Inlays & Onlays
Stronger smiles with minimally invasive restorations.
Stronger smiles with minimally invasive restorations
When a tooth is too damaged for a simple filling but doesn’t require a full crown, inlays and onlays provide a conservative and long-lasting solution. These custom-made restorations are designed outside the mouth and then precisely bonded into place, allowing for the preservation of more of your natural tooth structure. They are considered “indirect restorations” and offer a less invasive alternative to crowns while still restoring strength and function.
At Science of Smiles, Dr. Lee uses advanced CEREC 3D technology to design, create, and place inlays and onlays in a single visit. This state-of-the-art system allows us to mill high-quality ceramic materials chairside, eliminating the need for temporary restorations or multiple appointments. The ceramic used is not only strong and durable but also closely mimics the natural look and feel of your tooth enamel.
By bonding these restorations directly to your tooth, Dr. Lee can maximize healthy tissue preservation while reinforcing the tooth’s structure. The result is a seamless, beautiful restoration that enhances both appearance and function — all completed conveniently in just one visit.
A more conservative alternative to crowns
Our Pasadena inlays and onlays are an ideal solution when a tooth is too damaged for a dental filling but not damaged enough to require a full crown. Instead of covering the entire tooth, these restorations only replace the areas that need support, helping us preserve more of your healthy structure.
This biomimetic approach allows us to restore strength and function without over-preparing the tooth. By mimicking the natural architecture of your enamel and bonding the restoration in place, we can achieve lasting protection while keeping your tooth as intact as possible.
It’s a smart, minimally invasive option when a standard filling isn’t strong enough and a crown would be more than you need.
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Natural Look: Crafted from tooth-colored ceramic, inlays and onlays are custom-designed to match your natural enamel, creating a seamless, beautiful result.
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Biomimetic Strength: Our inlays and onlays mimic the natural structure of your tooth, reinforcing and supporting it without removing excess healthy tissue.
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Durable & Precise Fit: CEREC technology allows us to create inlays and onlays with exceptional accuracy in just one visit.
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Conservative Care: Different from crowns, inlays and onlays require minimal preparation. We only remove the damaged portion, preserving as much of your natural tooth as possible.
FAQ
What’s the difference between an inlay, an onlay, and a crown?
Inlays and onlays restore only the damaged portion of a tooth, while crowns cover the entire tooth surface. In many cases, inlays and onlays offer a more conservative option, preserving more of your natural tooth structure.
How long do inlays and onlays last?
With proper care, inlays and onlays can last 10–15 years or longer. We use high-quality ceramic materials designed to provide long-term durability and strength while maintaining a natural look.
Is this procedure painful or invasive?
Not at all. Inlays and onlays are minimally invasive and often more comfortable than getting a crown. We use advanced technology and gentle techniques to ensure your experience is smooth and stress-free.
What is the biomimetic approach?
Biomimetic dentistry aims to preserve and protect your natural tooth structure by using materials and techniques that mimic the tooth’s natural properties. Inlays and onlays follow this approach by restoring only what’s necessary. No over-prepping, no unnecessary enamel removal.
Can I get inlays or onlays in one visit?
Yes! With CEREC 3D technology, we can design, craft, and place your custom inlay or onlay in a single appointment—no temporary restorations or follow-up visits are needed.