Prosthodontics Virginia - Smile Makers Dental Center

Dental Implants

Dental implants may be the most significant advancement in prosthodontics over the past 50 years. These titanium posts are surgically placed into the jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. This provides the strongest foundation available for both fixed and removable prosthetics, and also stimulates bone growth in the jaw. This prevents the sunken, sagging appearance that comes with tooth loss over time. After the implants are placed into the jaw, there is a healing period where osseointegration takes place. It typically takes three to six months for the titanium to fuse with the surrounding bone tissue. This biological integration creates a secure foundation for restorations, and dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care.

Dentist wearing gloves using a curing light on a patient's teeth while the patient wears orange protective glasses.

Cosmetic Dentistry

It’s everyone’s dream to have a beautiful smile, and at Smile Makers Dental Center, we strive to make it happen! At our dental office, we take great pride in our ability to combine the art and science of dentistry to deliver results that you can actually be proud of. Whether you want to enhance your teeth through teeth whitening, veneers, or a full smile makeover, you can be sure that our cosmetic treatments are highly-effective without compromising the health of your teeth.

Single Tooth vs Multiple Teeth Implants

Single tooth implants are ideal for patients missing a single tooth. A single implant offers a solution that doesn't involve altering the adjacent, healthy teeth, unlike a traditional crown placement. The procedure involves placing one implant into the jaw, and after a healing period, a custom fabricated crown that matches the surrounding natural teeth in color, shape, and size is fixed to the implant.
Multiple teeth implants involve different strategies depending on the number and position of missing teeth. For several consecutive missing teeth, our team might recommend an implant supported bridge. This allows us to use fewer implants than the number of missing teeth, but with the support of implants fused into the jawbone. Dental implants are not restricted to crowns and bridges. Implant supported dentures, implant retained dentures, and complete fixed bridges are secured to dental implants, and replace a full arch of teeth, but with only a few implants.

Woman smiling with an open mouth while a dental professional holds a tooth shade guide near her teeth.

Dentist wearing blue gloves and mask holding a dental model and explaining to an elderly man with glasses in a dental office.

Dental Implant Restoration

An implant restoration refers to the prosthetic component attached to dental implants. This process requires careful planning to ensure proper bite alignment, appearance, and long term function of the restoration. Our team uses advanced imaging technology to ensure that implant restorations fit and function perfectly. Modern materials such as zirconia and lithium disilicate are often chosen for implant restorations. These offer superior strength, and a more natural appearance compared to traditional materials.

Bridges: Partial vs Complete Fixed Bridge

Partial bridges are used when one or more natural teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw. These prosthetics are anchored to the existing, adjacent teeth using crowns to support the bridge. The adjacent teeth are prepared by removing some enamel to accommodate the crowns, and after the bridge is placed, the artificial teeth (pontics) literally bridge the gap created by missing teeth. Partial bridges can be removed for cleaning and maintenance, which offers flexibility for easier cleaning.

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Complete fixed bridges, also known as full-arch bridges, replace a full arch of teeth in either the upper or lower jaw. These prosthetics are permanently attached to multiple implants, which provide stability and function that mimic the natural teeth. The number of implants required varies but typically ranges from four to eight per arch, depending on the patient's bone density and dental anatomy.

Dentures: Complete vs Removable

Complete dentures also replace a full arch of teeth and rest directly on the gum tissue. These prosthetics require careful fitting to ensure proper suction and stability. We work carefully with patients to achieve an optimal fit, appearance, and function. Complete dentures typically require periodic adjustments and relining as the supporting bone and tissue changes over time.

Removable partial dentures replace some missing teeth while utilizing the remaining natural teeth for support. These prosthetics use metal or flexible frameworks with clasps that attach to existing teeth. Removable partial dentures are more economical than fixed options, but they also require an adjustment to eating habits and speech patterns while patients adapt.

Overdentures

Overdentures are an innovative solution that combines traditional denture technology with modern implant support. These prosthetics can be either implant retained or implant supported. The difference is that implant retained overdentures typically use two to four implants with attachment systems that allow the denture to snap securely into place, but are removable for cleaning. Both of these options improve stability compared to conventional dentures, and prevent slippage.

The primary advantages of overdentures include:

Enhanced stability during speaking and eating
Reduced bone loss in the jaw
Improved comfort and confidence
Better chewing and speaking
Easier maintenance compared to fixed prosthetics
No slippage

Dental Crowns

Crowns are protective caps that cover damaged or weakened teeth to restore their shape, size, strength, and appearance. Modern crowns are fabricated from various materials, depending on the patient's individual needs. These materials include:

All-ceramic or all-porcelain

Ceramic and porcelain materials offer the most natural appearance, and are ideal for the visible front teeth.

porcelain -Porcelain-fused-to-metal

Porcelain-fused-to-metal combines the strength of metal alloys, but with the superior appearance of porcelain.

All-metal alloys

Metals provide maximum durability, and are typically used for molars in the back of the mouth to withstand the strongest bite forces.

Zirconia

Zirconia offers excellent strength, as well as appearance.

The crown preparation process typically requires two appointments: one for preparing the tooth and taking impressions, then a second to place the crown permanently.

As Prosthodontics Evolves

The success of any prosthodontic treatment depends heavily on proper planning, precise execution, great oral hygiene, and regular checkups. Modern advances in materials, methods, and technologies continue to expand treatment options, which improves outcomes as well as our patient's satisfaction. The field continues to evolve everyday, and we must stay current with new techniques and materials while maintaining the fundamental principles of function, appearance, and most importantly, patient comfort.
Call one of our locations and schedule your appointment today!

Prosthodontics