Restoring a tooth is about more than just filling a hole. The goal is to strengthen the tooth, preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible and reduce the likelihood of extensive treatment in the future. Depending on the condition of your tooth, a full zirconia inlay or onlay may provide a durable and conservative restorative option.
This guide explains the typical costs of full zirconia inlays and onlays in Singapore, what influences treatment fees and what you should consider before proceeding with the treatment.
Full zirconia inlays and onlays are custom-made ceramic restorations used to repair decayed or damaged teeth. They are designed to restore the strength and function of a tooth while preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible.
An inlay is used when the damage is confined within the grooves of the tooth, while an onlay is recommended when one or more of the tooth’s cusps (the raised chewing surfaces) have been weakened or require protection. Compared to conventional fillings, inlays and onlays are stronger and can repair much larger cavities, while requiring less removal of healthy tooth structure as compared to a dental crown.
Full zirconia is a high-strength, tooth-coloured ceramic that is durable, biocompatible and blends naturally with existing teeth. This makes it particularly suitable for restoring premolars and molars, where teeth are subject to high biting forces. It is also a great metal-free alternative for patients with metal sensitivities.
As each zirconia inlay and onlay is fully customised to fit your tooth exactly, they provide a strong, long-lasting and natural-looking solution to your oral health needs.
The cost of full zirconia inlays and onlays in Singapore varies depending on the condition of the tooth, the size of the cavity, and the complexity of the damage. The table below provides a comparison of the typical costs of different restorative treatment options in Singapore, as well as the cost of full zirconia inlay and onlays at kohe™ Dental.
|
Treatment |
Cost in Singapore |
|
Standard Composite Filing |
$65-$250 per tooth |
|
Biomimetic Composite Filling |
$250-$550+ per tooth |
|
Full Zirconia Inlay |
$700-$1,300+ per tooth |
|
Full Zirconia Onlay |
$800-$1,500+ per tooth |
|
Full Zirconia Crown |
$1,100-$2,000+ per tooth |
|
Treatment |
Cost at kohe™ Dental |
|
Full Zirconia Inlay |
$690 ($752.10 with 9% GST) |
|
Full Zirconia Onlay |
$690 ($752.10 with 9% GST) |
A standard composite filling costs between $65 and $250 per tooth in Singapore. It is commonly used to treat small to moderate cavities by replacing the damaged part of the tooth with a tooth-coloured resin. The treatment is generally straightforward and completed within a single session.
A biomimetic composite filling costs between $250 and $550+ in Singapore. Compared to standard fillings, biomimetic fillings aim to preserve more natural tooth structure while restoring the tooth in a way that best mimics its natural strength and function. This conservative approach may improve the long-term performance of the restoration in appropriate cases.
A zirconia inlay costs between $700 and $1,300+ per tooth in Singapore. It is typically recommended when the damage is too extensive for a composite filling, but is confined to the chewing surface of the tooth. As each restoration is custom-fabricated in a laboratory for precise fit, zirconia inlays tend to cost more than composite fillings. They provide excellent strength, durability, and aesthetics, while removing less healthy tooth structure than dental crowns.
A zirconia onlay costs between $800 and $1,500+ per tooth in Singapore. It is generally recommended when one or more cusps of the tooth have been weakened and require additional support. Similar to a zirconia inlay, an onlay is also custom-fabricated in a laboratory, thus costs more than regular composite fillings. In suitable cases, they are a strong and durable restorative treatment option.
A dental crown is usually recommended when the tooth has lost a significant amount of its natural structure and requires complete coverage to restore its strength and function. The restoration encases the entire tooth to provide comprehensive protection for the severely weakened tooth. Due to the amount of preparation required and custom laboratory fabrication, dental crowns are typically more expensive than fillings, inlays and onlays.
Whether you can use MediSave or claim from your dental insurance depends on the type of treatment you require and the terms of your individual policy.
As full zirconia inlays and onlays are restorative dental procedures, they are generally not claimable under MediSave. MediSave is typically reserved for approved surgical and dental procedures rather than routine restorative treatments.
If you have private dental or health insurance, some policies may provide partial reimbursement for restorative dental treatment, including ceramic restorations. As coverage varies between insurers and plans, it is advisable to check with your insurance provider before commencing treatment.
At kohe™ Dental, our team will guide you through the available payment options and advise you on any applicable insurance claims to help you better plan for your treatment.
The exact treatment process for a full zirconia inlay or onlay varies depending on your individual needs and the condition of your tooth. While the specific steps may differ between patients, the process generally involves an assessment, impressions, fabrication and placement.
Treatment begins with a thorough assessment of your oral health and the affected tooth. Your dentist examines the extent of the decay, evaluates the remaining tooth structure and determines whether a full zirconia inlay or onlay is an appropriate treatment option. If necessary, diagnostic imaging such as a dental X-ray may be recommended for a more comprehensive understanding of the tooth.
Once a zirconia inlay or onlay has been recommended, the tooth is carefully prepared by removing any existing decay, failing restorations or damaged tooth structure while preserving as much healthy tooth as possible.
After the tooth has been prepared, a digital scan or dental impression is taken to capture the precise shape of your tooth. This information is then used to custom-fabricate your zirconia restoration for an accurate fit and seamless blending with the surrounding teeth.
Once your zirconia inlay or onlay is ready, your dentist will carefully assess its fit, colour and contact with the surrounding teeth before permanently bonding it into place. Your bite will then be evaluated to ensure that everyday activities such as speaking and eating are comfortable. If any adjustments are required, they will be done at this point.
The cost of a full zirconia inlay or onlay varies between dental clinics and from patient to patient. This is because no two teeth are the same. While some teeth are more straightforward to restore, others may require more extensive treatment and planning. Understanding the factors that impact the cost of your treatment can help you compare treatment costs more effectively to make an informed decision on your oral health.
