Inlays & Onlays
Inlays & Onlays — Cost Breakdown
Quick answer
Dental inlays and onlays in the UK cost £332.10 on the NHS (Band 3 in England) or £300–£1,000 privately. Composite inlays are the cheapest at £300–£600; porcelain/ceramic £400–£800; gold inlays £500–£1,000. They are the middle option between a direct filling and a full crown, lasting 10–15 years for ceramic and 20+ years for gold.
Key facts
- NHS England (Band 3): £332.10
- Composite inlay/onlay: £300–£600
- Porcelain/ceramic: £400–£800
- Gold: £500–£1,000
- Lifespan: 10–15 years (gold 20+)
- 2 appointments required (1–2 weeks apart)
Inlays sit within the cusps of a tooth, onlays cover one or more cusps. Made from porcelain or gold in a dental lab and bonded into place, they last longer than direct fillings and preserve more tooth than a crown.
What is inlays & onlays?
Inlays and onlays are the “middle ground” between direct fillings and full crowns — they cover larger cavities than a filling can handle while preserving more tooth structure than a crown. UK patients usually choose private inlays when they want longer-lasting restorations for back teeth without the cost of a crown.
Who needs this treatment?
- Patients with cavities too large for a direct filling but with enough tooth left to avoid a crown
- Anyone replacing failing large amalgam fillings
- Patients with cracked cusps that need coverage
- People wanting the longest-lasting restoration available
What does the procedure involve?
Two visits 1–2 weeks apart. Visit 1 (60 minutes): tooth prepared, impression or digital scan, temporary filling fitted. Visit 2 (30–45 minutes): temporary removed, inlay/onlay tried in, bonded with resin cement.
Recovery time
Mild sensitivity for 1–2 weeks. Avoid sticky foods on the temporary filling. Once cemented, eat normally immediately.
How long does it last?
Ceramic inlays last 10–15 years; gold inlays often 20+ years. Composite inlays last 8–12 years. Significantly longer than direct fillings (5–10 years).
NHS Coverage
Falls under Band 3.
| Nation | NHS patient charge |
|---|---|
| England | £332.10 |
| Wales | £260.00 (legacy) |
| Scotland | 80% of item-of-service fee, max £384 |
| Northern Ireland | item-of-service charge |
NHS charges effective from 1 April 2026.
Private Cost Range
Ceramic inlays last 10–15 years or more — significantly longer than direct fillings.
| Option | UK average | Central London |
|---|---|---|
| Composite inlay/onlay | £300–£600 | £400–£800 |
| Porcelain/ceramic inlay | £400–£800 | £500–£1,000 |
| Gold inlay | £500–£1,000 | £700–£1,300 |
Private fees compiled from UK clinic price lists and 2026 market surveys.
What Affects the Cost
- Material
- Lab fees
- Size of the restoration
When is this treatment available on the NHS?
Covered by the NHS Band 3 charge (£332.10) when clinically indicated. NHS dentists often offer direct fillings (Band 2, £76.60) as the first-line option even when an inlay would be more conservative.
How to save money on this treatment
- Use NHS Band 3 if available — £332.10 covers lab fees
- Composite inlay (£300–£600) is cheaper than ceramic (£400–£800)
- Combine with other Band 3 treatment in one course of treatment
- Get a quote breakdown — lab fees vary £100+ between practices
Does dental insurance cover this?
Most UK dental insurance covers inlays and onlays at 50–70% reimbursement up to annual limits.
Risks and side effects
- Sensitivity for 1–2 weeks
- Need for crown later if the tooth fractures
- Cement failure leading to debonding (rare)
- Cost is significantly more than direct fillings
Red flags to watch for
- Crown recommended where an inlay or onlay would suffice
- Lab fees inflated beyond £200 for standard cases
Alternatives to consider
- White (Composite) Filling — Direct composite filling — cheaper, faster, but shorter-lived.
- Dental Crown — Full crown if the tooth has insufficient remaining structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Inlay or crown?
Inlays preserve more tooth structure but require enough remaining cusps. Crowns are necessary when less than 50% of the tooth is left. If at least 50–60% of the natural tooth structure is intact and the cusps are not fractured, an inlay or onlay is nearly always the better, more conservative choice.
How long does an inlay last?
Ceramic inlays last 10–15 years with good oral hygiene; gold inlays often exceed 20 years. Both significantly outlast direct composite fillings (5–10 years).
Why are inlays more expensive than fillings?
Three reasons: lab fees (a dental laboratory fabricates the restoration), two clinical appointments, and the time required for preparation, impression and cementation. A private composite inlay typically costs £300–£600 vs £90–£180 for a direct filling.
Can my dentist make an inlay in one visit?
Yes, if the practice has a CEREC (chairside milling) machine. Same-day ceramic inlays are milled from a block in the surgery — no temporary filling needed. The cost is similar to lab-made; the advantage is convenience.
Are gold inlays really worth it?
For back teeth under heavy bite load, gold remains the most durable inlay material available — lasting 20+ years and wearing at the same rate as natural enamel. The only drawback is the gold colour. For patients who want the longest-lasting option and don't mind visibility, gold is the best choice.
What is the NHS cost of an inlay or onlay?
On the NHS in England, inlays and onlays fall under Band 3 (£332.10). This covers the lab fees and both clinical appointments. In Scotland they are free. In Wales the Band 3 charge is £203.00.
What is the difference between an inlay and an onlay?
An inlay fits within the cusps (raised points) of a back tooth, filling a cavity in the centre. An onlay covers one or more cusps in addition to filling the cavity — it's a larger restoration used when a cusp is cracked or there is insufficient tooth structure between the cusps. Both are made in a lab and bonded in; an onlay is sometimes called a 'partial crown'.
How much does an onlay cost in the UK?
On the NHS, an onlay costs £332.10 (Band 3 in England). Privately, composite onlays cost £350–£650; ceramic (porcelain/Emax) onlays cost £450–£900; gold onlays cost £550–£1,100. London prices run 25–40% higher.