When a tooth is too damaged for a simple filling but may not need full coverage, choosing between an inlay and a crown can feel confusing. Both are custom-made, long-lasting restorations — but they protect your tooth in different ways. The right choice depends on how much healthy tooth structure remains and the extent of the damage.
When a tooth has a cavity too large for a simple filling but may not need full coverage, the choice often comes down to two options: an inlay or a dental crown. Both are custom-made in a dental laboratory, both are long-lasting, and both start from the same price at our clinic — but they protect your tooth in fundamentally different ways.
An inlay replaces only the damaged portion of the tooth, preserving as much healthy structure as possible. A crown covers the entire tooth, providing maximum structural reinforcement when the damage is more extensive. The right choice depends on how much healthy tooth remains, whether the tooth has had root canal treatment, and the extent of the decay or fracture. Both are part of our comprehensive restorative dentistry and general dentistry services.
Not sure which you need? Book a consultation or call us on 020 7183 0527 — your dentist will examine the tooth, take X-rays and explain the most appropriate option before any treatment begins.
At a Glance
Inlay vs dental crown — side by side.
| Feature | Inlay · From £995 | Crown · From £995 |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage of Tooth | Replaces only the damaged portion — fits within or over the cusps of the tooth | Covers the entire visible tooth above the gum line (360° coverage) |
| Procedure Type | Indirect — custom-made in a dental laboratory from a precision impression | Indirect — custom-made in a dental laboratory from a precision impression |
| Treatment Time | 2 appointments, 1–2 weeks apart — each 45–60 minutes | 2 appointments, 1–2 weeks apart — each 45–60 minutes |
| Tooth Preservation | Maximum — only the damaged or decayed portion is removed | Significant reduction — 1.5–2 mm removed from the entire outer surface |
| Structural Support | Reinforces the remaining tooth structure through adhesive bonding | Encases and splints the entire tooth — maximum structural reinforcement |
| Aesthetics | Excellent — porcelain or ceramic shade-matched to natural teeth | Excellent — zirconia, E.max or layered porcelain matched to natural teeth |
| Cost at Our Clinic | From £995 (porcelain or gold) | From £995 (zirconia or E.max) · From £1,195 (layered porcelain) |
| Longevity | 15–25 years (porcelain) · 25–30+ years (gold) | 15–25+ years (zirconia / layered) · 10–20 years (E.max) |
| Suitability | Medium to large cavities where enough healthy tooth structure remains | Severely damaged, weakened, broken or root canal-treated teeth |
Treatment recommendations depend on individual clinical assessment. All prices confirmed before treatment begins.
Conservative Restoration
An inlay is a custom-made restoration that fits precisely within the grooves of a tooth, replacing the damaged or decayed portion without covering the raised cusps. It is fabricated in a dental laboratory from porcelain, ceramic or gold using a detailed impression of your tooth, then bonded permanently into place at a second appointment. An onlay is similar but larger — it extends over one or more cusps, providing additional reinforcement.
At Dental Clinic London, inlays and onlays start from £995 regardless of material — porcelain, ceramic or gold. The treatment takes 2 appointments, 1–2 weeks apart, each approximately 45–60 minutes. Inlays are significantly stronger and more durable than direct composite fillings, typically lasting 15–25 years (porcelain) or 25–30 years or more (gold), compared to 7–15 years for a filling.
The key advantage of an inlay is that it preserves the maximum amount of healthy natural tooth. Only the damaged portion is removed — the rest of the tooth remains intact. This is a significant benefit over a crown, which requires reducing the entire outer surface.
Full Coverage Restoration
A dental crown is a custom-made restoration that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gum line — providing 360-degree protection and structural reinforcement. It is fabricated in a dental laboratory from advanced ceramics such as zirconia, E.max (lithium disilicate) or layered porcelain-fused-to-zirconia, then cemented permanently over the prepared tooth.
At Dental Clinic London, dental crowns start from £995 for zirconia or E.max, and from £1,195 for premium layered porcelain. All crowns are 100% metal-free. The treatment takes 2 appointments, 1–2 weeks apart. Zirconia and layered porcelain crowns typically last 15–25 years or more, and E.max crowns 10–20 years.
The key advantage of a crown is that it encases the entire tooth, providing maximum structural support. This makes it essential for teeth that have been severely weakened by decay, fracture or root canal treatment — situations where an inlay or filling would not provide enough protection. Crowns are also used to restore dental implants, where a custom porcelain crown is fitted to the implant abutment.
Understanding the Difference
This is the most fundamental difference. An inlay replaces only the damaged portion of the tooth — the rest of the healthy structure is left completely intact. A crown covers the entire tooth, which means 1.5–2 mm must be removed from the entire outer surface to create space for the restoration. Where enough healthy tooth remains, an inlay preserves significantly more natural structure. This matters because natural tooth structure is always stronger and more resilient than any replacement material — the more you keep, the better the long-term prognosis.
