Why Choose Science of Smiles for Dental Inlays and Onlays in Pasadena
At Science of Smiles, we combine advanced technology with a patient-first philosophy to deliver comfortable, lasting care.
Advanced Technology
We use the cutting-edge CEREC 3D system to create same-day restorations with unmatched precision. This technology allows Dr. Lee to design, mill, and place your custom inlay or onlay in one visit—eliminating the need for temporary restorations or multiple appointments.
Evidence-Based Materials
Our restorations are made from high-quality ceramic that’s scientifically proven for durability, longevity, and lifelike aesthetics. These materials closely mimic natural enamel, ensuring your restoration looks and feels completely natural while maintaining strength and resilience over time.
Compassionate Care
Dr. Lee and our team are dedicated to providing an experience that’s as comfortable as it is effective. From personalized treatment planning to gentle chairside care, we prioritize your comfort, confidence, and long-term oral health at every step of your visit.
A More Conservative Alternative to Fillings and Crowns
At Science of Smiles, we use state-of-the-art CEREC 3D technology to design, craft, and place your inlays and onlays in a single visit. This innovative system mills your restoration from high-quality ceramic material right in our office, allowing you to relax comfortably while we work. The process eliminates the need for messy impressions, temporary restorations, or waiting weeks for a lab-made piece. Each restoration is custom-colored and precisely contoured to blend seamlessly with your natural enamel—delivering strength, function, and beautiful aesthetics in just one convenient appointment.
Dental Inlays and Onlays Pasadena
Stronger Smiles with Minimally Invasive Restorations
At Science of Smiles, we offer dental inlays and onlays in Pasadena as a modern, minimally invasive solution for restoring damaged or decayed teeth. When a tooth is too compromised for a simple filling but doesn’t require a full crown, inlays and onlays provide the perfect balance between strength, beauty, and conservation of your natural tooth structure.
What Are Dental Inlays and Onlays?
Dental inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations designed to repair and reinforce teeth affected by moderate decay or damage. Unlike traditional fillings, which are molded directly inside the tooth, inlays and onlays are crafted outside the mouth—then precisely bonded in place.
These restorations are often called “indirect restorations” because they are fabricated using advanced digital imaging technology for the perfect fit. They help restore the natural shape, strength, and appearance of your teeth while preserving more of your healthy enamel.
Common dental issues treated with inlays and onlays include:
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Large cavities or fractures that weaken a tooth
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Old or failing fillings
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Damage caused by clenching or grinding
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Decay in areas difficult to restore with a filling
Signs You May Need Dental Inlays and Onlays
You might be a candidate for inlays or onlays if you experience:
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Tooth sensitivity or pain when chewing
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Noticeable cracks or worn enamel
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Large, old fillings that are failing
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Damage too extensive for a regular filling but not enough for a crown
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A desire to restore strength and beauty without excessive tooth reduction
Dental Inlays
Dental inlays are custom restorations that fit snugly within the grooves of a tooth, restoring areas affected by decay or damage between the cusps. They are ideal when a tooth requires more support than a simple filling can provide but doesn’t need the full coverage of a crown. Crafted from strong, tooth-colored ceramic, inlays bond securely to your natural enamel, creating a seamless and durable result. Because they require minimal tooth preparation, inlays help preserve more of your healthy structure while enhancing strength and function. The result is a smooth, natural-looking restoration that blends beautifully with your smile.
Dental Onlays
Dental onlays, sometimes referred to as “partial crowns,” cover one or more cusps of a tooth to restore a larger area of damage or wear. They are the ideal choice when a filling or inlay isn’t sufficient, yet a full crown would remove too much healthy enamel. Onlays provide excellent reinforcement, protecting the tooth from further fracture or decay while maintaining its natural appearance. Using advanced digital technology, onlays are precisely designed to match your bite and contour for a perfect fit. This approach restores strength and aesthetics while conserving your tooth’s healthy structure.
Our Step-by-Step Process for Dental Inlays and Onlays
Our process is designed to ensure comfort, accuracy, and efficiency—so you can enjoy a stronger, healthier smile in just one visit. Using advanced digital imaging technology, we create inlays and onlays that fit perfectly and look completely natural.
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Examination & Digital Imaging: Dr. Lee evaluates the affected tooth using high-resolution digital scans.
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Tooth Preparation: Only the damaged or decayed portion of the tooth is gently removed—preserving as much natural structure as possible.
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Digital Design: Using advanced CEREC 3D technology, we design a custom inlay or onlay that precisely matches your tooth’s shape and color.
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Onsite Milling: Your restoration is created chairside from strong, tooth-colored ceramic.
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Bonding: The inlay or onlay is securely bonded to your tooth, restoring strength, function, and appearance—all in one appointment.
CEREC 3D Technology: Precision in a Single Visit
At Science of Smiles, we use state-of-the-art CEREC 3D technology to design, craft, and place your inlays and onlays in a single visit. This innovative system mills your restoration from high-quality ceramic material right in our office, allowing you to relax comfortably while we work. The process eliminates the need for messy impressions, temporary restorations, or waiting weeks for a lab-made piece. Each restoration is custom-colored and precisely contoured to blend seamlessly with your natural enamel—delivering strength, function, and beautiful aesthetics in just one convenient appointment.
Restore Your Smile with Confidence
If you’re ready to experience the benefits of dental inlays and onlays in Pasadena, trust Dr. Lee and the team at Science of Smiles to provide exceptional, conservative dental care. Schedule your consultation today and discover how we can restore your smile—beautifully and efficiently—in just one visit.
Call us today at (626) 795-0221 or book your appointment online to get started!
FAQs
Inlays and onlays are more conservative than crowns and stronger than traditional fillings. They require less removal of natural tooth structure while providing long-lasting strength, precision, and aesthetics that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
If a tooth has damage or decay too large for a filling but not severe enough for a crown, an inlay or onlay is typically recommended. These restorations restore both function and appearance while preserving healthy enamel.
With proper care and oral hygiene, dental inlays and onlays can last 10–20 years or longer. Their durability depends on factors such as bite force, material quality, and regular dental maintenance.
No. Our inlays and onlays are made from tooth-colored ceramic designed to match your natural enamel perfectly. They blend in seamlessly, creating a restoration that’s virtually indistinguishable from your real teeth.