inlay/onlay is made. Finally the dentist will fit you with a temporary dental filling and book a time for your next appointment.

During the second appointment the temporary dental filling is removed. The porcelain or gold inlay/onlay is then tried out to make sure it fits perfectly. Thereafter it is glued into place with a strong glue in a process called bonding.

Generally porcelain inlays or onlays are used which are almost invisible and have a longevity of approx. 15 years depending on the patients oral hygiene and care.

Gold inlays/onlays are also a very good alternative which very likely have an even longer longevity.

Cosmetic dentistry

The cost of dental fillings – dental inlays/onlays

For greater tooth damage that involves the crowns outer section, a larger dental filling or restoration is used called an ’dental onlay’. The price for dental inlays and onlays depends on the material composite as well as size and design. In addition to the material cost there will also be the clinics individually set fee.

Below you see a cost estimate of the total cost for dental inlays and onlays, with dental onlays often landing in the higher price estimate. These estimates include material cost as well as the average cost for the two visits at a private clinic:

  • Porcelain inlays/onlays (the most common alternative): cost £300 – £700
  • Gold inlays/onlays: cost £205 – £440

Also note that the NHS may cover dental fillings/dental restoration if the treatment is to treat pain and restore function. The maximum fee on the NHS for patients requiring several porcelain fillings, onlays or inlays is £198. For those who are deemed unsuitable for NHS financing the option is visiting a private clinic.

For those who cannot or do not wish to pay for their dental inlays/onlays in cash there is always a financing option. You can read more about this on the page about treatment and care.

Dental fillings/restoration – further information and possibilities

If you have more questions about dental fillings/restoration (porcelain or gold inlays/onlays) or wish to take a step closer to your procedure, choose one of the alternatives below: