Dental Inlays, Onlays and Overlays

At Clínica ENIQ, a dental inlay costs between €150 and €350, depending on its size and the material used. The most expensive are overlays, which cover all the cusps of the tooth and are practically conservative crowns. The final price is confirmed at your assessment with the specialist, and we offer financing without paperwork from €150 to €3,000.

They differ in how much of the tooth they rebuild. The inlay is the simplest, because no cusp needs to be repaired (the tip or raised part of the tooth crown). The onlay restores a cusp that has become weak after removing the decay or fracture. The overlay covers all the cusps to give the tooth strength for chewing and prevent it from fracturing. The type is chosen according to how large the damage is, always looking for the most conservative solution.

It is the most complete type of inlay: it covers all the cusps of the tooth to give it strength for chewing and prevent it from fracturing, which is why it is considered practically a conservative crown. Inlays are indicated when the damage to the tooth is moderate and the aim is to preserve as much healthy structure as possible; when the damage is extensive, a crown is recommended. Its price is at the top of the inlay price range, up to €350.

Yes, with our 3D technology the procedure is done on the same day. We capture the tooth digitally, which is like taking photographs of it in your mouth; we design the inlay in our software in about 15 minutes and mill it in the most suitable material for your case in roughly another 15 minutes. It is then cemented in your mouth. The whole treatment is carried out under local anaesthesia.

The dental inlay procedure is not painful. It is performed under local anesthesia, so you will not feel pain during the treatment. Tooth preparation is minimally invasive and conservative, which significantly reduces any discomfort. After the procedure, it is normal to experience slight temporary sensitivity, but this usually disappears within a few days. Most patients find the procedure very comfortable and any postoperative discomfort is minimal and easily manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary. At ENIQ, we use advanced techniques and state-of-the-art materials to ensure your maximum comfort throughout the process.

Dental inlays have an excellent life expectancy, lasting between 10 and 30 years or more with proper care. Durability depends on several factors: the quality of materials used, the precision of manufacturing (at ENIQ we use high-precision 3D technology), the cementation technique, and mainly, patient care. To maximize its durability, it is essential to maintain excellent oral hygiene with brushing three times a day and use of dental floss, make regular visits to the dentist for checkups and professional cleanings, avoid harmful habits such as biting hard objects or using teeth as tools, and if you have bruxism, use a night splint. The modern materials we use at ENIQ, manufactured at high pressures, are extremely stable over time and resistant.

Each one is used for a different situation. Crowns are recommended when there is large destruction of the dental piece, restorations when the destruction is minimal, and inlays when the destruction is medium and one wants to be very conservative. At ENIQ we love inlays because they preserve a lot of dental tissue, if used with 3D system they are very precise and with extremely stable materials over time since they come from blocks made at high pressures. The proper use of all three alternatives is part of the approach of responsible dentistry. It is important to request information about all the alternatives your dentist has. Unfortunately, the conflict of interest when health becomes a business means that on many occasions there is misuse of what is most convenient for the patient. There is an overdiagnosis of root canal, posts, and crowns trying to compensate for low price scales. That is why it is so important to educate patients so they are able to participate in the selection process of their treatments. We recommend getting informed, looking for qualified professionals, and not falling for misleading advertising.