Medically reviewed by Dt. Ela Yaşar, Dentist
Published on October 21, 2026
A dental onlay is a custom-made piece that repairs a damaged tooth. Sometimes, a filling just isn't enough to fix the damage. That's when we may use an onlay.
We make it to fit your tooth and cover the damaged area. It also covers one or more of the bumps on top of your tooth. You can chew normally again, and we don't have to remove as much of your tooth as we would for a crown.
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap used in dental treatments. We put it over your own natural tooth when it's badly broken, cracked or too weak for a filling. Crown covers the part of your tooth above the gum.
The crowns protect your teeth from more damage. You can bite and chew easier again with them. We match its shape and colour to your other natural teeth. So they look natural when you smile.
If you have a broken or damaged tooth, we usually use an onlay or a crown. Both helps you eat and chew normally again. Which one you need depends on how much of your tooth is damaged. We'll check your tooth first and see what's best for you.
| Dental onlay | Dental crown | |
|---|---|---|
| Tooth coverage | Part of tooth | Whole visible tooth |
| Tooth damage | Moderate damage | More serious damage |
| Natural tooth | More tooth kept | More tooth removed |
| Tooth strength | Supports damaged areas | Covers weak tooth |
| Best for | Larger cavities | Badly damaged teeth |
| Materials | Porcelain, ceramic, gold | Ceramic, metal, zirconia |
| Appearance | Natural tooth color | Natural tooth color |
| Treatment visits | Usually 1–2 visits | Usually 1–2 visits |
| Lifespan | Around 10–15 years | Around 10–15 years |
| Cost | Usually less expensive | Usually more expensive |
| Cleaning | Brush and floss | Brush and floss |
| Repair | Sometimes possible | Sometimes possible |
| Replacement | May need replacing | May need replacing |
With an onlay, we only remove the damaged part of your tooth. Most of your own teeth stay as they are.
A porcelain or zirconium dental crown needs more space. We have to trim your tooth down a bit so the crown can fit over it.
Both can last 10 to 15 years, sometimes longer. It depends on how well you look after your teeth.
An onlay works well when your tooth still has enough healthy parts left. If your tooth is badly broken or very weak, a crown may be a better choice. It covers the whole tooth and helps protect it when you chew.
For an onlay, we clean out the damaged area and take a scan or mould of your tooth. Then we make a piece that fits that space.
For a crown, we first make your tooth smaller. We take a scan or mould and make a cap to fit over it.
Both usually take one or two visits, depending on how the clinic makes them.
Dental treatment in Antalya, Turkey, can be considerably more affordable than private dental care in the UK. If you need an onlay or crown, the difference in price may make Antalya worth considering.
A ceramic onlay usually costs around €150–€300 per tooth. For a crown, prices often start at around €180, but some types cost €400 or more.
In the UK, a ceramic onlay typically costs around £400–£800, while a private dental crown may cost approximately £400–£1,000 per tooth.
The cost of a dental crown in Antalya, Turkey may be lower than that of an onlay, depending on the material and your dental needs. At ATK Dentpark, our dentists will assess your tooth, explain the most suitable treatment options and provide a clear, personalised quote. Contact our team to discuss your treatment options and dental crown costs in Antalya.
If your tooth is damaged but still has plenty of healthy parts left, we usually suggest an onlay. We can fix the damaged area without removing too much of your tooth.
If you have a large cavity or an old filling that's come loose, an onlay may also work, as long as your tooth is still strong enough.
But if your tooth is badly broken, has a deep crack, or has very little healthy tooth left, I'd probably recommend a crown. It covers the whole tooth and gives it more protection.
Had a root canal? You may need a crown, especially if it's a back tooth. But an onlay might still be enough in some cases.
My advice? Keep as much of your own tooth as you can. I'll need to examine your tooth first, though. Then we can decide which one will work better for you.
Yes, in some cases. If your tooth still has enough healthy parts left, we may use an onlay instead of a crown. That means we won't have to remove as much of your natural tooth.
But if your tooth is badly broken or too weak, an onlay may not be enough. In that case, I'd suggest a crown to give your tooth more protection.
Yes, you can. If you still have enough healthy teeth left after root canal treatment, an onlay is possible. Onlay will help protect your tooth when you bite and chew. But if you've lost a lot of your teeth, a crown is a better choice.
Get onlay or crown treatment at ATK Dentpark in Antalya, Turkey.
Not sure whether you need a dental onlay or a crown? At ATK Dentpark in Antalya, Turkey, our dentists examine your tooth and explain your options before you decide.
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