Dental Inlay vs Onlay: What's the Difference?
Inlays fit inside cavities. Onlays cover cusps. Here's when each is right.
Dr. Fatima Hassan
General Dentist & Endodontist
Inlay
- Fits inside the biting surface
- Doesn't cover cusps
- For medium-sized cavities
Onlay
- Covers one or more cusps
- For larger cavities or cracked cusps
- Stronger coverage
When each
- Small–medium: inlay
- Medium with cracked cusp: onlay
- Most cusps cracked: crown
Cost in Dubai
- Inlay: AED 1,800–3,500
- Onlay: AED 2,000–4,000
Lifespan
15–25 years — often outlasting filling alternatives.
References
- American Dental Association
Referenced sources
- American Dental Association
Medical disclaimer. This article is informational and does not replace professional clinical advice. For a plan specific to your situation, book a consultation with a Paradise Dental specialist.
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