Ceramic onlays

Ceramic onlays are a type of indirect dental restoration designed to repair damaged or decayed teeth while preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible. Made from high-quality ceramic materials like E-Max, they provide both strength and aesthetics, making them an excellent alternative to crowns for moderate tooth damage.
Ceramic onlays
from 1300 AED

Starting price. The final cost depends on your case and is confirmed in a written plan after the consultation.

When Are Ceramic Onlays Recommended?

A dentist may recommend ceramic onlays in the following cases:

  • Moderate Tooth Decay – When the damage is too extensive for a filling but not severe enough for a full crown.
  • Fractured or Chipped Teeth – Restores the tooth while maintaining its integrity.
  • Large Old Fillings – Replaces worn or failing amalgam or composite fillings.
  • Preservation of Natural Tooth Structure – A minimally invasive option compared to crowns.
  • Improved Aesthetics – Provides a seamless, tooth-colored restoration.

Advantages of Ceramic Onlays

  • Conservative Treatment – Requires less enamel removal than crowns.
  • Highly Aesthetic – Matches the natural translucency of enamel.
  • Strong and Durable – Made from ceramic materials like lithium disilicate (E-Max), offering excellent resistance to wear and fractures.
  • Biocompatible – Metal-free and safe for patients with metal allergies.
  • Long-Lasting – Can last 10 to 15 years with proper care.

The Ceramic Onlay Procedure

1. Initial Consultation and Examination

  • The dentist assesses the affected tooth and determines if a ceramic onlay is the best solution.
  • X-rays or digital scans help evaluate the tooth structure and plan the restoration.

2. Tooth Preparation

  • The decayed or damaged portion of the tooth is removed while preserving healthy enamel.
  • A digital scan or impression is taken for precise fabrication.

3. Onlay Fabrication

  • The custom onlay is crafted in a dental laboratory, usually within 1-2 weeks.
  • Some cases may qualify for same-day fabrication using CAD/CAM technology.

4. Onlay Placement and Bonding

  • The dentist ensures a perfect fit, color match, and bite alignment.
  • A strong dental adhesive is used to bond the onlay securely to the tooth.
  • Final adjustments are made for comfort and functionality.

What to Expect After Getting a Ceramic Onlay

  • Immediate Functionality – You can eat and speak normally after placement.
  • Minimal Sensitivity – Some mild discomfort may occur but usually subsides quickly.
  • Seamless Aesthetic Integration – Blends naturally with surrounding teeth.

Caring for Ceramic Onlays

  • Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene – Brush twice daily and floss regularly to prevent decay and gum disease.
  • Avoid Extremely Hard Foods – Although strong, excessive force from hard foods can still cause damage.
  • Wear a Mouthguard (If Needed) – Protects against grinding and sports-related injuries.
  • Regular Dental Checkups – Routine exams ensure longevity and proper fit.

How Long Do Ceramic Onlays Last?

With proper care, ceramic onlays can last 10 to 15 years or more, offering a balance of strength and aesthetics.

When to Contact a Dentist

Seek professional evaluation if you experience:

  • Discomfort or sensitivity that persists after the onlay placement.
  • Loose or shifting onlay.
  • Chipping, cracking, or noticeable wear.
  • Gum inflammation or irritation around the restored tooth.

Conclusion

Ceramic onlays provide a durable, conservative, and highly aesthetic solution for restoring damaged teeth while preserving as much natural structure as possible. If you need a restoration but want to avoid a full crown, consult your dentist to determine if a ceramic onlay is the right choice for you.

Why choose True Smile

International expertise under one roof

A truly global team with experience from leading clinics in different countries.

Anti-stress dentistry for adults and children

Gentle adaptation, calm communication, and nitrous oxide sedation when anxiety gets in the way.

Precise diagnostics, clear treatment plans

We explain every step, show options, and build a plan that matches your goals and budget.

Comfort-first, pain-controlled care

Modern anaesthesia and careful technique to keep treatment smooth and comfortable.

Family dentistry you can trust

From children's check-ups to complex adult cases, we care for smiles at every age.

Multilingual team

Our dentists and coordinators speak multiple languages, so you'll always feel understood.

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We answer frequently asked questions

Ceramic onlays are custom-made restorations used to repair and protect a tooth by covering a significant portion of its surface without requiring full coverage like a crown.

