Inlays & Onlays in Chino, CA
Choi & Lee Family Dentistry combines timeless elegance with the meticulous craftsmanship of traditional dental care
What Are Inlays & Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations crafted from durable porcelain or composite resin, designed to repair teeth that are too damaged for a filling but not in need of a full crown. They fit precisely into or over the damaged area, strengthening your tooth while maintaining its natural structure and appearance.
Unlike traditional fillings, inlays and onlays are fabricated in a dental lab for a precise fit, ensuring long-lasting durability and a seamless look. Inlays restore the chewing surface within the tooth’s cusps, while onlays extend over one or more cusps for added coverage and protection.
At Choi & Lee Family Dentistry in Chino, CA, we use advanced techniques and high-quality materials to create inlays and onlays that look natural, feel comfortable, and restore the function of your smile with lasting results.
Why Choose This
Treatment
Discover the transformative benefits designed for your optimal health and confidence
Restores damaged teeth with precise, custom-made restorations
Preserves more natural tooth structure than traditional crowns
Strong, durable materials designed for long-lasting performance
Blends seamlessly with your natural teeth for a discreet look
Provides excellent protection for weakened or worn teeth
Improves both function and appearance of treated teeth
How to Prepare for Your Inlays & Onlays
Before receiving inlays or onlays, our dentist will begin with a detailed exam to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy enough for restorative treatment. During this visit, we may take X-rays or digital impressions to check the extent of decay or damage and design a custom treatment plan that restores both function and appearance.
If you have underlying issues such as cavities, gum disease, or weakened enamel, those conditions will need to be addressed first to provide a strong foundation for your restoration. Taking care of these steps early helps ensure your inlays and onlays fit securely, function properly, and last for many years.
At Choi & Lee Family Dentistry in Chino, CA, we guide you through the process so you feel comfortable, informed, and confident every step of the way.
Recovery and Aftercare for Inlays & Onlays
Adjusting to inlays and onlays is typically smooth and straightforward. Some patients may notice mild sensitivity to hot or cold foods after the procedure, but this usually fades within a few days. With the right care, your restoration will remain strong, functional, and natural-looking for many years. Follow these steps to protect your inlays and onlays:
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Brush and floss daily with fluoride toothpaste to keep the restored tooth and surrounding areas free from plaque.
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Avoid chewing on very hard objects like ice or pens, as this may place extra pressure on your restoration.
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Limit sugary snacks and acidic drinks, which can weaken natural enamel and compromise long-term results.
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Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings.
The Long-Term Value
Choosing inlays and onlays is a smart investment in restoring damaged teeth while preserving your long-term oral health. Although the initial cost may be higher than a traditional filling, the durability and longevity of inlays and onlays often result in greater value over time. Fillings may need frequent replacement, while inlays and onlays provide stronger, more reliable support for teeth affected by decay or wear. By reinforcing the tooth before damage worsens, these restorations can help prevent the need for crowns or root canal treatment in the future.
Beyond the functional benefits, there is peace of mind knowing your tooth has been restored with precision and strength. Many dental insurance plans offer coverage for inlays and onlays, and our team will help you understand and maximize your benefits. At Choi and Lee Family Dentistry, we are committed to restoring smiles with conservative, high-quality care.
Advanced Materials & Technique
Not all inlays and onlays are created equal, and at Choi and Lee Family Dentistry, we use premium materials and advanced techniques to ensure exceptional results. Each restoration is custom-crafted to fit your tooth precisely, ensuring proper alignment and a natural appearance. We carefully manage every step of the process, from tooth preparation and digital impressions to precise placement and bonding. Our dentists take a meticulous, gentle approach to achieve strong adhesion and long-lasting comfort. Modern bonding technology allows restorations to integrate seamlessly with natural tooth structure, providing durability you can rely on. This combination of expert technique and quality materials ensures dependable results. During routine visits, we monitor your restorations to ensure they remain strong, functional, and comfortable over time.
