How Much do Inlays and Onlays Cost?
The cost of inlays and onlays generally ranges from $700 to $1250 per tooth, with an typical price of $900. The cost of a dental inlay or onlay procedure also depends on numerous factors, counting:
• The dentist performing the procedure. Some dentists have more experience than others and so their fees may reflect their experience and training.
• Your location — the cost of inlay and onlay services can vary in different locations.
• The tooth or teeth being worked on — back teeth are more difficult to prepare and work on than front teeth.
• The type of material used — gold can be more expensive than other materials (depending on the gold market) and porcelain can be more expensive if fabricated by a highly skilled technician.
• The size of the inlay or onlay — bigger onlays cost more than smaller inlays.
Are Inlays and Onlays Covered by Dental insurance?
Dental insurance companies place inlays and onlays in either the ‘basic’ or ‘major’ service category.
The basic category provides coverage for dental fillings, cleanings and other routine dental services. Your dental insurance may have a pre-set limit for basic services, or a percentage (say 80 percent) of the usual and customary inlay/onlay fees for your area.
If your dental insurance company places inlays and onlays in the major category (like full coverage dental crowns), it could mean that you will be reimbursed at the 50 percent coverage rate.
Naturally, a dental office that provides inlay and onlay services will know the reimbursement rates offered by your insurance company because they have had many dealings with local insurance carriers. As always, keep in mind that reimbursement rates vary between carriers and in different areas of the country. You can ask your dental provider to submit for a pre-treatment estimate from your insurance company to get a better idea of your insurance benefit.
Dental Inlays and Onlays Procedure
Typically, an inlay or onlay procedure is completed in two dental visits. During your first visit, your dentist must prepare the damaged tooth. A molded impression of the tooth is then taken and sent to a dental laboratory, where an inlay or onlay is fabricated.
Inlays and onlays can be made from gold, porcelain or resin materials. The difference is in the look of the completed restoration. A fixed, provisional inlay or onlay (occasionally known as a temporary or “temp” for short) in the shape of the last restoration can be formed during this visit to look after the tooth while the final restoration is being fabricated.
Your dentist might discuss with you the best type of inlay or onlay material to use. If aesthetics is not a concern (for example, with back molars), gold is the best option. Porcelain inlays and onlays offer the best esthetics and are often used in the “smile line” areas. Resin materials may be the best option for people who grind their teeth and/or those with a misaligned bite (malocclusion).
During your second visit, the provisional temporary is removed and your inlay or onlay is placed.
Inlays and onlays are extremely stable restorations that seldom fail. Your dentist will check all margins to ensure a smooth fit with tight adjacent contacts. Your dentist will also check your bite to ensure that there are no occlusion-related problems affecting the margins of the restoration. Once fitted, the inlay or onlay is bonded onto the tooth and the margins are polished.
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