Unlike inlays that only fill small cavities and crowns that cover the entire tooth, onlays extend over the biting surface and sometimes the cusps, providing more strength while preserving natural tooth structure.

Key benefits include superior aesthetics, excellent durability, conservation of natural tooth material, and improved resistance to fractures compared to traditional fillings.

Ceramic onlays are typically fabricated using advanced CAD/CAM technology or conventional laboratory techniques, ensuring a precise fit and lifelike appearance.

The procedure generally involves minimal tooth preparation, digital or conventional impressions, lab fabrication of the onlay, and final bonding with a strong adhesive resin cement.

With proper care and regular dental check-ups, ceramic onlays can last between 10 to 15 years, while routine maintenance includes good oral hygiene practices and avoiding excessive forces on the restoration.

What Our Patients Say – Testimonials

Hear from the people who trust us with their smiles. Real experiences from our patients in Abu Dhabi.

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Ashish Amin
25 October 2026
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It was my second time with Tru Smile and Dr Ali Gibreel was great! He was professional, educational and caring. Will be back
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Maha Almazrouei
24 October 2026
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I had a wonderful experience at True Smile Dental with Dr. Mustafa and Dr. Faten. Both are professional, kind, patient, and attentive to detail. They make you feel comfortable and well cared for throughout the treatment, taking the time to ensure you have a positive experience. I truly appreciate their dedication, care, and professionalism. The clinic has a welcoming atmosphere, and the overall service is excellent. I’m very happy with my experience and highly recommend True Smile Dental, Dr. Mustafa, and Dr. Faten to anyone looking for excellent dental care and a team that genuinely cares about its patients! ⭐️
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Paulo Dal
23 October 2026
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Dr. Ramona is exceptional, caring, and attentive. She explains everything in great detail, and I feel completely confident entrusting my smile to her. In addition to her extensive experience, she has gained knowledge and expertise in Brazil, Australia, and now the United Arab Emirates. Dr. Ramona is a solid 10/10!
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Alexandre Aviz
23 October 2026
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All the Dr are very professional and give you a clear explanation about your issue! Fast and good!
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Rola El Nounou
19 October 2026
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My kids are Dr.Faten's patients, she is soo adorable and knows how to deal with kids in a professional sweet way.
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Ahmed
4 October 2026
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Exceptional work from Dr. Ali Gibreel
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Ziad Eid
30 September 2026
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I had an amazing experience with Dr. Ali Gibreel. He fixed all of my teeth exactly the way I wanted, and I’m extremely happy with the final result! He was very professional throughout the entire process, explained everything clearly, and made me feel comfortable and confident from the beginning. I had been looking at many different clinics before deciding where to do my teeth, but I’m really glad I chose this place. I finally felt comfortable and in good hands here, and the result exceeded my expectations. A big thank you to Dr. Ali Gibreel for the great work. Highly recommended!
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Andrea Salazar
26 September 2026
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It’s a very good dental clinic with good equipment and installations. The staff and doctors are very qualified. Dr. Karan is a very good professional that explained the complete treatment very clear and suggested the best option.
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Akzhan Bugubayeva
20 September 2026
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I want to express my gratitude to Dr. Mustafa Sarikahya. For his painstaking work, which he did in the treatment of my root canals. I came with strong pain over the sixth tooth, and the doctor entered my position, took into account the fact that I am a breastfeeding mother and did the treatment without antibiotics, it took more visits (and more work to him). In addition to his professional skills, I was pleasantly surprised by his human quality: English is not my native language, and I did not immediately understand what kind of treatment I have to do. And the doctor explained the same thing to me several times, until I understood exactly what was waiting for me. He took out the best treatment tactics. It's a great success that I got to Dr. Mustafa.
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Diana Bashirova
19 September 2026
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Зубы …это то, с чем мучается вся наша семья. Элайнеры, брекеты, кариес, мы собрали всё! С момента переезда в Абу Даби успели попробовать много разных клиник, но наконец нашли ту самую. Профессионализм врачей, качество лечения и сервис- все действительно на очень высоком уровне. Теперь все пятеро ходим только сюда. Отдельное спасибо доктору Наталье - настоящему мастеру своего дела! И доктору Навару, который умеет найти подход к любому ребёнку и сделать так, чтобы поход к стоматологу больше не был чем-то страшным. Спасибо всей команде! ❤️ Когда даже лечение зубов может быть в удовольствие .. это точно о вашей клинике.
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