What Are Dental Onlays & How Are They Used?
A type of dental restoration, an onlay repairs damage on the cusp (the top surface) of the tooth. The treatment combines the properties of a filling and a dental crown, helping to fix teeth weakened by decay and dental trauma without needing to replace the whole visible portion of the tooth.
What are dental onlays used for?
To help illustrate the purpose of a dental onlay and how it differs to other restorative procedures like fillings and crowns, we have put together this table of common dental problems and which treatment is the most suitable.
Dental issue | Do I need a dental onlay or another treatment? |
|---|---|
Mild cavity | Filling |
Severe cavity | Onlay |
Chipped tooth | Onlay or Nanofill Composite Bonding® |
Cracked tooth | Dental crown or Nanofill Composite Bonding® |
Exposed nerves | Dental crown, root canal or Nanofill Composite Bonding® |
Teeth grinding (Bruxism) | Onlay, dental crown or Nanofill Composite Bonding® |
Dental trauma | Depends on the type and extent of injury – see the link for more detail |
To summarise, a dental onlay is ideal for when the damage is too extreme for a filling or inlay, but doesn’t require a crown. Your dentist will be able to recommend the most suitable treatment during your initial consultation.
What are dental onlays made from?
Typically, a dental onlay is made from porcelain, composite resin or gold material. Here at Yorkshire Dental Suite, we have developed our very own material, Nanofill™, to help repair your tooth. Nanofill™ is our exclusive composite resin that offers an ultra-natural look and feel. It has been meticulously crafted to provide unparalleled longevity and chip resistance, making it the perfect choice for dentists when they are repairing the top surface of the tooth.
Dental onlay procedure
To put your mind at ease about onlays, let’s go through the required tooth preparation for a dental onlay and what the overall treatment will look like. The first appointment includes the following:
- You are sedated, making the procedure pain free.
- The damaged or decayed portion of the tooth is removed.
- An impression of your tooth is taken and sent to the laboratory, where your permanent onlay is created.
- A temporary onlay is placed onto the tooth.
Once your permanent onlay is ready, it is time for your second and final appointment:
- The temporary onlay is removed.
- The tooth is cleaned and the permanent onlay is placed.
- Once your dentist is happy with the fit and your bite, the onlay is bonded to the tooth and polished to perfection.
How much does a dental onlay cost in the UK?
Dental onlays are available on the NHS and at private clinics. As they are considered more complex than a standard filling, a dental onlay typically comes with a higher cost. Falling under Band 3, the NHS charges £326.70 for this type of dental restoration. Comparatively, the price at a private practice can vary anywhere between £400 and £900. The NHS unfortunately comes with a long waiting list and limited appointment availability – this makes many patients choose a private practice instead. At Yorkshire Dental Suite, the cost of dental onlays depend on the complexity of the case but, to give you a guide, you may be looking at around £895. The price will be discussed with you during your consultation. We also offer our patients a range of finance options to help spread the cost of your treatment over time. This will also be discussed with you during your consultation.
How long do dental onlays last?
A dental onlay lasts 5-30 years. The lifespan of your treatment will depend on the materials used, the application of the onlay and how well you care for your teeth. Regardless of the above, all onlays will eventually need to be replaced. There are numerous things you can do to help make your dental onlay last as long as possible:
- Maintain a good oral hygiene routine: That means brushing twice a day with a high-quality toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, as well as regular flossing.
- Don’t skip the dentist: We recommend attending two routine check-ups and two hygienist appointments per year. Your dentist will check that your onlay is in good condition.
- Consider making changes to your diet: Foods that are crunchy, hard and sticky may cause damage to your onlay. Try to limit your intake if able.
The pros and cons of dental onlays
It is important to be knowledgeable about any dental procedure prior to your appointment. That’s why we have put together some advantages and disadvantages of onlays.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Impressive durability | Three appointments required (including consultation) |
Custom fit to your tooth for the perfect fit | More expensive than a typical filling |
Preserves more of the natural tooth structure than a filling | Not suitable for extreme decay or damage |
Cheaper than a dental crown | Risk of chipping or cracking |
Aesthetically pleasing | Harder application technique |
Minimises the risk of future damage and decay | May cause temporary sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures |
Dental onlays vs. inlays vs. overlays
These terms are interchangeably used. While they are all types of dental restorations, there is a key difference between the three – where they are placed on the tooth.
- Onlay: Covers the cusp (the top surface) of the tooth.
- Inlay: Fitted inside the tooth.
- Overlay: Covers the cusps and lateral surfaces of the tooth.
Conclusion: If the damage or decay is too extreme for a filling, but not extreme enough for a crown, then an onlay is the perfect option. Contact Yorkshire Dental Suite today and enquire about dental onlays to stop pain and restore your once healthy smile.