
How much does a dental inlay and onlay cost?
Most dental insurance plans will cover some to all of the costs associated with the inlay and onlay procedure because these treatments are considered restorative. The prices are based on national averages. National averages suggest that: Inlays can cost from $700 to $800. Onlays can cost between $800 and $920.
How often should I get an inlay or onlay checked?
Inlays and onlays should be routinely checked by your dentist every six months. During these appointments, your dentist will examine the restored tooth for signs of leakage, damage, and disease. How Much Does an Inlay or Onlay Cost? The cost of an inlay or onlay depends on the type of material used and where you live.
Why do gold inlays cost more than other materials?
The price of gold inlays fluctuates depending on the gold market, so they sometimes cost more than other materials. Porcelain may also cost more than other options if created by a technician with advanced knowledge and skills. As with most dental procedures, the cost of a dental inlay is based on the specific tooth or teeth involved.
What are the different types of inlays?
Inlays are available in porcelain, ceramic, metal and resin materials, and can be tooth-colored or gold. Tooth-colored inlays cost more than metal-colored, but differ only differ in appearance, not function. Porcelain inlays are most commonly used for front teeth or other teeth that show when you smile.

What is the cost of an inlay?
Most dental insurance plans will cover some costs related to the inlays procedure. It is because these treatments are usually considered restorative. However, on average, inlays can cost from $700 to $800.
Is an inlay cheaper than a crown?
Compared to a crown, an onlay is a less aggressive restoration when one can be performed, as less tooth structure needs to be removed in order to place the onlay. The costs are similar, but an onlay is a little cheaper than a crown. As such, an onlay is actually the preferred restoration when possible.
Is an inlay better than a fillings?
They are often more durable and so can be better for chewing. Inlays also have a lower rate of failing over time than fillings. Traditional fillings are typically the recommended option for minor caries. The process is quick and effective, can be completed in one visit and preserves as much tooth as possible.
How long does an inlay last?
How long do Inlays/Onlays last? Inlays and onlays are regarded as a long-term solution for restoring your teeth. In general, they would be expected to last a similar number of years to crowns (around 10-15 years) and considerably longer than conventional fillings – provided you have good oral hygiene.
Are inlays covered by insurance?
Most insurance plans cover some or all of the costs associated with inlay and onlay procedures since these treatments are designed to restore damaged teeth to health.
Does getting an inlay hurt?
Getting a dental inlay put onto your tooth is a relatively painless and straightforward process. Your dental professional will numb the damaged area of your mouth with a local anesthetic and then drill into the affected tooth to clean out the decay.
Do dentists still do inlays?
Today, inlays are still used in the same situations, but the inlays can be made of a tooth-colored material such as ceramic/porcelain or special dental composite. Defective or unsightly “fillings” can be replaced by tooth-colored inlays and bonded to the tooth.
Can inlays fall out?
The adhesive used to place the inlay in the affected tooth can gradually become porous and the inlay can fall out. Be sure to keep the inlay - in many cases the inlay can be reinserted by your dentist. If it happens, call your dentist immediately so that the defect can be remedied as quickly as possible.
Why do I need an inlay?
Inlay is used when the cavity is too large for simple filling. Inlay is created as a single solid piece to fill the cavity.
Whats better an inlay or a crown?
Reasons a Dentist May Recommend a Crown Since crowns cover the tooth from the gum line up, they are also an option to cover teeth that are discolored or fractured. A crown is more invasive than an inlay or onlay, but it also has benefits, such as being the strongest out of all of the options.
How long does it take to make a dental inlay?
It typically takes two appointments to complete the inlay or onlay process. The first appointment may take 60 to 90 minutes. During this visit, the dentist removes the decayed enamel from the tooth.
How are dental inlays done?
Inlay procedure involves placing a custom-made insert in the selected area of the tooth to restore it. The method helps in stabilizing the affected tooth and in preventing further decay. During the procedure, the affected area of the denticle is cleaned; a scan of the tooth is taken for creating the exact-fit filling.
Which is better crown or inlay?
Reasons a Dentist May Recommend a Crown Since crowns cover the tooth from the gum line up, they are also an option to cover teeth that are discolored or fractured. A crown is more invasive than an inlay or onlay, but it also has benefits, such as being the strongest out of all of the options.
Is an inlay considered a crown?
Inlays and onlays are very similar to crowns, but are used for teeth that still have some healthy tooth structure and don't require a full crown. An inlay fits inside the cusps, or bumps, of a tooth. An onlay is larger and covers one or more tooth cusps.
What is the difference between a crown and inlay?
