Full Zirconia Inlays and Onlays

Doctor In-Charge: Dr Christine Ma

Full zirconia inlays and onlays are a durable, metal-free restorative solution for teeth that have been damaged by decay, fracture or wear. As a conservative alternative to dental crowns, they preserve more of your natural tooth structure while providing a strong, long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing result. At kohe™ Dental, our holistic dentists take a minimally invasive approach to restorative dentistry, ensuring that every treatment is tailored to your individual needs and long-term oral health.

  • Affordable and transparent pricing
  • Experienced holistic dentist
  • 24/7 patient support

Our Holistic Dentist

Dr Christine Ma is a holistic, minimally invasive dentist (BDS, Cardiff University) and the dentist people seek when all else has failed. When conventional dentistry keeps failing, it may be time to look deeper. Her philosophy is simple: treat the cause, not just the tooth. Every treatment option is minimally invasive, biocompatible and tailored to support your long-term well-being.
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Dr Christina Ma
Holistic, Biomimetic, and Laser Dentistry

Benefits of Full Zirconia Inlays and Onlays

Full zirconia inlays and onlays are ideal for patients with damaged, decayed or worn teeth. Here are some benefits of zirconia inlays and onlays:

Exceptionally Strong and Durable
Zirconia is one of the strongest dental materials available, making it highly resistant to chipping, cracking and wear. Full zirconia restorations can withstand the significant biting forces of posterior teeth, providing a long-lasting solution that outperforms traditional porcelain or composite alternatives.
Biocompatibility
Zirconia is a metal-free material that is extremely well-tolerated. This makes it an ideal choice for patients with metal sensitivity or allergies, as it has a low risk of inflammation or adverse tissue reaction.
Precise Fit with Minimal Tooth Removal
Inlays and onlays are a more conservative alternative to traditional crowns. They are a custom-fitted restoration that preserves more natural tooth structure while still delivering a seamless, aesthetically pleasing result.
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Who is Suitable for Full Zirconia Inlays and Onlays?

Zirconia inlays and onlays are typically recommended for patients with moderate tooth decay, failing fillings or cracked teeth who are seeking a durable, conservative and metal-free alternative to traditional fillings or crowns.

Good candidates for zirconia inlays and onlays include patients who:

  • Have a tooth with moderate to large decay or damage that is too extensive for a regular filling but not severe enough for a crown
  • Have an old filling that requires replacing
  • Have cracked or fractured teeth where the damage does not extend below the gum line
  • Prefer a metal-free alternative
  • Have sufficient healthy natural tooth remaining for the restoration to attach to

Full Zirconia Inlays and Onlays Cost

Transparent and Affordable Pricing

The final cost of full zirconia inlays and onlays varies from patient to patient. Factors that impact the price of the treatment may include size, complexity, location of the tooth, number of surfaces involved, technology used and the number of appointments required.

At kohe™ Dental, the price of full zirconia inlays and onlays starts from $690 ($752.10 with 9% GST) per tooth. This procedure is not claimable under MediSave and CHAS subsidies. For more information on the treatment, book an appointment or WhatsApp kohe™ Dental to receive a personalised quote.

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Full Zirconia Inlays and Onlays Process

Care That Starts With You

The process of receiving a full zirconia inlay or onlay is straightforward and usually completed within two to three visits. At kohe™ Dental, our experienced dentists take great care to ensure that you are comfortable at every stage of the treatment.

From your initial consultation to your post-operative recovery, our team will guide you through every step so that you know exactly what to expect.

 

First Visit: Consultation and Assessment

Your treatment journey begins with an in-person consultation at the kohe™ Dental Aesthetics Dedicated Centre located in the heart of Orchard Road. During this visit, you will meet your dentist and discuss your concerns and goals in detail. A comprehensive assessment, including dental X-rays, will be done to evaluate the extent of the decay or damage. After evaluating your teeth and oral health, your dentist will create a customised treatment plan, detailing the treatment timeline and expected costs.

Second Visit: Tooth Preparation and Impressions

At your second appointment, your dentist will prepare your tooth for the inlay or onlay. Local anaesthesia is applied to numb the area, and the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth is carefully removed. The tooth is then cleaned, shaped and prepared to receive the inlay or onlay. Digital scans or physical impressions of the prepared tooth are taken and sent to a dental laboratory for fabrication. During this period, a temporary restoration is placed to protect your tooth before the zirconia implant is placed.