One of the primary deciding factors of the price of your treatment is the size and complexity of the restoration. Smaller restorations are generally more straightforward than larger restorations that involve multiple tooth surfaces. As the size of the restoration increases, more clinical time, planning and precision are required to ensure that the restoration fits and functions well.
The type of restoration required can also affect the complexity of the treatment. Generally, an inlay is used when the damage is contained within the chewing surfaces of the tooth, while an onlay is required when the damage extends beyond the cusps of the tooth. As onlays are usually larger and more complex to fabricate, they may cost more than inlays.
Certain conditions impact the complexity of the treatment and thus, the cost. This includes large failing fillings, recurrent decay beneath an old filling, fractured tooth, weakened cusps, cracks and worn teeth. In such cases, dentists spend more time resolving these issues first before they can determine if there is sufficient healthy tooth structure left for the treatment. Sometimes, a tooth that initially appears to be suitable for an inlay or onlay may require a different treatment after preparation.
Unlike standard composite fillings, which are placed directly into your tooth during your appointment, zirconia inlays and onlays are custom-made in a dental laboratory. Each restoration is individually fabricated to precisely fit your tooth, restore proper function and blend naturally with the surrounding teeth. This customised manufacturing process requires specialised equipment and skilled technicians, which adds to the overall cost of your treatment.
A dentist’s training and experience may also influence the cost of the treatment. Restoring a tooth with a zirconia inlay or onlay requires careful diagnosis, treatment planning and precise tooth preparation to ensure that the restoration fits and blends seamlessly with the surrounding teeth. An experienced dentist will take the time to assess your tooth, preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible and ensure that the final restoration looks and feels natural. This expertise and attention to detail may be reflected in the cost of your treatment.
When comparing dental clinics, it may be tempting to base your choice on the cost of the treatment. However, the long-term success of your zirconia inlay or onlay depends on careful diagnosis, treatment planning and precise execution. Taking the time to evaluate your dentist’s approach can help you make a more informed decision about your oral health.
A good dentist does not immediately recommend you for an inlay or onlay treatment. Instead, they take time to carefully evaluate your oral health, review your symptoms, assess your existing restorations and carry out scans where necessary. This helps them to develop a comprehensive understanding of your oral health before deciding on the appropriate treatment option. Following your consultation, you should have a clear understanding of your diagnosis, the available treatment options and the reasons why a particular treatment has been chosen.
An important principle of restorative dentistry is preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible. Instead of recommending extensive treatment, your dentist should carefully evaluate the extent of the damage before suggesting the most conservative approach for your unique situation. No two patients are the same, and your treatment plan should be tailored to your individual needs.
When choosing a dentist for zirconia inlays or onlays, it is essential to consider their experience with restoring damaged teeth using custom-made ceramic restorations. Unlike standard composite fillings, zirconia inlays and onlays require precise planning, preparation and collaboration with the dental laboratory to achieve the best fit. A well-made restoration may still fail if the tooth was not prepared correctly or if the restoration was not adjusted properly before placement. Thus, an experienced dentist with great attention to detail can help to ensure the longevity of your restoration.
Clear communication is a vital component of any dental consultation. Your dentist should explain their findings in clear, easy-to-understand terms, discuss available treatment options and give you the space to ask questions about your treatment. Treatment fees should also be discussed before proceeding, so you have all the information required to make the best decision for your oral health.
The cost of full zirconia inlays and onlays in Singapore generally ranges between $700 and $1,500+ per tooth. The final cost of your treatment depends on the size of the restoration, the condition of the tooth and the complexity of the treatment. In general, zirconia inlays are less expensive than zirconia onlays because they are smaller restorations that require less material and preparation. During your consultation, your dentist should discuss the treatment plan and estimated costs with you.
Full zirconia inlays and onlays are more expensive than fillings because they are custom-made restorations that require both clinical treatment and laboratory fabrication. This treatment involves additional planning, specialised materials and greater clinical precision to achieve a precise fit and long-term function, thus making it more costly than standard fillings.
Zirconia onlays are not necessarily better than dental crowns. Instead, they are designed to address different clinical situations. When there is sufficient healthy tooth structure remaining, a zirconia onlay is a more conservative option. However, if the tooth is extensively damaged, a full dental crown may provide a more suitable long-term solution. The right treatment choice is best determined through a comprehensive assessment with your dentist.
Zirconia inlays and onlays can last between 10 and 20 years with good oral hygiene, regular check-ups and appropriate case selection. Their longevity depends on the amount of healthy tooth structure remaining, your bite, oral hygiene habits and whether you clench or grind your teeth.
Yes, zirconia restorations are generally stronger than composite fillings. However, this does not mean that they are suitable for all cases. With smaller cavities, a composite filling may be sufficient to restore the damage, while larger cavities may require a dental crown. The most appropriate treatment depends on the condition of your tooth and your long-term restorative needs.
Yes, in some cases, a cracked tooth can be restored with a zirconia onlay. However, its suitability depends on the location, depth, and extent of the crack as well as the condition of the tooth. In more extensive cases, a dental crown may be recommended to provide greater protection, while teeth with cracks that extend into the pulp may require root canal treatment to be restored. A comprehensive assessment is necessary to determine the best treatment option for your individual needs.
Every tooth is unique, which is why there is no one-size-fits-all approach to restorative dentistry. If you are considering a full zirconia inlay or onlay, a comprehensive assessment can help you understand your options better.
At kohe™ Dental, our holistic dentist takes the time to understand your needs, thoroughly assesses your oral health and develops a personalised treatment plan that targets the root cause of your oral health concerns.
Book a consultation with our dedicated dental team today to receive a personalised assessment and tailored recommendations to help you restore your smile.