Onlays Vs Dental Crowns The Onlay covers the cusp of the tooth while inlay only fills the area between the cusps. On the other hand, crown will cover the entire biting surface of tooth and the tooth structure above gum line. The cost of both is almost similar but Onlay can be a little cheaper in price.
Can inlays fall out?
The adhesive used to place the inlay in the affected tooth can gradually become porous and the inlay can fall out. Be sure to keep the inlay - in many cases the inlay can be reinserted by your dentist. If it happens, call your dentist immediately so that the defect can be remedied as quickly as possible.
How Much Does an Inlay or Onlay Cost?
The cost of an inlay or onlay depends on the type of material used and where you live. Since inlays and onlays treat cavities and trauma-related dental conditions, insurance will cover part of the procedure.
How much do inlays and onlays increase tooth strength?
Inlays and onlays can increase a tooth’s strength by up to 75 percent. There are many benefits of inlays and onlays, including: More resistant to fractures and damage than traditional cavity fillings. Stain-resistant. Improve the natural aesthetic and appearance of teeth.
What is an inlay in dentistry?
Inlays and onlays are indirect dental restorations, which means they are made outside of your mouth in a laboratory. An inlay or onlay is typically used when a cavity is too large for a simple filling. Inlays and onlays can increase a tooth’s strength by up to 75 percent.
Why do dentists use gold inlays?
Some dentists recommend opting for gold inlays or onlays in areas of the mouth where appearance is not important, such as the back molars.
How long does it take for a tooth to heal after an inlay?
The recovery time for inlays and onlays only takes a few days. However, your teeth are still susceptible to plaque and oral bacteria buildup over time. It is essential to practice good oral hygiene to keep the restorations clean and strong.
What is dental inlay?
A dental inlay is made of a solid, custom-formed material. Depending on the cavity size and depth, inlays are either cast into shape with gold or milled into shape with porcelain. An inlay is molded to fit into the grooves of your tooth. It does not extend over the cusps of the tooth.
Where do inlays go in your mouth?
Inlays extend into the interdental areas of your mouth (between your teeth). These are difficult areas to clean and require regular interdental cleanings, such as flossing and using an interdental toothbrush.
Overview of different inlay types
The gold inlay is generally considered to be the most resistant and durable inlay type. To rule out deformation due to the softness of the metal, it is actually a gold alloy. Among other things, platinum and silver are added. A major shortcoming is the aesthetic factor. Therefore, it is mostly used only in areas where it is not visible.
How to get your inlay
At the beginning you will find out in a consultation with your dentist whether an inlay is necessary at all and which method is most suitable for you. A filling may be sufficient for minor damage, but a crown may also be required for larger ones.
Financing the inlay
As mentioned at the beginning, the statutory health insurance companies only support the treatment with a small amount. If regular prophylaxis can be demonstrated, the grant may increase.
Overview of frequently asked questions
Gold inlays usually have a lifespan of more than twenty years. Ceramic inlays can also be used over a long period of time – from 10 to 30 years – without complications. In many patients, the prostheses last a lifetime.
How much does a tooth inlay cost?
According to DocShop.com, dental inlays cost between $650 to $1,200 per tooth, with an average price of $900 per tooth.
What are inlays used for?
Tooth-colored inlays cost more than metal-colored, but differ only differ in appearance, not function. Porcelain inlays are most commonly used for front teeth or other teeth that show when you smile.
How much does insurance cover dental inlays?
If your insurance provider considers an inlay a major procedure, it will likely reimburse you less of the cost, probably around 50 percent. In many cases, your dentist can provide you an estimate based on the insurance provider you use.
What is dental inlay?
A dental inlay restores a damaged tooth and is used when a tooth is too deteriorated for a simple filling but not yet decayed enough to require a crown. The cost of a dental inlay depends primarily on the material used and the size of the inlay.
Why do people use resin inlays?
Resin inlays are frequently used for people who grind their teeth or have a misalignment. Gold is usually used when appearance is not a primary concern, such as in the back teeth. The price of gold inlays fluctuates depending on the gold market, so they sometimes cost more than other materials.
Does inlay work on front teeth?
Work on front teeth requires less work and therefore costs less. The size of the inlay also affects cost. Larger teeth require larger inlays, which cost more because of the amount of material used. An inlay for a tooth with significant damage also might cost more.
How Much do Inlays & Onlays Cost?
The prices are based on national averages.
How are inlays and onlays preformed?
Both inlays and onlays are pre-formed in a lab before being bonded to the damaged or decayed tooth. The difference of use depends on the amount of tooth structure that has been lost to wear or decay. Your dentist will help you decide which is most appropriate for you.
What is an inlay in dental?
