Onlay
Best for
A damaged tooth with enough sound structure to support partial coverage.
Considerations
More conservative, but unsuitable when the remaining cusps or walls are too weak.
Compare options
Do I need a crown or an onlay?
An onlay preserves more healthy tooth and repairs a defined area, while a crown covers the whole tooth and is used when the remaining structure needs greater protection. The choice depends on how much tooth remains, cracks, the bite and whether the tooth has had root canal treatment.
The short answer
An onlay preserves more healthy tooth and repairs a defined area, while a crown covers the whole tooth and is used when the remaining structure needs greater protection. The choice depends on how much tooth remains, cracks, the bite and whether the tooth has had root canal treatment.
Side by side
What each option does well
Restorative dentistry in detail →
Crown
From £525
Best for
A heavily weakened, cracked or root-treated tooth needing full coverage.
Considerations
Protective, but requires more preparation and has a larger maintenance commitment.
At assessment
What decides between them
- The amount and strength of remaining tooth
- Whether cracks extend below the gum
- The bite and any grinding habit
- The tooth's history, including root canal treatment
Consultation
Thinking about improving your smile?
Start with a comprehensive assessment and understand your options before deciding on treatment.