Restorative dentistry at U Shine Dental, under the expert care of Dr. Irene Shin, is your solution for restoring damaged or missing teeth. Whether you need dental fillings, crowns, bridges, or dental implants, our team is dedicated to providing high-quality, personalized treatments that restore your smile's function and aesthetics. Dr. Shin uses advanced techniques and materials to ensure long-lasting results and a comfortable experience, for top restorative dentistry services in Alexandria, VA and beyond! Schedule your restorative consultation today and let us help you revive your strong, healthy smile.
Dental Implants
Dental implants offer a modern solution for missing teeth, as a natural-looking and long-lasting alternative to traditional dentures or bridges. These strong, innovative replacement teeth are designed to mimic the structure and function of your natural teeth, providing a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution for tooth loss.
Dental implants are made of titanium, a biocompatible material that integrates seamlessly with your jawbone. This process, known as osseointegration, creates a strong and stable foundation for your new teeth.
At U Shine Dental, the dental implant process typically involves several steps. First, Dr. Irene Shin will assess your oral health to determine if you are a suitable candidate for dental implants. Then, the implant is surgically placed into your jawbone. Over several months, the implant fuses with your jawbone. Once the implant has healed, a connector known as an abutment is attached to it. Finally, a crown, bridge, or denture is placed on the abutment to complete the restoration process and your restored smile.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges offer several benefits, including improved chewing and speech, enhanced aesthetics, preserved jawbone, and convenience. By replacing missing teeth, bridges can restore your ability to chew and speak clearly. They can also help to fill in gaps in your smile, improving your overall appearance. Additionally, dental bridges can help to prevent bone loss in the jaw, which can occur when teeth are missing. Unlike removable dentures, bridges are fixed in place, eliminating the need for daily removal and cleaning.
A dental bridge consists of a replacement tooth, known as a pontic, connected to crowns on either side of the gap. These crowns are cemented onto the adjacent teeth, providing a stable foundation for the bridge.
At U Shine Dental, we offer two types of dental bridges:
- Traditional Fixed Bridge: The traditional fixed bridge is the most common type of dental bridge. It's a reliable and versatile option that involves placing crowns on both the teeth adjacent to the gap. These crowns act as anchors, supporting the pontic (replacement tooth) in between. This type of bridge is ideal for situations where there are healthy teeth on both sides of the missing tooth or teeth.
- Implant-Supported Bridge: Implant-supported dental bridges are a type of dental bridge that is anchored by dental implants rather than the adjacent teeth. This provides a more stable and durable foundation for the bridge, making it a suitable option for patients who may have weak or damaged adjacent teeth. The implants are surgically placed into the jawbone and allowed to fuse before the bridge is attached. This type of bridge offers excellent stability, improved chewing function, and a natural appearance.
If you're missing teeth, consider dental bridges as a potential solution. Contact Dr. Irene Shin at U Shine Dental for a consultation to determine if you're a suitable candidate.
Removable Dentures
Removable dentures are a popular option for replacing missing teeth. They can be a convenient and affordable solution, especially for patients who have lost multiple teeth. At U Shine Dental, we offer various types of removable dentures to suit your specific needs.
- Immediate Dentures: These dentures are made in advance and can be fitted immediately after tooth extraction. They provide temporary support and comfort during the healing process.
- Partial Dentures: Partial dentures are used to replace some of your teeth. They are held in place by clasps or attachments that connect to your remaining natural teeth.
- Complete Dentures: Complete dentures are used to replace all of your teeth in a single arch (upper or lower). They are supported by the gums and soft tissues of your mouth.
- Flipper Dentures: These are temporary dentures used to replace a single missing tooth or a small group of teeth. They are typically made of acrylic and are held in place by clasps or attachments.
- Overdentures: Overdentures are supported by dental implants, providing a more stable and comfortable fit than traditional dentures. They can be either fixed or removable.
Our experienced restorative dental team in Alexandria will work with you to determine the most suitable type of denture based on your specific needs and preferences. We offer custom-made dentures that are designed to fit comfortably and provide a natural-looking smile.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are custom-made caps that are placed over damaged or weakened teeth to restore their function and appearance. They can also be used to cover dental implants or to improve the aesthetics of misshapen or discolored teeth.
Dental crowns are typically fabricated in a dental laboratory using various materials. The choice of material will depend on factors such as the patient's needs, the tooth's location, and aesthetic preferences. At U Shine Dental, we offer various types of dental crowns to fit each patient’s needs:
- All-Porcelain Crowns: These crowns are made entirely of porcelain, offering a highly aesthetic and natural-looking option. They are often used for teeth in the front of the mouth.
- All-Ceramic Crowns: Similar to all-porcelain crowns, all-ceramic crowns are made from a ceramic material. They are known for their strength and durability, making them suitable for both front and back teeth.
- Zirconia Crowns: Zirconia is a strong and durable ceramic material that is often used for dental crowns. It is highly biocompatible and can be used for both front and back teeth.
- Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) Crowns: These crowns consist of a metal core covered with porcelain. They are a popular choice for back teeth due to their strength and durability.
Restore Your Smile with Your Trusted U Shine Dentists
\With innovative technologies and a caring, customized approach, our team offers state-of-the-art smile restoration for tooth loss, tooth damage, and more. Your dentist will partner with you to help you meet your goals for a new, stronger smile! Contact us today at our Skyline or Old Town office location to get started by scheduling your restorative dentistry consultation.