An inlay fits within the grooves that are within the cusps of your teeth. An onlay, the larger of the two, fits within the grooves but wraps up and over the cusps covering more of the tooth’s surface. An onlay is used when the damage is more extensive and the restoration covers the entire chewing surface including one or more tooth cusps.
Why do we need inlays and onlays?
Dental inlays and onlays are a dental procedure that is used to restore a decayed or damaged tooth to its original condition and can actually strengthen it. They are a more conservative approach than a dental crown because they don’t involve the removal of healthy tooth structure. For this reason, inlays and onlays are considered ...
Why do you put an inlay on a tooth?
The inlay or onlay will be placed to ensure a correct fit before it is bonded to the tooth. If the fit doesn’t interfere with the patient’s bite, it is permanently attached to the tooth using special cement or bonding then polished for appearance.
How many visits does it take to do an inlay?
The procedure to place an inlay or onlay is basically the same and both require two dental visits unless your dentist has an in-office milling unit (See CAD/CAM Dentistry ).
What is indirect filling?
Inlays and onlays are fabricated in a dental lab and are then fitted and bonded to the damaged tooth by the dentist. This type of restoration is called an indirect filling because unlike a traditional dental filling they are not molded into place during your dental visit.
How much does it cost to have a dental inlay?
However, these restorations tend to be larger and may cost slightly more. Treatment cost generally ranges from $650 to $1,200 per tooth, with an average price of $900. Most insurance plans cover some or all of the costs associated with inlay and onlay procedures since these treatments are designed to restore damaged teeth to health.
How much does it cost to replace a tooth?
Treatment cost generally ranges from $650 to $1,200 per tooth, with an average price of $900. Most insurance plans cover some or all of the costs associated with inlay and onlay procedures since these treatments are designed to restore damaged teeth to health.
How much does dental insurance cover?
A patient with a reasonably good insurance policy can usually expect to pay between $10 and $50 for a gold inlay or onlay, and between $40 and $100 for a porcelain or composite resin ...
Is it important to know pricing for inlay?
Although pricing is an important factor to take into account if you have been told you need an inlay or onlay, the experience of the dentist you are considering is equally, if not more, important. The placement of inlays and onlays is technique-sensitive and requires the expertise of a skilled dentist to produce satisfactory results. If placed improperly, an inlay or onlay can interfere with a patient's bite, resulting in the need for additional dental work.
Does the location of a dental practice affect the cost of your treatment?
In some cases, the location of a dental practice can affect the overall price of your treatment. Since inlays and onlays are custom-made, the dental laboratory your dentist partners with can also play a role in the cost of your restoration.
Do inlays cost more than onlays?
The extent of damage or decay requiring treatment can affect the overall cost of your procedure. In general, inlays are used for smaller areas and tend to cost less than onlays. However, if you need more extensive treatment, your dentist may recommend an onlay.
Is pricing an important factor for inlay?
Although pricing is an important factor to take into account for an inlay or onlay, the experience of the dentist you are considering is equally, if not more, important.
How much does the Kamra™ inlay cost?
The costs of the Kamra™ inlay procedure greatly depends on your geographical region, the doctor you choose, the complexity of the case, and if you’re considering LASIK with the procedure. From our research, the costs of the Kamra™ inlay procedure and LASIK, which is often combined, can range anywhere from $6,500 to $8,500 without any sort of insurance coverage. The average cost of just the Kamra™ inlay is about half this or close to $4,000. Seeing this is a new procedure, it will cost more than comparable surgical and non-surgical options.
How old do you have to be to get inlays?
The company notes a good candidate for the inlays are for those who are 45-60 years old and experience the onset of presbyopia, in good health and presently use glasses for reading or bifocals.
How long does it take for a corneal inlay to heal?
Once the tiny opening is formed, the inlay is added, and over time, the cornea will naturally heal around, usually taking up to 30 days to see full results. The company states that almost all patients can continue regular activities within 48 hours. For those who are being treated for both distance and close up vision, then the Kamra™ inlay procedure can be combined with LASIK to perfect your vision. Both of these treatments are very comparable and can often be done the same day.
What is Kamra inlay?
Approved by the FDA, the Kamra™ inlay is an opaque, rigid circular micro-disc, with a small opening in the center , which is designed work similar to a camera’s aperture , allowing any focused light to move through. With this technology by regulating the focused light as it reaches the retina and blocking out the unfocused light, the inlay is able to allow for a range of enhanced vision at near, far and in between distances.
Does insurance cover insurance?
In general, insurance will not cover the insurance, but it doesn’t hurt to check as there are thousands of policies, with some able to make an exception.
Can you remove inlays from your eyes?
One major benefits of the inlays are that they can be removed, which means you can restore your vision to its pre-Kamra™ state.