Our Advanced
Procedures
Comprehensive solutions tailored to your unique dental needs
- 01Detailed Examination
We identify areas of decay or damage that require restoration without full crowns.
02Tooth PreparationThe damaged portion is cleaned and shaped for a precise fit.
03Digital ImpressionsAdvanced imaging ensures your custom inlay or onlay fits perfectly.
04Laboratory FabricationYour restoration is crafted from durable porcelain or composite materials.
05Bonding & PolishingWe securely bond your inlay/onlay and polish it to blend flawlessly with your natural tooth.
What to Expect
Your journey to a healthier, more confident smile
Consultation & Evaluation
Dr. Choi or Dr. Lee will examine the damaged tooth and determine whether an inlay or onlay is the best restoration option. We'll discuss why this conservative approach is preferable to a full crown and explain how the custom restoration will strengthen and protect your tooth while preserving as much natural structure as possible.
Precise Preparation
During the first appointment, we'll prepare the tooth by removing decay and shaping it to receive the restoration. We'll take detailed impressions or digital scans to ensure your inlay or onlay fits perfectly. You'll receive a temporary restoration to protect the tooth while your custom piece is crafted in a dental laboratory.
Custom Fit & Bonding
When your inlay or onlay is ready, typically within a week or two, you'll return for placement. We'll remove the temporary restoration and check the fit of your custom piece, making any minor adjustments needed. Once perfect, we'll bond it securely to your tooth using advanced adhesive techniques.
Restored Function
Your tooth will look and feel completely natural, with the restoration blending seamlessly with your surrounding teeth. You can eat, chew, and smile with confidence knowing your tooth is protected and strengthened. With proper care, inlays and onlays can last for many years, making them an excellent investment in your oral health.
Patient Stories
Real experiences from our valued patients
Maria R.
PREVENTIVE CARE
James C.
DENTAL SEALANTS
Sarah T.
FAMILY DENTISTRY
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about this treatment
How long do inlays and onlays last?
Inlays and onlays are designed to be strong, durable restorations that can last 10–15 years or more with proper care. Their longevity depends on your oral hygiene, diet, and regular dental checkups. At Choi & Lee Family Dentistry in Chino, CA, we use high-quality materials and provide ongoing care to ensure your inlays and onlays stay secure and natural-looking for years.
Are inlays and onlays painful to get?
Getting inlays and onlays is generally a comfortable process. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during treatment. Some patients may experience mild sensitivity to hot or cold foods afterward, but this usually fades within a few days. Our dentists use gentle techniques and modern technology to keep the entire experience smooth and stress-free.
Do inlays and onlays look natural?
Yes, inlays and onlays are made from tooth-colored porcelain or composite materials that blend seamlessly with your enamel. They’re designed to match the shape, shade, and size of your natural teeth, giving you a restoration that is virtually invisible. Most patients find that friends and family can’t even tell they’ve had dental work done.
Who is a good candidate for inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays are recommended for patients with moderate tooth damage, such as cavities or cracks that are too large for fillings but don’t require a crown. If your tooth structure is still strong, these restorations preserve more of your natural enamel while reinforcing the tooth. During your visit, we’ll evaluate your dental health and determine if inlays and onlays are the best option for you.
Do inlays and onlays need to be replaced?
Although durable, inlays and onlays are not permanent. Over time, natural wear or changes in your teeth may require replacement. Porcelain restorations often last longer than composite, but both provide excellent long-term protection. With regular cleanings and checkups at Choi & Lee Family Dentistry, we’ll monitor your restorations and recommend replacement only when necessary to keep your smile strong and healthy.
Ready to Transform
Your Smile?
Schedule your consultation today and restore your smile with custom inlays and onlays.
Ready to take the next step?
Join thousands of Chino families who trust us with their smiles. We're here to make dental care easy, comfortable, and accessible for everyone.
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Flexible financing options available
Most insurance plans accepted
Complimentary new patient consultation
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12530 Tenth St. Suite B Chino, CA 91710
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