Inlay & Onlay: Ceramic filling explained
When is an inlay better than a filling? What does it cost? How does the treatment proceed? This guide explains it independently and clearly.
Contents of this guide
1. Inlay vs. Filling – direct comparison
| Feature | Filling (Composite) | Ceramic inlay |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Composite (plastic) or amalgam | Ceramic (lithium disilicate, zirconia) or gold |
| Fabrication | Direct at chairside | Laboratory or CAD/CAM milling |
| Fit accuracy | Good | Very high (laboratory precision) |
| Marginal seal | Good | Excellent (no shrinkage during curing) |
| Durability | 8–12 years | 15–25 years |
| Aesthetics | Good (composite tooth-coloured) | Very high (ceramic natural-looking) |
| Costs | Private service (composite filling: more affordable) | Private service (approx. 400–900 €) |
| Sessions | 1 session | 2 sessions (or 1 with CAD/CAM) |
2. Inlay, Onlay, Overlay – what is the difference?
Inlay
Restoration lies completely within the cusps. Suitable for medium-sized defects where a filling is insufficient, but cusps remain intact.
Onlay
Restoration covers one or more cusps. Suitable for larger substance loss when a crown is not yet necessary.
Overlay / Endocrown
Covers all cusps, similar to a crown — but without complete preparation. Frequently used after root canal treatment.
3. Treatment procedure in 6 steps
Diagnosis
Assessment of the defect: Is a filling, inlay, or crown indicated? X-rays to evaluate the pulp.
Preparation
Removal of caries and preparation of the cavity. Inlays require slightly undercut-free preparation for optimal fit.
Impression / Scan
Classical impression or intraoral scanner. With CAD/CAM (CEREC), the inlay is milled directly from the scan.
Provisional restoration
Until the laboratory delivers the inlay, a provisional restoration protects the tooth (with classical laboratory method).
Try-in and insertion
Fit, occlusion, and marginal seal are checked. Adhesive fixation with composite cement.
Polishing and check-up
Fine polishing of margins. Follow-up check recommended after 4–6 weeks.
4. Costs & insurance coverage
400–600 €
Ceramic inlay (1 surface)
Private service
600–900 €
Ceramic inlay (2–3 surfaces)
Private service
500–800 €
CAD/CAM inlay (1 session)
Depending on practice
All prices stated on this page are average market reference values for the Austrian market (as of 2025). These are expressly not fixed prices of the Institute or any specific practice. Actual costs may vary significantly depending on clinical findings, scope of treatment, chosen material, and the individual practice. Binding cost information is available exclusively through a personalised treatment cost estimate (Heilkostenplan) from your treating dentist.
5. Frequently asked questions
All prices stated on this page are average market reference values for the Austrian market (as of 2025). These are expressly not fixed prices of the Institute or any specific practice. Actual costs may vary significantly depending on clinical findings, scope of treatment, chosen material, and the individual practice. Binding cost information is available exclusively through a personalised treatment cost estimate (Heilkostenplan) from your treating dentist.
Clinical Partner
Consultation at Smile4Life
For a clinical assessment of your individual situation — in Vienna, 1010.
Medical note: The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not replace individual medical advice from a licensed dentist or specialist. The Institute for Implantology and Digital Dentistry Vienna is a non-profit, independent scientific platform — not a treatment facility. All content reflects current scientific literature; individual treatment decisions must always be made in consultation with a qualified dental professional.