PORCELAIN ONLAYS AND INLAYS

Inlays and onlays are restorations that are used when tooth decay impacts less than 50% of the total volume of a tooth but is too large for a direct filling. Onlays and inlays are much stronger than regular fillings (composite or white fillings).

Porcelain inlays and Onlays blend perfectly with your tooth’s shade and are invisible. An onlay is bigger than an inlay and covers at least one of the cusps of your tooth, its center, and in most cases, one of the sides of the tooth.

Inlays and Onlays are made of the same material (porcelain, gold, resins), provide very similar results and are an important tool in the cosmetic dentistry arsenal.

Three tooth illustrations showing an inlay, onlay and overlay.

COSTS

Costs are usually less than those for a dental crown. They range between $600-$1300. The exact cost will depend on:

  • The number of tooth surfaces that need this restoration
  • The material you choose (porcelain or laboratory-processed composites) may cost more than traditional composite resin materials. We believe that the age of metal restorations has passed. We only try to use materials that do not include any potentially harmful components, are strong and stable, and blend in nicely with your tooth’s shade (like porcelain).
  • Onlays are typically larger than inlays and thus increase the cost associated with them.
Close-up lower teeth with a piece removed to show porcelain inlays and onlays.

INSURANCE COVERAGE AND FINANCING AVAILABLE FOR INLAYS AND ONLAYS IN NEW YORK

You can expect that inlays and onlays are often covered by dental insurances. Different companies cover the cost of these procedures at different rates. Your insurance company may categorize inlays and onlays in “basic” or “major” services categories.

Sutton Dental Associates participates with most dental insurances. Our treatment coordinator can help guide you through the process of obtaining all the relevant information needed by your insurance company.

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