Do you accept insurance?

Yes, we accept many dental insurance plans and will help you understand your benefits. We also offer flexible payment options for uninsured patients.

Where are you located?

LIFE Advanced Integrated Dentistry is located in Alexandria, VA. Visit our contact page for our full address, hours, and directions.

What is integrated dentistry?

Integrated dentistry considers how oral health impacts your overall wellness. We combine preventive care with a holistic, whole-body approach.

Why do I need to visit the dentist if my teeth don't hurt?

Dental issues can develop silently. Routine visits help catch problems early — before pain or costly treatment is needed.

Why do my gums bleed when I brush?

Bleeding gums are often an early sign of gum disease. It's important to seek treatment before it progresses.

What is the difference between bonding and veneers?

Bonding uses tooth-colored resin to correct small flaws, while veneers are thin porcelain shells that cover the front of teeth for a more dramatic change.

Are dental implants painful?

Most patients report minimal discomfort. We use advanced techniques and anesthesia to ensure your comfort during the procedure.

What are the steps for getting a dental implant?

The process typically includes a consultation, implant placement, healing time, and finally the placement of a crown or restoration.

What are the common reasons for undergoing full mouth reconstruction?

Patients with severe wear, multiple missing teeth, trauma, or bite issues may benefit from full mouth reconstruction to restore function and appearance.

Will a root canal hurt and how long does it take?

Modern root canals are typically no more uncomfortable than a filling. Most can be completed in one to two visits.

What are the treatment options for TMJ?

TMJ treatment may include oral appliances, lifestyle changes, physical therapy, or bite adjustments depending on your condition.

What are the pros and cons of Invisalign?

Invisalign is clear, removable, and more comfortable than traditional braces. However, success requires discipline to wear aligners as prescribed.

Crowns & Bridges

Solutions for Broken and Missing Teeth

Do you have decayed, broken, or missing teeth? With our high-quality crowns and bridges, we'll have you smiling confidently in no time!

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Dental Crowns & Bridges in Alexandria, VA

Q: Are dental bridges permanent?

Dental bridges are fixed prosthetics and can last many years with proper care, though they may eventually need to be replaced.

Q: What is the difference between a crown and a bridge?

A crown covers a damaged tooth, while a bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring to surrounding teeth.

Our goal at LIFE Advanced Integrated Dentistry is to keep your teeth strong and functioning properly for as long as possible. However, if a tooth is damaged or lost, we offer excellent solutions to restore teeth once thought hopelessly beyond repair.

The purpose of dental crowns and bridges at our Alexandria dental office is to give your smile a second chance. These restorations ensure you can smile confidently and chew without pain or discomfort.

Dental Crowns Strengthen Teeth

When a tooth is too damaged or decayed to function independently, Dr. Charissa Chin recommends a dental crown to support it. A crown, sometimes called a “cap,” is a tooth-shaped porcelain jacket that covers an entire tooth to restore its form, function, and chewing strength.

At LIFE A.I.D., we commonly use crowns for the following reasons:

Support a cracked or broken tooth
Protect a tooth with a large cavity
Reinforce a tooth after root canal treatment
Restore a dental implant
As part of a full mouth reconstruction
Anchor a dental bridge to supporting teeth
Cover a misshapen or discolored tooth

Benefits of Crowns and Bridges

Dental bridges and dental crowns in Alexandria can restore your smile and replacing missing teeth. Here are some of the benefits of enhancing your smile with these restorations.

Restores Function

Crowns can strengthen and protect weakened teeth, while bridges fill the gaps left by missing teeth. Both restorations allow you to chew and speak with confidence.

Improves Appearance

Crowns are designed to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, providing a seamless look. Dental bridges are custom-made to create a natural appearance so you can smile freely and confidently.

Long-Lasting

Dental crowns and bridges are crafted from strong materials designed to withstand the pressures of daily use. They can last for many years when cared for properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a crown and a bridge?

Dental crowns and bridges are popular dental restoration solutions. While they both restore bite integrity and smile aesthetics, each does so differently. Dental crowns protect and restore functionality to individual teeth. Dental bridges, meanwhile, replace missing teeth by connecting multiple crowns.

A dental crown is a custom cap that encases a severely compromised tooth to restore its form and function. By fully encasing a tooth, a crown offers protection and strength. Crowns are usually used when a tooth is severely decayed, after a root canal, or as a permanent restoration on top of a dental implant.

