Burien Dental can complete your Onlay restorations in a single appointment!
Onlays are unique restorations that restore large portions of an affected tooth in a less invasive fashion than a traditional crown. With CEREC (CEramic REConstruction) technology, our dentists can take a virtual impression of the prepared tooth and create the porcelain restoration right here in our office on the same day.
CEREC onlay restorations restore your smile in a single setting. As well, patients enjoy the following benefits:
- Minimizes the preparation process that maximizes existing tooth structure
- Restores a tooth without a full coverage crown
- CEREC onlays fit more precisely than a lab-manufactured restoration
- Rebuilds tooth with little healthy enamel
- Eliminates the need for messy impressions
Every CEREC restoration is custom-milled using our on-site 3D technology and CEREC lab machine. The final onlay allows the tooth to function completely normally, as if the tooth had never been damaged! Onlays are a great alternative to crowns and a solution for teeth with cavities too large to fill.
What to expect from a CEREC onlay appointment:
During your visit, our team will numb the treatment area so you will not experience any discomfort. After removing any damaged or decayed tooth structure, we will take a 3D virtual impression of the tooth. This image is electronically sent to our CEREC machine, which will then create a custom-shaded, shaped onlay to fit and match your tooth so it blends right in with your smile. Once the milling is complete, we will permanently bond the onlay into place, and you will be on your way.
If the damage to the tooth is more extensive, a dental crown may be recommended instead to provide full coverage and protection. In cases where the tooth cannot be saved, replacing it with a dental implant may be the most long-term solution.
Cost, Insurance & Payment Options
CEREC onlay restorations at Burien Dental typically range from $900 to $1,800 per tooth, depending on the size of the restoration and the condition of the tooth.
Your total cost may vary based on how much of the tooth needs to be rebuilt, the tooth’s location, and whether additional treatment is needed before placing the onlay. You’ll receive a clear, personalized estimate before treatment begins.
Many dental insurance plans partially cover onlay restorations. We accept most major dental insurance plans and are a preferred provider with Delta Dental, Regence, Premera, Lifewise, and Guardian. Our team will help you understand your benefits and can provide a pre-treatment estimate.
For added flexibility, financing options from Sunbit and Cherry let you break treatment into manageable monthly payments. Applications are quick, and many patients are approved within minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Onlay Restorations
How long do CEREC onlays last?
With proper care, CEREC onlays can last 10–15 years or longer. Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits help extend the lifespan of your restoration.
Does getting an onlay hurt?
No, the procedure is comfortable. The area is fully numbed during treatment, and most patients experience little to no discomfort afterward.
How is an onlay different from a filling?
A filling is used for small areas of decay, while an onlay is used when the damage is too large for a filling but doesn’t require a full crown. Onlays are stronger and provide more long-term support for the tooth.
Can an onlay be done in one visit?
Yes. With CEREC technology, your onlay is designed, created, and placed in a single appointment, so there’s no need for temporary restorations or multiple visits.
Will my insurance cover an onlay?
Many dental insurance plans partially cover onlays when they are medically necessary. Our team will help you review your benefits and provide a clear estimate before treatment.
