Matthew Bell
Best dental practice we’ve ever had. Had a string of disappointments over the years and Pearly Whites is so well organised and professional.
Crowns and Onlays in Fulham
Strong, natural-looking crowns and onlays in e.max, zirconia or gold, handcrafted by Corus Tusk in Marylebone, to protect and restore teeth that are too damaged for a filling.
- Crowns and onlays from £1,050, with 0% finance available
- Handcrafted by Corus Tusk, a leading Marylebone laboratory
- e.max, zirconia or gold, chosen for the tooth
- Onlays that protect the tooth while keeping more of it
- Two visits, about two weeks apart, with a faster option available
4.6 from 300+ Google reviewsFamily-run practice on Munster Road, SW6
At a glance
Crowns and onlays at Pearly Whites
- Onlays
- Porcelain from £1,050; gold quoted at consultation
- Made by
- Corus Tusk, a leading cosmetic and restorative laboratory in Marylebone
- Visits
- Two, about two weeks apart, or sooner for an additional fee
- Lifespan
- Usually 10 to 15 years or more with good care, and gold often longer
Crown or onlay?
What’s the difference?
An onlay replaces the damaged part of a tooth, including one or more of the chewing points (cusps), and bonds to the healthy tooth that’s left. It protects a weakened tooth while keeping as much of your natural tooth as possible.
A crown covers the whole visible part of the tooth, like a protective cap. It’s the right choice when too little healthy tooth is left for an onlay, or the tooth needs protecting all the way round, for example after root canal treatment or when it’s cracked.
When you need one
When a filling isn’t enough
Large cavities
Once around half or more of a tooth is decayed, missing or already filled, the walls that are left can be thin and prone to cracking. An onlay or crown protects them.
Fillings →After root canal treatment
Root-treated back teeth become more brittle, so we usually recommend an onlay or crown to protect them, sometimes with a post and core.
Root canal treatment →Cracked teeth
A crack can spread under the pressure of biting. Covering and holding the tooth together can stop it splitting.
Large old fillings
Big old fillings that are failing or leaking can be replaced with an onlay or crown that strengthens the tooth instead.
Worn or broken teeth
Teeth worn down by grinding, or broken, can be rebuilt to their natural shape and protected from further damage.
Appearance
An e.max crown can transform a discoloured or misshapen front tooth so it matches the teeth around it.
Getting it right
How we decide what your tooth needs
We look at the tooth closely with photos and X-rays. Our AI X-ray analysis (powered by Overjet) highlights decay and marks the extent of existing fillings as a colour overlay on your own X-ray, so you can see for yourself how much of the tooth is affected.
Our rule of thumb is that once around half or more of a tooth is decayed, missing or filled, it needs an onlay or crown rather than a filling. We always recommend the most conservative option that will last, and explain why.
Materials
e.max, zirconia or gold
e.max
A glass ceramic that lets light through like natural enamel, so it looks just like a real tooth. Our choice for front and visible teeth.
Zirconia
Exceptionally strong and chip-resistant, with a natural tooth colour. Our choice for back teeth, which take the most force when you chew.
Gold
The most durable of all, needs the least preparation of the tooth and is gentle on the teeth it bites against. Ideal for back teeth, if you don’t mind the colour.
Side by side
Crowns and onlays compared
| Feature | Onlay | Crown |
|---|---|---|
| Covers | The damaged part, including the cusps | The whole visible tooth |
| Healthy tooth kept | More | Less |
| Best for | Large cavities or old fillings where healthy walls remain | Heavily damaged, cracked or root-treated teeth |
| Materials | Porcelain or gold | e.max, zirconia or gold |
| Cost | From £1,050 (porcelain) | From £1,050 (e.max or zirconia) |
Your treatment
Your crown or onlay, step by step
Consultation
We examine the tooth, take X-rays and photos, and talk you through whether an onlay or crown is right, and which material.
Preparation
We numb the tooth, remove any decay and gently shape it, then take a 3D scan.
Your temporary
We fit a temporary crown or onlay to protect the tooth while yours is made.
Made by Corus Tusk
Their ceramists handcraft your crown or onlay, shade-matched to your teeth, usually within two weeks. Faster turnaround is available for an additional fee.
Fitting
We bond it in place, check your bite and polish it, so it looks and feels like your own tooth.
Costs
Crown and onlay prices
- e.max or zirconia crownFrom £87.50 a month with 0% financePearlyPlan members save 10%From £1,050
- Porcelain inlay or onlayFrom £87.50 a month with 0% financePearlyPlan members save 10%From £1,050
- Gold crownPearlyPlan members save 10%Quoted at consultation
- Gold inlay or onlayPearlyPlan members save 10%Quoted at consultation
- Post and coreExtra support for a root-treated toothPearlyPlan members save 10%Quoted at consultation
Faster laboratory turnaround is available for an additional fee. Crowns and onlays are often covered in part by dental insurance: see using your dental insurance.
Reviews
What our patients say
jay
Best dental practive in area..✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️
Nicola Gerhard
Always made to feel valued as a patient, Dr Lia is a wonderful dentist.
john hill
Dr Lia and Nurse Shukri
Practice manager Zahra were all wonderful- I actually look forward to coming to the dentist. All so kind & competent & happy.
Justin Thomas
What a wonderful team! I can’t recommend the Invisalign treatment highly enough in the hands of this capable team. Thank you for all you’ve done over the last few months. A very happy client!
Questions
Crown and onlay FAQs
How much does a crown cost?
e.max and zirconia crowns are from £1,050, and porcelain onlays are from £1,050, with 0% finance available. Gold crowns and onlays are quoted at your consultation. PearlyPlan members save 10%.
What’s the difference between a crown and an onlay?
An onlay replaces the damaged part of a tooth and bonds to the healthy tooth that’s left. A crown covers the whole visible tooth. Onlays keep more of your natural tooth; crowns give protection all the way round.
Do I need a filling, an onlay or a crown?
Most cavities need a filling. Once around half or more of a tooth is decayed, missing or already filled, an onlay or crown protects it better. We’ll show you your X-rays, with our AI analysis, and explain what we recommend.
Do I need a crown after root canal treatment?
On back teeth, usually, yes. Root-treated teeth become more brittle, so an onlay or crown protects them from breaking.
Which material is best?
We usually recommend e.max for front and visible teeth, for its natural look, and zirconia for back teeth, for its strength. Gold is the most durable of all for back teeth.
How long does it take?
Two visits, about two weeks apart. If you need it sooner, faster turnaround is available for an additional fee.
How long do crowns and onlays last?
Usually 10 to 15 years or more with good care, and gold often longer.
Does it hurt?
The tooth is numbed before we start, so you shouldn’t feel pain. It may feel a little sensitive for a few days afterwards.
Who makes your crowns?
Corus Tusk, a leading cosmetic and restorative laboratory in Marylebone, whose ceramists handcraft every crown and onlay.
How do I look after my crown?
Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth, as you would natural teeth, and keep up your check-ups and hygiene visits. If you grind, a night guard can protect it.
Need a crown or onlay?
Book online or call us, and we’ll help you choose the right way to protect your tooth.
