Inlay & Onlay in Turkey: Cost, Procedure & Patient Reviews
Inlays and onlays are laboratory-fabricated ceramic restorations that sit between fillings and crowns in the spectrum of tooth restoration. For large cavities where a filling would not be strong enough but a full crown would be overkill, inlays and onlays are the conservative, long-lasting middle ground — and for UK and Irish patients flying to Antalya they are often the ideal solution for heavily restored back teeth.
Inlay vs onlay — the difference
An inlay fits within the grooves of a tooth, replacing the lost part of the biting surface without extending over the cusps. An onlay covers one or more of the cusps (the peaks of the tooth) as well, giving greater protection for heavily damaged teeth. Both are made in the lab from ceramic — usually E-max or zirconium — and bonded into place.
Inlays and onlays are ideal when a tooth has a large cavity or an old failing amalgam that is too big for a direct composite filling, but the tooth is not broken enough to need a full crown. They preserve more natural tooth than a crown would, distribute bite force safely, and tend to last longer than a large filling.
Inlay/onlay cases are usually completed in a single Antalya trip of 5–7 days. Day one arrival. Day two examination, preparation and digital scan. Days three and four in-house ceramist fabrication. Day five or six fitting and bonding. Day seven departure. Multiple inlays/onlays in one visit are common for patients replacing old amalgams across several teeth.
Inlay & Onlay Patient Reviews from the UK & Ireland
Very professional from initial consultation then to first procedure
And the final results are great for my confidence and feeling
Thanks to an amazing team
Especially Onur,Tugce,Batu
Had zirconium crowns fitted.
Really happy with the results. The team at AST are brilliant from the shuttle driver to the dentists & owners.
Everything ran smoothly - and they keep you up to date every step of the way. If you're thinking about getting your teeth sorted these guys are real perfectionists. You wont leave disappointed
I would personally like to not only thank the dentist and surgeons, but also onur and Jon, the translator batu and the receptionist each person made my experience what it was. The care and treatment was next level for me. From start to finish I was more than looked after 24 hours I was able to contact any of these with questions even down to translating information in the pharmacy when my partner needed medication whilst we was over here. I really have made friends for life treated like family which I loved thabk you so much AMAZING SMILE you have made me happy when I look in the mirror for
the first time in over 20 years
My journey started with a meeting with Oj and Can in Belfast. Everything was organized incredibly smoothly! ✨
Upon arriving in Turkey, driver Kadir greeted me with a big smile and great warmth. He drove me from the hotel to the clinic and back every time – always on time, smiling and friendly 😊
At the clinic, I received a warm welcome from Can and Oj. I also met Batu, who always welcomed me and saw me off – a very friendly guy! I got to know the entire team and I can honestly say that I was treated like a friend, or even like a family member ❤️
A huge thank you to my wonderful dentist Gamze and nurse Humeyra! 🙏
Gamze is an outstanding specialist in her field. She works until she achieves perfection – and that perfection is my new smile! 😁✨
Big respect to the clinic owner for putting together such an amazing and warm team.
I highly recommend Amazing Smile Turkey to anyone who needs a new smile or even the smallest dental treatment! 💯
Amazing service from day 1. Very caring and great communication throughout. Onur is there 24/7 to help with any problems at all and always explains in good detail. Best service in Antalya and amazing results. Would highly recommend 5*+
Initially, My wife and I had a meeting in Leeds. We found Onur and the team very friendly and knowledgeable. She was advised that 'all on 6 was the best option for top and crowns to match for bottom. Everything was explained and the price was affordable(20k cheaper than uk) so we arranged our first visit.
On arrival, we were picked up at airport and taken to our hotel. We were given pick up times and were always picked up on time.
Treatment started the following day, impressions were taken and some teeth extracted. Bone grafting and sinus lift were necessary. This process was pain free thanks to injections, pain killers were prescribed for her comfort over the next few days.
We returned for implants and crowns to be fixed. Time was taken to reassure her throughout the whole process and the whole team were very friendly and approachable the whole time.
Onur was available and willing to talk and explain everything during the whole process.
The price given at initial meeting in Leeds didn't change, which I know isn't the case at some of the other dentists in Turkey.
She now does have an amazing, natural looking smile and is enjoying eating things she hasn't been able to for some time.
We were left feeling like friends rather than clients.
Would 100% recommend Amazing Smile Turkey.
From start to finish the service was second to none really professional company looked after us really well more than happy with my new teeth we had the pleasure of having Onur as our representative he treated us like family brought us every where we needed to go the doctors were top class service would highly recommend🦷🇹🇷
So much care took in my opinion the best dentist I have ever been to ! And would quite happily come back for check ups. Lovely hotel and met so many nice people.
How long they last
Ceramic inlays and onlays typically last 15–20 years with good hygiene — often longer than large direct fillings. The ceramic does not break down or discolour. Long-term success depends mostly on the tooth structure underneath and regular hygienist care.
Natural Look
Our implant restorations have the appearance of natural teeth.
Stable and Secure
Implant restorations are securely attached to the patient’s jawbones.
No Special Care
Implant restorations do not require extra care.
Long Lasting
The service life of our implant restorations is very long.
All-Inclusive Dental Packages
Inlay / onlay placement
Additional medication used during or after the procedure (painkillers, etc.)
What is the difference between an inlay and a filling?
A filling is placed directly in the tooth in one appointment. An inlay is fabricated in a laboratory from stronger ceramic and bonded into the prepared cavity — giving longer lifespan and better bite stability.
When is an inlay better than a filling?
When the cavity is large enough that a direct filling would not have enough remaining tooth for support, or when you want a longer-lasting solution.
What is the difference between an onlay and a crown?
A crown covers the whole visible tooth. An onlay covers one or more cusps but preserves the rest of the natural tooth. Onlays are more conservative when the tooth still has healthy structure.
How much does an inlay/onlay cost in Turkey?
A ceramic inlay privately in the UK is typically £400–£700. At Amazing Smile Turkey the same restoration is usually 50–70% less.
How long does treatment take?
A single Antalya trip of 5–7 days covers preparation, laboratory fabrication and bonding.
How long do inlays/onlays last?
Typical functional lifespan is 15–20 years with good hygiene, often longer.
Does it hurt?
No. Preparation is painless under local anaesthesia. Bonding itself is painless.
What material is best for inlays/onlays?
E-max is excellent for aesthetics and moderate strength; zirconium is best for heavier chewing load. Your specialist will advise honestly based on the specific tooth.
Can I replace an old amalgam with an onlay?
Yes, and this is a common reason UK patients choose the procedure. The amalgam is removed and a tooth-coloured onlay is bonded in its place.
Are inlays and onlays covered by the written guarantee?
Yes. Like crowns, every inlay and onlay placed at Amazing Smile Turkey is covered by a written guarantee for its defined period.