Onlay vs Crown: Which One to Go For?

When a tooth is damaged or weakened, your dentist may recommend a dental onlay or a crown to restore its strength and appearance. While both options protect and rebuild teeth, they differ in how much of the tooth they cover and how they’re applied.

In this article, we’ll explain the key differences between onlays and crowns, when each treatment is recommended, and how they can help you maintain a healthy, confident smile.

What is a Dental Onlay?

A dental onlay is used to repair a tooth when a cavity is too large for a regular tooth filling. It replaces the missing tooth structure by bonding the material directly onto the compromised section of the tooth.

Onlays can cover larger amounts of the tooth surface compared to dental inlays. Dental onlays can replace one or more cusps of one tooth. A cusp is the section of the tooth that helps when chewing and can be found on your back teeth and canines.

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a custom-made cap placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns not only improve the way a tooth looks but also help protect it from further damage, especially when a cavity is too large for a filling.

Dental crowns can be crafted from a range of materials, including ceramics, metal alloys, porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or composite resin. No matter the material, each crown is carefully colour-matched to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.

When multiple teeth need restoration, dental bridges supported by crowns are often used to replace missing teeth and restore proper function to your smile.

Onlay vs Crown Pros and Cons

Tooth Preparation

First, your dentist will carefully assess the extent of damage to your tooth to determine whether a crown or an onlay is the most appropriate treatment. Once that decision is made, you can expect the following steps in your restorative procedure:

• Your dentist will give you a local anesthetic in order to numb the pain and ensure that the procedure goes as smoothly as possible
• The damaged area of your tooth will be removed in preparation for the onlay or crown replacement
• A mould of your tooth will then be made in order to create a custom-fitted onlay or crown
• Some dentists may be able to offer an onlay or crown replacement on the same day. Otherwise, you will have a temporary onlay or crown fitted which will be removed and replaced once the permanent onlay or crown has been created.
• Once the permanent onlay or crown has been placed, the dentist will ensure that it fits well and then make any adjustments if necessary.

Natural Tooth Preservation

Choosing an onlay allows you to preserve more of your tooth’s natural structure. If maintaining your natural teeth is a priority, onlays can be adjusted or repaired if they become damaged, before considering crowns or other restorative options.

Longevity

There is no exact lifespan for dental onlays, but most tend to last around 10 years with proper care. Dental crowns, on the other hand, typically last between 5 and 15 years, depending on the material and quality of craftsmanship. The key to maximising the longevity of any dental restoration is maintaining excellent oral hygiene.

In addition to regular brushing and flossing, it’s important to be mindful of certain habits that can wear down or damage your crowns and onlays. Some of these include:

• teeth grinding or clenching,
• using teeth to open packages,
• fingernail biting,
• repeatedly chewing on hard objects,
• physical trauma to the mouth or teeth.

Also note that the remaining tooth structure underneath the dental appliance must remain strong and healthy because if too much decay occurs your appliance will be removed and replaced with another form of restoration.

Price

One of the deciding factors of why an onlay may be better is the price. Restoration with onlays is usually at the fraction of the cost compared to crowns. Onlays generally cost from $650 to $1,200 per tooth, while dental crowns cost from $500 to $3,000 per tooth.

Restore Your Smile with Expert Crown and Onlay Treatments

Whether you need a dental crown to strengthen a damaged tooth or an onlay to restore its natural shape, choosing the right treatment and the right dentist makes all the difference.

At MGA Dental Gold Coast and Brisbane, our skilled team offers advanced restorative dentistry designed to protect your teeth, improve function, and enhance your smile’s appearance. Using the latest technology and high-quality materials, we create durable, natural-looking results tailored to your individual needs.

Book your appointment today at MGA Dental Clinic, and let our expert dentists help you restore your confidence – one smile at a time.