Third visit: Fitting and Bonding

Approximately two weeks later, you will return to the clinic to fit your final inlay or onlay. First, the temporary restoration is removed. The custom-made zirconia inlay or onlay is then checked for fit, shape and bite. If necessary, minor adjustments will be made. Next, the restoration is permanently bonded to the tooth using dental cement. Finally, the bite is checked and polished for a comfortable and natural finish.

Full Zirconia Inlays and Onlays Alternatives

While full zirconia inlays and onlays are a great option for many patients, they might not be suitable in certain cases. Your dentist will evaluate your individual needs and, if necessary, recommend alternatives such as:

dental-fillings
Dental Fillings
This is the most common alternative for small cavities or damage. Composite or amalgam fillings are placed directly on the affected tooth in a single visit and are the most affordable option.
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Dental Crowns
A crown covers the entire tooth and is recommended when the damage or decay is too extensive for an inlay or onlay.
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Porcelain Inlays and Onlays
This works in a similar way to zirconia inlays and onlays, but is made from a different material. Porcelain allows for the most tooth-like appearance and is most suitable for front teeth.
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veneers
Dental Veneers
Primarily used for the front teeth, but are generally recommended for cosmetic treatment instead of restorative treatment.
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Full Zirconia Inlays and Onlays vs Dental Crowns

When deciding between full zirconia inlays and onlays or dental crowns, there are a few key considerations.

Full Zirconia Inlays and Onlays

  • Conservative and less invasive solution, as only the damaged part of the tooth is removed, which means less drilling and a more comfortable experience
  • Bonded to the tooth, which strengthens the remaining tooth structure
  • Ideal for moderate decay and damage where the overall tooth structure is still intact
  • Shorter recovery period with patients experiencing less sensitivity after treatment

Dental Crowns

  • More comprehensive coverage, as the crown covers the entire tooth, but more tooth removal is required to accommodate the crown
  • More appropriate for severely damaged, weakened teeth or teeth that have undergone root canal treatment
  • Offers more structural support for heavily compromised teeth
  • Patients may experience more tooth sensitivity after treatment

Full Zirconia Inlays and Onlays: Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about full zirconia inlays and onlays? Here are the most common questions we get from our patients.
Are full zirconia inlays and onlays safe and biocompatible?

Yes, full zirconia inlays and onlays are safe and biocompatible. Zirconia is metal-free, non-toxic and well-tolerated by the body. This makes it an ideal choice for patients with metal sensitivity or who prefer a metal-free alternative. Unlike metal-based restorations, zirconia does not corrode, leech or cause adverse reactions to the gums and surrounding tissues, supporting healthy long-term oral health.

How long do full zirconia inlays and onlays last?

With proper care and dental hygiene, full zirconia inlays and onlays can last between 10 and 20 years. Zirconia is an exceptionally strong material that can withstand strong biting forces. To maximise the lifespan of your zirconia inlay or onlay, it is important to attend regular dental check-ups, brush and floss daily and avoid habits such as chewing on hard objects.

Are fully zirconia inlays and onlays better than composite fillings?

Both fully zirconia inlays and onlays and composite fillings are tooth-coloured, metal-free options. However, they serve different purposes. Composite fillings are suitable for small cavities, while zirconia inlays and onlays are recommended for moderate to large-sized restorations. Zirconia is significantly stronger than composite resin, less prone to staining over time, and tends to offer a better fit and finish for larger restorations.

Is getting fully zirconia inlays and onlays a painful treatment?

Most patients find the procedure to be comfortable and well-tolerated. Local anaesthesia is applied to the area around the restoration before the procedure begins. This numbs the site of the inlay or onlay throughout the treatment. After the treatment, some sensitivity may be experienced, especially with the temporary restoration, but this usually subsides once the permanent zirconia restoration is in place.

Can zirconia inlays and onlays be used to replace an old amalgam filling?

Yes, zirconia inlays and onlays are an excellent replacement for old amalgam fillings. For holistic dental patients who are concerned about mercury exposure from amalgam fillings, replacing them with zirconia restorations offers both peace of mind and a durable, long-lasting solution.

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Full Zirconia Inlays and Onlays Knowledge Base

Explore articles on full zirconia inlays and onlays, why patients choose this treatment and what the process involves at kohe™ Dental.

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