Rediscover Your Confident Smile: The Art and Science of Prosthodontics
For many, missing or damaged teeth can impact more than just oral health; they can affect confidence, comfort, and the ability to enjoy everyday life. What if you could work with a Mukilteo prosthodontist who could rebuild your smile with precision and artistry?
At Plaza Pointe Dental Specialists, we provide advanced prosthodontics and restorative dentistry to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Call us today at (425) 215-0001 to schedule your consultation. We welcome patients from Mukilteo, Edmonds, Everett, and Lynnwood, offering a personalized approach to complex dental solutions.
Meet Our Prosthodontist: Dr. Christina Tran
What drew Dr. Christina Tran to dentistry is the profound ability to positively affect the lives of her patients. Her journey to becoming a prosthodontist began at the prestigious University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry. Following her private practice experience, she pursued advanced Prosthodontics and Maxillofacial Prosthetics at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Dr. Tran’s experience includes working in Hollywood, where she provided all aspects of care to patients in the aesthetically demanding movie industry. This unique environment allowed her to work closely with an in-house dental surgeon and lab to plan and deliver multiple full mouth rehabilitations a day.
What is Prosthodontics?
Prosthodontics is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. It focuses on the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation, and maintenance of oral function, comfort, appearance, and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues.
When Are Prosthodontic Services Necessary?
Prosthodontics is the dental specialty focused on the diagnosis, treatment planning, and rehabilitation of oral function, comfort, and appearance for patients with missing or deficient teeth. You might need to see a prosthodontist if you are facing any of the following complex dental challenges:
- Missing Teeth: Whether you’ve lost one tooth or many, a prosthodontist is the most qualified professional to provide durable and natural-looking tooth replacement options.
- Worn or Damaged Teeth: Teeth that are severely worn down from grinding (bruxism) or damaged due to trauma or decay require comprehensive care. A prosthodontist can restore their function and appearance using procedures like dental crowns, veneers, and full mouth rehabilitation.
- Cosmetic Smile Concerns: For a dramatic smile makeover or for complex cosmetic dentistry needs, a prosthodontist has the advanced training to deliver exceptional aesthetic results.
- Complex Cases: If your dental needs are extensive, involving multiple missing or damaged teeth, a failing bite, or a combination of issues, a prosthodontist is the “quarterback” of your dental team.
Ready to meet Dr. Tran and discuss your smile makeover? Call us at (425) 215-0001 to schedule your consultation.
Our Prosthodontic Treatments Near You
Diagnostic Wax-ups
Diagnostic wax-ups are an essential part of the treatment planning process, especially for cosmetic dentistry and full mouth reconstruction. This involves creating a 3D model of your teeth in wax, which allows you to visualize and approve the final result before any work begins on your natural teeth. This step provides a predictable and precise path to your desired smile.
Dental Implant Restoration
Dental implants are the most durable and natural-looking tooth replacement options. Our service focuses on restoring the visible part of the implant—the dental crown, bridge, or denture—that attaches to the implant post. We meticulously craft these restorations to match the rest of your teeth in shape, size, and color, ensuring a seamless and functional result that looks and feels like a natural tooth.
Dental Crowns & Partial Crowns
When a tooth is significantly damaged or decayed but can still be saved, a dental crown can restore its strength, shape, and appearance. Crowns are custom-made caps that fit over the entire visible portion of a tooth, providing protection and improving aesthetics. They are often used for teeth with large fillings, to protect a weak tooth from breaking, or to cover a dental implant.
Dental Veneers
For individuals looking to enhance the cosmetic appearance of their smile, porcelain veneers are an excellent option. These are thin, custom-made shells of porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front surface of teeth. They can correct a variety of cosmetic issues, including discoloration that doesn’t respond to whitening, chips, minor gaps, and slight misalignments. Dental veneers are used to instantly improve the aesthetics of uneven, stained, or damaged teeth.
Teeth in a Day / All-on-4
For patients needing a full arch of teeth replaced, our “Teeth in a Day” or All-on-4 dental implants procedure offers a revolutionary solution. Using just four strategically placed dental implants, we can provide a complete, non-removable set of teeth in a single appointment. This service offers a stable, permanent alternative to traditional dentures, restoring your ability to eat and smile with confidence immediately.
Full Mouth Rehabilitations
When dental issues are extensive, a full mouth rehabilitation is often the best course of action. This comprehensive Prosthodontic treatment combines multiple procedures, such as dental implants, crowns, and veneers, to restore the entire mouth’s health, function, and aesthetics. Full mouth reconstruction is the most advanced type of dental treatment. Our goal is to address all of your dental needs and create a stable, beautiful, and fully functional smile that lasts.
Removable Dentures and Partials
For patients with missing teeth, dentures and partials provide a reliable and classic tooth replacement option. Modern dentures are far more comfortable and natural-looking than those of the past. Complete dentures replace a full arch of teeth, while partials fill in gaps when some natural teeth remain. Complete dentures are used by patients who have lost all of their natural teeth. We custom-fabricate your dentures for a secure fit and a natural appearance.
Snap-on Dentures / Overdentures
For enhanced stability and comfort, snap-on dentures or overdentures are an excellent choice. This type of denture is secured by a few dental implants, which “snap” into place. The implants provide a strong, stable foundation, eliminating the worry of your dentures slipping or shifting. This is a great middle ground between traditional dentures and a full set of fixed dental prosthetics.
Benefits of Prosthodontic Care in Mukilteo
Specialized Skill
A prosthodontist completes three additional years of focused training after dental school. This extensive education covers a deep understanding of facial anatomy, smile aesthetics, and the materials used in restorative dentistry. To become a prosthodontist, a dentist must complete three additional years of postgraduate specialty training after obtaining a dental degree. When you need complex care, this specialized knowledge can make all the difference.
Comprehensive Treatment Planning
A prosthodontist takes a holistic view of your oral health. They will thoroughly diagnose all of your dental issues and create a comprehensive, long-term treatment plan. Prosthodontists often collaborate with general dentists and other specialists to lead complex treatment plans, managing challenging cases like traumatic injuries, congenital defects, or oral cancer reconstruction. This approach avoids patchwork solutions and leads to a more stable and predictable outcome for procedures like full mouth rehabilitation and Full mouth dental implants Mukilteo.
Focus on Function and Aesthetics
The goal of prosthodontics is to restore both the function and appearance of your smile. This means your new teeth will not only look beautiful but will also feel comfortable and allow you to chew, speak, and live without reservation. They are truly the architects of the smile.
Experience with Advanced Technology
Prosthodontic offices are often at the forefront of dental technology. We use state-of-the-art tools and techniques to ensure precision in every step of your treatment, from initial diagnostics to the final placement of dental crowns and other dental prosthetics.
Long-Term Results
A prosthodontist designs solutions that are meant to last. They consider the long-term health of your entire mouth, providing restorations that are durable and reduce the need for future interventions. This focus on longevity makes prosthodontic treatment a wise investment in your oral health and quality of life.