Inlays &
Onlays
Custom-made porcelain, ceramic or gold restorations that are stronger than fillings and more conservative than crowns. Precision-crafted in our dental laboratory to fit your tooth perfectly — preserving more of your natural tooth structure. Available at our South Kensington and City of London clinics.
Inlays & Onlays
From £995
Precision Restorations
What Are Inlays & Onlays?
An inlay is a custom-made restoration that fits within the grooves of a back tooth — replacing the damaged or decayed area with a precisely shaped piece of porcelain, ceramic or gold. An onlay is similar but larger — it extends over one or more of the tooth's cusps (the raised points on the biting surface), providing additional coverage and strength.
Together, inlays and onlays occupy the middle ground between a direct filling and a full crown. They are stronger and longer-lasting than fillings, yet far more conservative than crowns because they preserve the maximum amount of healthy tooth structure.
At Dental Clinic London, inlays and onlays are available from £995 in porcelain, ceramic or gold. Each restoration is individually crafted by our dental laboratory for a precise, durable and natural-looking result.
Why Inlays & Onlays
Benefits of Inlays & Onlays
Preserves More Tooth
Unlike a crown, which requires reducing the entire outer surface of the tooth, an inlay or onlay only replaces the damaged portion. This conservative approach preserves the maximum amount of healthy, natural tooth structure — which is always the best foundation for long-term dental health.
Stronger Than Fillings
A standard composite filling is packed directly into the cavity and cured with a light. An inlay or onlay is fabricated in a dental laboratory from porcelain, ceramic or gold, then bonded to the tooth. This makes it significantly stronger — able to withstand heavy biting forces without cracking or wearing down.
Precision Fit
Because inlays and onlays are made from a detailed impression of your prepared tooth, the fit is extremely precise — far more accurate than a direct filling. This tight, seamless fit reduces the gap between the restoration and the tooth, minimising the risk of bacteria entering and causing further decay.
Long-Lasting
With proper care and regular dental check-ups, a porcelain or gold inlay/onlay typically lasts 15–25 years — significantly longer than a composite filling (5–10 years). Gold inlays and onlays can last even longer, often 25–30 years or more.
Natural Appearance
Porcelain and ceramic inlays and onlays are shade-matched to your natural teeth, making them virtually invisible. They replicate the translucency and colour of natural enamel, so your restoration blends seamlessly with your smile.
Protects the Tooth
An onlay covers and reinforces one or more of the tooth's cusps (the raised points on the biting surface). This strengthens a weakened tooth that might otherwise fracture under heavy chewing forces — potentially saving you from needing a crown or extraction in the future.
Your Journey
How Inlays & Onlays Are Made
Consultation & Assessment
Your dentist examines the damaged tooth, takes X-rays if needed and assesses whether an inlay, onlay, filling or crown is the most appropriate restoration. We explain the differences, show you the options and provide a written treatment plan with confirmed costs before any work begins.
Tooth Preparation
Under local anaesthetic, your dentist carefully removes the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth, preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible. The cavity is shaped to accept the inlay or onlay, with smooth, defined margins for a precise fit.
Impression & Temporary
A detailed digital or physical impression of the prepared tooth is taken and sent to our dental laboratory. A temporary restoration is placed to protect the tooth while your custom inlay or onlay is being made — usually 1–2 weeks.
Laboratory Fabrication
Our skilled dental technicians craft your inlay or onlay from your chosen material — porcelain, ceramic or gold — using the precise impression of your tooth. Each restoration is individually made to match your tooth's shape, contours and (for porcelain) colour.
Bonding & Fitting
At your second appointment, the temporary is removed and the custom inlay or onlay is tried in. Your dentist checks the fit, bite and aesthetics, making any adjustments. Once everything is perfect, the restoration is bonded permanently to the tooth using a strong dental adhesive.
Aftercare
Your dentist checks your bite one final time, polishes the margins and provides aftercare instructions. Inlays and onlays require no special maintenance — simply brush twice daily, floss and attend regular dental check-ups. A review appointment may be booked to check the restoration.
Compare
Inlay/Onlay vs Filling vs Crown
| Feature | Inlay / Onlay | Composite Filling | Crown |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | From £995 | From £185 | From £995 |
| Tooth Preserved | Maximum | Maximum | Significant reduction |
| Strength | Very high | Moderate | Very high |
| Longevity | 15–25 years | 5–10 years | 10–20 years |
| Lab-Made | Yes (custom) | No (chairside) | Yes (custom) |
| Appointments | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Aesthetics | Excellent (tooth-matched) | Good | Excellent |
| Best For | Medium–large cavities | Small cavities | Severely damaged teeth |
White Fillings Explained
Natural Looking Tooth Repair
White Fillings Explained
Dental Clinic London · Natural Looking Tooth Repair
Two Convenient Locations
Inlays & Onlays Near You
South Kensington
Now Open20 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, London SW7 3DL
Mon & Wed: 9 am – 6 pm
Tue & Thu: 9 am – 8 pm
Fri: 9 am – 5 pm
Sat & Sun: 10 am – 4 pm
1 min from South Kensington tube
City of London
Opening May 20265 Ave Maria Lane, City of London, London EC4M 7AQ
Mon – Fri: 8 am – 8 pm
Sat & Sun: Closed
3 min from St Paul's tube · 5 min from Blackfriars
Transparent Pricing
Inlay & Onlay Prices
| Treatment | Price |
|---|---|
| New Patient ConsultationFull examination, X-rays & treatment plan | £30 |
| Inlay or Onlay (Porcelain / Ceramic)Lab-made, custom-fitted restoration | From £995 |
| Inlay or Onlay (Gold)Exceptionally durable, long-lasting option | From £995 |
| Composite Filling (Direct)For comparison — standard filling | From £185 |
| Dental CrownFull-coverage restoration | From £995 |
0% finance available on selected treatments, subject to status.
Common Questions
Inlays & Onlays FAQ
Experienced Dentists
Your Dental Team
Dr. Yasha Y Shirazi
Principal Dentist & Clinical Director
GDC: 195843
Dr. Reza Davari
Dentist
GDC: 302422
Dr. Kamran Yazdi
Dentist
GDC: 197926
Dr. Andreia Phipps
Dentist
GDC: 229601
Patient Reviews
What Our Patients Say
Explore More
Related Treatments
Registered · Regulated · Trusted
Your Safety Is Our Priority
Our South Kensington clinic is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and all our clinicians are registered with the General Dental Council (GDC).
CQC Regulated
South Kensington clinic
GDC Registered
All clinicians
CQC Provider: Medical and Dental Limited · Registration No. 1-20629579981
Restore Your Tooth — Preserve Your Smile
Book a new patient consultation for just £30. Your dentist will assess the tooth and recommend whether an inlay, onlay, filling or crown is the best option for you.
