Restorative · Inlay / Onlay · National Cost

How much do inlays and onlays cost?

Average Inlay / Onlay cost in the US: $635-$1,665

🏥 Based on ADA fee survey data
📊 Population-weighted national average
🔄 Updated May 2026
✓ Reviewed by Pearl clinical team
$635 – $1665

Typical Inlay / Onlay range across the United States

📍 All 50 states covered 🏥 PPO typically covers up to ortho max

National average

$975

Inlay / Onlay · D2630-D2664

What is this procedure?

About this procedure

Inlays and onlays are indirect dental restorations that are larger than fillings but smaller than full crowns. They are fabricated in a dental lab (or sometimes chairside with CEREC technology) and bonded to the tooth in a second appointment. An inlay sits between the cusps of a tooth and replaces decayed or damaged structure within the chewing surface. An onlay extends to cover one or more cusps, providing more substantial reinforcement when the cavity or fracture has compromised the tooth's structural integrity.

Inlays and onlays are typically chosen when a filling would be too large to hold reliably but a full crown would remove more healthy tooth structure than necessary. Materials include porcelain (the most common today), composite resin, gold (the most durable but rarely chosen now), and zirconia. The procedure takes 2 visits (preparation + impression, then placement) over 1-3 weeks — though same-day options exist with CEREC. Lifespan is typically 10-20+ years for porcelain and gold, longer than composite fillings but shorter than the very best crowns.

Price factors

What affects this cost?

  • Material: Porcelain inlays/onlays ($800-$1,500) are the most common; composite is less expensive ($500-$1,200); gold is more durable but rarely chosen ($1,200-$2,500); zirconia is the premium ceramic option.
  • Size: Larger restorations (multiple surfaces, multiple cusps) cost more than smaller single-cusp inlays.
  • Tooth location: Molars require more material and are more visible from the side, slightly increasing cost. Front-tooth inlays/onlays are rare.
  • Lab vs. chairside CEREC: Lab-fabricated restorations may cost more than CEREC same-day options but allow for finer aesthetic customization.
  • Provider type: General dentists offer both options; cosmetic dentists charge premium fees for high-aesthetic ceramic work.
  • Geography: Major metros run 30-60% above smaller markets.
  • Bonding technique: Adhesive bonding requires precise technique — practices using rubber dam isolation and advanced bonding agents typically have longer-lasting results.

By state

Where does this cost the most and least?

Pearl tracks pricing across all 50 states. Below are the highest and lowest cost markets — click any state for a full state-level cost breakdown across covered cities.

Highest cost states

Lowest cost states

Quote checker

What should your quote include?

Different providers bundle costs differently. Here's what a complete quote typically covers — and what's often left out.

USUALLY INCLUDED IN THE QUOTED PRICE

  • Local anesthesia
  • Removal of decay and old filling material
  • Tooth preparation (more conservative than crown prep)
  • Impression or digital scan
  • Provisional restoration during the lab phase (if not same-day)
  • Lab fabrication (for traditional inlay or onlay)
  • Bonding and final placement
  • Bite adjustment and polish

OFTEN BILLED SEPARATELY — ASK BEFORE YOU AGREE

  • Pre-treatment x-rays
  • Pulp capping if decay is close to the nerve
  • Root canal if decay has reached the pulp
  • Sedation beyond local anesthesia
  • Replacement of an existing crown if needed
  • Build-up if the tooth has insufficient structure for an inlay or onlay (would shift to crown territory)

Health stakes

What happens if you delay treatment?

  • Skipping an inlay or onlay for a filling that's too large often leads to filling failure within 2-4 years and progression to crown territory
  • Untreated tooth fracture under a large filling can progress to a full vertical crack — at which point extraction may be the only option
  • Bonding failure on a poorly-placed restoration can let bacteria into the tooth, causing decay underneath
  • Tooth loss in the middle of the arch causes adjacent teeth to drift and bite collapse over time

Before you agree

Questions to ask your provider

  • Is an inlay or onlay the right choice for my tooth, or should I consider a crown?
  • What material are you recommending, and why?
  • Will this be a lab-fabricated restoration or chairside CEREC?
  • What's the expected lifespan, and what's your warranty?
  • If the inlay fails, how is that handled — replacement or upgrade to a crown?
  • Do you use rubber dam isolation during bonding?

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Both are indirect restorations placed in a tooth. An inlay sits within the cusps of the tooth, replacing damaged chewing surface but not extending over the cusp tips. An onlay extends over one or more cusps, providing more reinforcement when the cavity or fracture is larger. Onlays are sometimes called "partial crowns" because they cover part of the tooth's outer surface.
When a cavity or fracture is too large for a filling but doesn't require removing as much healthy tooth as a crown would. Inlays and onlays are more conservative — they preserve more of the natural tooth structure, which contributes to better long-term tooth health. They're often a better fit for moderately damaged teeth that still have substantial healthy structure.
Most PPO dental plans cover inlays and onlays at 50-80% as major restorative procedures, similar to crowns. Some older plans only cover the filling rate, leaving the patient responsible for the difference. Pre-authorization is recommended for restorations over $1,000.
Porcelain and ceramic inlays/onlays typically last 15-20+ years with proper care. Composite resin lasts 5-10 years. Gold can last 30+ years but is rarely chosen now. Bonding technique and oral hygiene significantly affect longevity.
Yes, if your dentist has CEREC or similar same-day milling technology. CEREC restorations are designed and milled in the office in 1-2 hours, eliminating the temporary phase and second appointment. Same-day restorations cost slightly more than lab-fabricated but save time and avoid the temporary stage.

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