– Everything You Need to Know About the Treatment
Learn about the types, procedure, and pricing of inlay and onlay dental restorations – explained in plain language.
Implantology und All-on-4 Specialist
Table of Content
What Is the Difference Between an Inlay, an Onlay, and a Conventional Filling?
When Is an Inlay or Onlay Recommended?
What Materials Are Used for Inlays and Onlays?
How Does the Inlay/Onlay Treatment Work?
Is the Inlay/Onlay Procedure Painful?
How Long Do Inlays and Onlays Last?
How Much Do Inlays and Onlays Cost in Sopron?
Frequently Asked Questions
Inlay and onlay restorations represent one of the most precise and durable solutions in modern dentistry for restoring damaged, decayed, or broken teeth. Unlike conventional fillings, these restorations are individually crafted in a dental laboratory and then fitted precisely into the tooth – delivering outstanding aesthetic and functional results. If you are looking for the best solution for a more extensive area of tooth damage.
A conventional filling is shaped and set directly inside the tooth at the time of the appointment. An inlay, by contrast, is a laboratory-made restoration fitted into the internal cavity of the tooth’s chewing surface. An onlay is more extensive: it covers not only the inner cavity but also extends over one or more cusps of the tooth. When the entire chewing surface needs to be covered, this is referred to as an overlay – a transitional solution between an onlay and a full crown. All three restorations require precision laboratory work, but in return they offer better fit, greater durability, and superior aesthetics compared to direct fillings.
Inlay and onlay restorations are most commonly recommended when the extent of tooth damage is too large for a conventional filling, but does not yet justify a full crown. Typical indications include: extensive decay, replacement of old, worn, or cracked fillings, restoration of broken cusps, and situations where the tooth is under significant load (e.g. posterior molars). Regular annual dental check-ups can help identify conditions that require inlay or onlay treatment at an early stage – avoiding the need for a full crown later on.
The most commonly used materials are as follows:
Ceramic (porcelain): The most aesthetic option, perfectly matched to the natural tooth colour. Excellent biocompatibility, no allergic reactions, and exceptional durability.
Zirconium dioxide: An outstandingly strong, white-coloured material, particularly well-suited for teeth under heavy load. Lifespan can exceed 20 years.
Gold alloy: A time-tested, extremely durable solution with decades of proven performance. Less popular for aesthetic reasons, but functionally excellent – mainly used for posterior teeth.
Composite (resin): A more affordable alternative that can also be completed directly in the clinic (direct inlay). Less durable than ceramic, but a good option when clinically appropriate.
In every case, the dentist recommends the most suitable material based on the location of the tooth, the degree of loading, and the patient’s aesthetic requirements.
The treatment typically requires two dental appointments. At the first visit, the dentist applies local anaesthesia, removes the decayed or damaged tooth tissue, and carefully prepares the cavity. A digital or conventional impression is taken, from which the dental laboratory manufactures the custom-made restoration. A temporary filling protects the tooth in the meantime. At the second appointment – usually 1–2 weeks later – the dentist bonds the inlay or onlay in place and adjusts it precisely to the bite. In some clinics, CAD/CAM technology allows the final restoration to be completed in a single visit.
The treatment is carried out under local anaesthesia, so the procedure itself is painless. Some mild sensitivity around the bonded restoration is normal in the first few days and typically subsides within a couple of days. If sensitivity persists beyond one week, or if the bite feels uncomfortable, it is advisable to return to the dentist for a minor adjustment. Thanks to the precise fit of inlay and onlay restorations, long-term comfort is generally excellent.
Ceramic and zirconium inlay/onlay restorations have a lifespan of 15–20 years or more with proper care. Gold restorations have historically shown the greatest longevity, with some lasting 20–30 years. Durability is primarily influenced by daily oral hygiene (twice-daily brushing, regular use of dental floss and interdental brushes), routine dental check-ups, and protection against teeth grinding. Inlay and onlay restorations are generally more durable than conventional fillings because the laboratory-made fit is more precise and the materials used are more resistant.
The price of inlay and onlay restorations depends on several factors: the material used (ceramic, zirconium, gold, composite), the location of the tooth, the extent of preparation required, and the number of tooth surfaces involved. Below you will find our clinic’s current indicative prices:
Aesthetic inlay price per piece | Price in Sopron (€) |
| Inlay/onlay price – Acrylic/Gradia | 250,- EUR |
| Zirconium inlay/onlay price | 350,- EUR |
| Inlay/onlay price – E-Max | 400,- EUR |
Prices are indicative only. The exact treatment plan and expected costs will be determined by the dentist following an examination.
An inlay or onlay restores the inner portion or certain surfaces of the tooth while preserving most of the original tooth structure. A crown, on the other hand, covers the entire visible part of the tooth. Inlay/onlay treatment is more conservative for the tooth, as less healthy tissue needs to be removed. However, if the damage is very extensive or the tooth is severely weakened, a crown offers a safer solution. The dentist will always assess which option is most appropriate for the condition of each individual tooth.
Inlays and onlays do not need to be routinely replaced – if the fit is perfect, the material is intact, and no secondary decay has developed underneath, they can last for decades. During the annual dental check-up, the dentist examines the condition of existing restorations and only recommends replacement when genuinely necessary. Monitoring the marginal seal of the restoration is particularly important, as any gap can become a starting point for secondary decay.
On the day of bonding, it is advisable to wait a few hours before eating, to allow the adhesive to fully set and the local anaesthesia to wear off. During the first few days, it is recommended to avoid very hard, chewy, or sticky foods to allow the restoration to stabilise. After this initial period, an inlay or onlay provides complete eating comfort – chewing and biting function just as with a natural tooth.
Caring for an inlay or onlay is no different from caring for natural teeth: twice-daily brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush, regular use of dental floss or interdental brushes, and a dental check-up at least once a year (preferably every six months) are recommended. If you grind your teeth, wearing a night guard is advised to prevent premature wear of the restoration. With proper care, an inlay or onlay will remain reliable and aesthetically pleasing for many years or even decades.
If the tooth damage is so extensive that more than half of the chewing surface is affected, or if a large portion of the cusps has broken away, a crown provides a safer and more durable solution. Root-treated teeth, which lose their natural flexibility and are more prone to fracture, also frequently require a crown. The boundary is not always clear-cut: inlay, onlay, overlay, and crown exist on a continuous spectrum, and the decision is always made by the dentist based on the individual clinical picture.
Our dental practice was founded in 2002. Since then, we have performed numerous All-on-4™ implant procedures on middle-aged and older patients. We utilize the innovative solutions we have gained through our experience. We participate in international conferences, trainings and workshops to keep our knowledge up to date.
We are committed to dentistry.
We would like to invite you for a consultation!
Nándor and Carina.
Dr. Carina Nagyi-Panicz
Dentist, All-on-4, Implantology
Dr. Nándor Nagyi
Dentist, Prothetic
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