Inlays and onlays are precision-made restorations crafted in a dental laboratory from porcelain, ceramic or composite — used when a tooth is too damaged for a standard filling but does not require a full crown. At Envy Smile near Acton, our GDC-registered dentist provides custom inlays and onlays that are exceptionally durable, preserve more of the natural tooth and provide a natural-looking result. Onlays from £600.
At Envy Smile
Inlays and onlays are indirect restorations — meaning they are custom-made in a dental laboratory rather than built up directly in the mouth like composite fillings. They are used when a tooth has too much damage or decay to be adequately restored with a direct filling, but is still strong enough to not require a full crown.
An inlay fits within the cusps of a tooth (the raised points on the chewing surface) — similar to a filling but lab-made and more durable. An onlay is larger, extending over one or more cusps of the tooth. Both provide exceptional durability and a natural appearance that is virtually indistinguishable from the natural tooth.
Book a ConsultationInlay vs Onlay vs Filling vs Crown
Direct composite filling — built up in the mouth, good for small to moderate cavities
Inlay — lab-made, fits within the cusps of the tooth, for moderate cavities
Onlay — lab-made, covers one or more cusps, for larger areas of damage (from £600)
Crown — covers the entire tooth, for severely damaged or weakened teeth (from £650)
Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate restoration at your consultation
Preserves natural tooth structure. Inlays and onlays require less removal of healthy tooth structure than crowns, making them an excellent conservative option for moderate to large areas of damage or decay.
Exceptional durability. Porcelain and ceramic inlays and onlays are extremely strong and resistant to wear — typically lasting far longer than direct composite fillings, particularly in load-bearing back teeth.
Natural-looking result. Custom-made from porcelain or ceramic matched precisely to your tooth colour, inlays and onlays are virtually indistinguishable from natural tooth structure — an invisible restoration.
| Treatment | Price |
|---|---|
| Onlay (depending on material) | From £600 |
| Crown (if onlay not sufficient) | From £650 |
| Posterior Composite Filling | £145–£225 |
| New Patient Examination | £85 |
| X-Rays (if required) | £10 each |
Our dentist will assess the extent of damage to your tooth and recommend the most conservative, durable restoration option — with a full cost breakdown.
Book OnlineCall 020 3719 6889Mon–Fri 10am–6pm · Sat 10am–4pm
Our Shepherds Bush practice is accessible from across West London by tube, bus and car.
Find out whether an inlay or onlay is the right solution for your tooth. Book a consultation at our Shepherds Bush practice today.
3 Goldhawk Road, Shepherds Bush, London W12 8QQ · Mon–Fri 10–6, Sat 10–4