For an inlay, the dentist removes only the decayed or damaged portion and shapes the cavity with smooth, defined margins. The healthy enamel and dentine around the cavity are left intact. For a crown, the entire outer surface of the tooth is reduced by 1.5–2 mm all the way around — a far more extensive preparation. If the tooth is badly broken down, a core build-up may be needed before the crown can be fitted. Once a tooth has been prepared for a crown, it will always need a crown — the preparation is irreversible.
Both are long-lasting restorations that significantly outlast direct composite fillings. A porcelain or ceramic inlay typically lasts 15–25 years, and a gold inlay 25–30 years or more. A zirconia or layered porcelain crown typically lasts 15–25 years, and an E.max crown 10–20 years. Longevity depends on oral hygiene, diet, grinding habits and regular check-ups. Both are far superior to composite fillings (7–15 years), making them the better investment for medium to large restorations.
At Dental Clinic London, both inlays and standard crowns start from £995 — the starting price is identical. Layered porcelain crowns (porcelain-fused-to-zirconia) start from £1,195 due to the specialist hand-layering process. A direct composite filling starts from £185 for comparison. A new patient examination is £30. 0% finance is available on selected treatments, subject to status. View our complete pricing on the fee guide.
The decision between an inlay and a crown is driven by how much healthy tooth structure remains. For moderate damage — a medium to large cavity or a failing filling where the surrounding tooth is still strong — an inlay is the more conservative and appropriate choice. For extensive damage — a severely broken tooth, a tooth after root canal treatment, or one where the remaining structure is too weak to support an inlay — a crown provides the full-coverage protection needed. Your dentist will always recommend the most conservative option that is clinically safe.
Weighing Up
Advantages
Limitations
Advantages
Limitations
Transparent Pricing
Prices at Dental Clinic London. View our complete fee guide for all treatment pricing.
| Treatment | Price |
|---|---|
| New Patient ExaminationFull assessment, X-rays & treatment plan | £30 |
| Inlay or Onlay (Porcelain / Ceramic)Lab-made, custom-fitted — preserves maximum tooth structure | From £995 |
| Inlay or Onlay (Gold)Exceptionally durable — 25–30+ years longevity | From £995 |
| Dental Crown — ZirconiaStrongest option — ideal for back teeth & bruxism | From £995 |
| Dental Crown — E.max (Porcelain)Most natural translucency — ideal for front teeth | From £995 |
| Dental Crown — Layered Porcelain (PFZ)Zirconia core + hand-layered porcelain — premium aesthetics | From £1,195 |
| Composite Filling (for comparison)Direct — single appointment, 30–45 minutes | From £185 |
| Root Canal Treatment (if needed before crown)Front from £695 · Premolar from £795 · Molar from £895 | From £695 |
All costs confirmed before treatment begins. 0% finance available on selected treatments, subject to status.
Making Your Decision
The choice between an inlay and a crown depends on the extent of the damage and how much healthy tooth structure remains. Here is a general guide — your dentist will confirm the best approach following examination.
If the cavity or damage is too large for a composite filling but enough healthy tooth remains to support the restoration, an inlay or onlay is the ideal choice. It replaces only the damaged portion, preserving the maximum amount of natural structure while providing significantly greater strength and longevity than a filling. This is the go-to option for medium to large cavities on back teeth and for replacing large, failing fillings.
When a tooth is severely broken, cracked, has had root canal treatment or has lost too much structure for an inlay to be safe, a crown provides the full-coverage protection needed. It encases the entire tooth, splinting it together and restoring full strength and function. A crown is essential after most root canal treatments on premolars and molars — without it, the weakened tooth is at high risk of fracture.
If preserving your natural tooth is the priority — and it should be wherever clinically possible — an inlay is the more conservative choice. It requires removing only the damaged portion, leaving all healthy enamel and dentine intact. A crown removes 1.5–2 mm from the entire surface, which means losing healthy structure that could otherwise have been preserved. Your dentist will always recommend the most conservative option that provides adequate protection.
Both inlays and crowns are highly durable restorations that far outlast direct composite fillings. A porcelain inlay lasts 15–25 years, a gold inlay 25–30 years or more, and a zirconia crown 15–25 years or more. The best option for long-term durability depends not on the type of restoration but on matching the right restoration to the right clinical situation. An inlay on a moderately damaged tooth and a crown on a severely damaged tooth will both deliver excellent, long-lasting results.
Contact our team to discuss your options — we are here to help you make the right decision for your tooth.
Common Questions
Book a new patient examination at Dental Clinic London for just £30. Your dentist will assess the tooth, take X-rays and explain whether an inlay, onlay, crown or another restoration is the most appropriate option for your situation. No pressure, no obligation — just clear, honest advice.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute personalised dental advice. Individual diagnosis and treatment recommendations require a clinical examination by a qualified dental professional. All treatment outcomes vary by patient. Prices shown are starting prices and may vary depending on complexity. Dental Clinic London is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the General Dental Council (GDC).