Dental Onlays vs. Crowns: 3 Common Questions

If you need a dental restoration, you might be on the fence between dental onlays and crowns. Which one is right for you? Make the process easier by getting answers to the most common questions related to these restoration techniques.

Questions about dental onlays and crowns

Many patients need to know if they should get a crown or onlay, how aggressive each procedure is and how long the restorations will last. The answers to these questions help patients choose a procedure.

Is a crown or onlay the right solution?

When patients have significant dental decay or other issues, they might be torn between onlays or crowns. Patients must have enough natural tooth structure in place to support the onlay. Onlays can cover up to three-fourths of the natural tooth.

If a fracture or decay has weakened the tooth and impacted its structural integrity, a dental crown is the better option. A crown covers the entire tooth, supporting biting and chewing. Failing to get a dental crown could lead to a more serious dental condition. For example, the tooth might split in two if it is not strong enough to handle chewing and biting.

How much of the natural tooth structure will remain?

Crowns and onlays differ regarding the amount of natural tooth structure that remains after the procedure. To prepare the tooth for a crown, the dentist must greatly reduce the size of the tooth on all sides. A large portion of healthy tooth structure is removed to make room for the crown. A dental onlay is less invasive. Dentists just remove the damage and decay before placing an onlay. This allows people to maintain more of the tooth’s structure.

When possible, it is wise to maintain as much tooth structure as possible. Restorations break down over time and must be replaced. Dentists must remove more of the tooth’s structure with each restoration. Maintaining as much of the structure as possible makes future restorations easier.

How long do crowns and onlays last?

Dental restorations are not permanent, but some do last longer than others. Crowns typically last for 10-15 years. After that point, the crowns must be replaced. The dentist will remove the crown and reshape the remaining tooth structure.

Dental onlays last for 20-30 years. The old onlay is removed, and the tooth is prepared for the new one. The dentist has more of the tooth structure to work with when replacing the old onlay.

Choosing between dental crowns and onlays

Dental onlays are a good choice if you have enough structural integrity to support the restoration. You will keep more of your natural tooth, and your onlay can last for up to 30 years. On the other hand, if your tooth has suffered damage that is too severe for an onlay, your dentist will recommend a crown. You will lose more of your tooth’s structure, and the crown will not last as long, but it will provide your tooth with the stability it needs. If you are unsure which option is right for you, talk to your dentist.

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