How much do inlays and onlays cost without insurance?
Inlays and onlays are usually considered "major" dental procedures, which means insurance can cover up to 50 percent of the cost. In this case, you will only pay a couple of hundred dollars out-of-pocket. The prices below reflect the cost of an inlay/onlay without insurance:
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 dental inlays and onlays?
What are Dental Inlays and Onlays? 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.
How much does a corneal inlay cost?
The average price reported by RealSelf.com is $3,950, with half of the reviewers, albeit a small selection, saying it was worth it. Gooalphaeon.com states the average corneal inlay cost, such as the Kamra™ inlay, can cost $4,500.
What is the cost of an inlay?
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.
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?
Dental inlays typically last between half a decade and upwards of two full decades in length. While there is no guarantee dental inlays will approach either of these extremes, fall in the middle or elsewhere, we can help preserve the dental inlays.
What is better inlay or 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.
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.
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.
Do inlays last longer than fillings?
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.
Which is better inlay or onlay?
In general, inlays are better in that they can fill a larger cavity, and they are more durable. The amalgam in fillings can expand and contract depending on the temperature, for example. This can lead to cracking of the filling, or even the tooth itself.
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.
Can an onlay fall off?
So, seldom do patients have a permanent onlay fall out. But it can happen, which constitutes a dental emergency. At that time, the person should contact the dentist right away. When the individual has the onlay reset, the dentist will go through the same procedure.
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 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.
What is the best material for a smile inlay?
Material. Both inlays and onlays can be fabricated from a range of materials, including porcelain, composit e resin, and gold. Porcelain offers the most aesthetic option but it is typically the most expensive. Gold inlays and onlays are more affordable but can negatively affect the aesthetics of your smile.
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
How much does insurance cover inlays?
If your insurance carrier considers inlays basic care -- the same category assigned to fillings, cleanings and other routine services -- it will likely reimburse you for around 80 percent of the procedure. If your insurance provider considers an inlay a major procedure, it will likely reimburse you less of the cost, probably around 50 percent.
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.
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 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.
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 ...
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 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.
Is an inlay a good dental treatment?
For this reason, inlays and onlays are considered a minimally invasive cosmetic dentistry treatment and for many dentists and patients is a much better choice. A crown, although not a bad procedure, involves the removal of more healthy tooth structure than needed and can increase the risk of tooth fracture and the need for a root canal treatment.
How much does it cost to get a corneal inlay?
While the cost of a surgery can vary significantly, a corneal inlay will generally cost about $4,000 to $5,000 to get implanted. Insurance may cover the procedure. Check your specific policy for coverage specifics.
What is a corneal inlay?
Corneal inlays are tiny devices that are surgically placed in the middle of the cornea of the nondominant eye. The implant can help to correct close-up vision, increasing depth of focus. This can improve one’s ability to read or look at other things up close, such as phones.
How does an aperture inlay work?
Small aperture inlays: Like the aperture of a camera, an aperture inlay works by controlling how much light enters the eye. The device looks like a ring, with an opening in the center. KAMRA is the first of such devices to be approved by the FDA.
Can corneal inlays be used for presbyopia?
Corneal inlays are not an ideal solution for all vision problems. Generally, they are used to treat presbyopia, a relatively common eye condition for those in their 40s and 50s. Presbyopia is a normal part of aging. It is caused by the lens in your eye becoming more rigid.
Is corneal inlay FDA approved?
There are benefits and downsides to procedure, and it is moderately expensive. At the same time, the procedure is FDA-approved and not especially risky.
Is a corneal inlay permanent?
Many will not be permanent, but it is important to keep your doctor informed. If you are disappointed with the results, these implants are reversible, barring major issues. Any surgery, even one to reverse your inlay, carries some risk. ( Learn More) Discuss whether a corneal inlay is right for you with your doctor.
Do you need a corneal inlay?
Corneal inlays require you have otherwise fairly healthy eyes beyond your presbyopia. You will need to be free of diseases of the cornea and cataracts. You also cannot have uncontrolled dry eyes or blepharitis. Refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism present a more complicated picture.
What is the difference between an inlay and an overlay?
What is the difference between Inlay, Onlay and Overlay? In simple terms, an inlay sits inside the tooth, an onlay sits on the tooth and covers the biting surface of the tooth and at least one cusp and an overlay sits on the tooth and covers both cusps and part of the lateral surface of the tooth .
How long does a gold inlay last?
It is made from gold, copper and other metals. This is the most expensive option, but with good oral care a gold inlay/onlay/overlay can last up to 30 years.
What is dental overlay?
A dental overlay is more extensive than both an inlay or onlay. Constructed in a laboratory, an overlay is a partial crown which rebuilds the chewing surface and cusps in addition to part of the lateral surfaces of the tooth. In comparison a crown usually covers the entire lateral surfaces of a tooth down to the gum.
What are some alternatives to dental inlays?
Dental Inlay/Onlay/Overlay alternatives. The only real alternatives to dental inlays/onlays and overlays are either normal fillings, crowns or, worst case scenario, tooth extraction. However, a dentist will always try to save a tooth if at all possible.
What is a pinlay in dentistry?
A dental inlay, also known as a tooth inlay, is essentially a filling which sits inside your tooth and is used for restorative work.
How many visits to the dentist for an inlay?
As the inlay/onlay is custom-made in a laboratory the procedure will require two visits to the dentist. Sometimes longer tooth preparation is required. There is the possibility of a dental inlay/onlay/overlay falling out but this seldom happens. This just means that something has gone wrong with the bonding process.
What is an inlay over a crown?
Inlay/Onlay/Overlay vs Crown. In fact, inlays/onlays/overlays lie somewhere between a filling and a crown. Crowns completely cover the tooth and are used for very badly damaged teeth (over 60% damage). Often, a considerable amount of the tooth may have to be removed so that the crown can fit over it.
How does Kamra inlay work?
The Kamra inlay works by focusing light that enters the eye. You can’t see the implant or feel it. It’s placed in the nondominant eye only, while the other eye is left untreated. This allows both eyes to continue seeing at a distance, while the eye with the Kamra inlay has improved near vision.
What is the Kamra inlay?
The Kamra inlay is a small, circular device that’s implanted deep into the cornea’s thick middle layer to reverse presbyopia—age-related decline in near vision. With age, the lens inside the eye becomes less flexible, which prevents the eye from changing focus from objects that are far away to objects that are near.

Important Factors to Consider
Dental Insurance
- Since inlays and onlaysare used to treat the effects of decay or trauma, dental insurance typically covers most or all of patients’ treatment cost. 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 restoration.
Financing Options
- For individuals without insurance, many dental practices offer financing options to place high-quality care within reach. Healthcare financing plans, such as Compassionate Finance® and CareCredit®, offer loan programs designed to make dental procedures more affordable to a wide range of patients.
Restore Your Smile
- In many cases, inlays and onlayscan save teeth from more extensive damage or even extraction. During a consultation, your dentist can explain the cost of your treatment options and work with your insurance company to maximize your coverage.