A dental bridge, on the other hand, addresses tooth loss by replacing one or more missing teeth. A bridge consists of prosthetic teeth anchored between two crowns placed on the adjacent teeth for support. Once securely in place, a bridge effectively “bridges the gap” created by tooth loss and restores a person’s bite. Unlike crowns, bridges can only be used when teeth are missing and not “merely” damaged.

Consult with your dentist to determine the best option based on your needs.

Precisely Placed Dental Crowns and Bridges in Alexandria, VA

If you’re looking for an experienced dental team in Alexandria to help you expertly navigate the dental restoration process with dental crowns or bridges, contact dentist Dr. Charissa Chin and the outstanding LIFE Advanced Integrated Dentistry team to schedule a consultation!

Are dental bridges permanent?

A dental bridge can do more than fill the gap in your smile; it can restore your ability to speak, chew, and laugh without hesitation. Bridges are a durable, long-lasting solution, and choosing a bridge means choosing stability and confidence in your daily life, knowing you’ve taken a step toward regaining the function and appearance you may have thought was lost forever.

Are Dental Bridges Permanent?

Although dental bridges are a durable tooth replacement option, they are not permanent. You can expect your dental bridge to last several years.

Here are some of the factors that can affect their longevity:

Materials — What your bridge is made of can impact how long it lasts. Porcelain and ceramic tend to last longer.
Maintenance — Caring for your bridge is essential. Your oral hygiene routine can lengthen their longevity.
Lifestyle — If you bite down on hard objects, eat certain foods, or chew your fingernails, your bridge may not last as long.
Support — Because a bridge depends on the health of your adjacent teeth, the condition of these teeth can affect how long your bridge will last.

Need a Dental Bridge in Franconia, VA?

If you’re looking for a dentist in Franconia, VA, look no further than the expert dental team at Life Advanced Integrated Dentistry! We strive to give every patient a healthy smile they can be proud of.

Please contact our dental office at (703) 253-7399 to schedule an appointment.

Steps for Getting a Dental Crown

If you have a badly decayed or broken tooth and think you need a crown, the first step is an appointment with our team at LIFE A.I.D. Dr. Chin will examine your tooth and take x-rays to understand the extent of the problem.

If she recommends a dental crown, plan on two visits to our Alexandria dental office spaced two to three weeks apart. The first visit involves reshaping the tooth to prepare it for the crown. Next, we take comfortable digital impressions, choose the perfect white shade to match the surrounding teeth, then place a temporary crown on the tooth to protect it.

Over the next few weeks, a skilled technician at a certified US laboratory custom crafts your final tooth restoration to our high standards for quality, appearance, and durability. When it is ready, we check it for fit and a comfortable bite, then cement it securely on the tooth.

We use only highly aesthetic materials like porcelain, zirconia, and e-Max, which are durable and can last 10 years or longer with proper care.

Dental Bridges Replace Missing Teeth

If you have a missing tooth, it’s always better for your oral health to replace it sooner rather than later to prevent the shifting of surrounding teeth. LIFE A.I.D. offers several tooth replacement options, including bridges, partial dentures, and dental implants. For many of our patients, a bridge is the most practical choice.

How a Dental Bridge Works

A dental bridge is designed to replace one or two missing teeth in a row. This prosthetic is designed as a single unit that consists of three pieces; an artificial tooth called a pontic supported on either side by dental crowns. The artificial tooth sits in the space left by the missing tooth, and the crowns attach to teeth on either side for support.

Dental bridges are widely used because they are tooth replacements that work well for many. The only requirement is that teeth on either side of the missing tooth gap be strong enough to support the bridgework.

Solutions for Broken and Missing Teeth in Alexandria, VA

Restoring broken or decayed teeth and replacing missing teeth is essential for oral health and overall wellness. Please call LIFE Advanced Integrated Dentistry to schedule an appointment to see how we can help you. We serve patients in the surrounding communities, including Franconia, Kingstowne, Springfield, West Springfield, North Springfield, Fairfax, Lincolnia, Annandale, Manassas, and Falls Church as well as Alexandria.

Meet Our Dentist:

Dr. Charissa Chin

Dr. Charissa Chin is a dedicated and passionate dentist based in Alexandria, VA, known for her comprehensive approach to oral health and her commitment to lifelong learning. She holds an Advanced Education in General Dentistry certificate from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, and a General Practice Residency certificate from Berkshire Medical Center, a major affiliate of the University of Massachusetts Medical School. The scope of her advanced training have equipped her with increased knowledge and expanded skills to provide excellent care to patients who have multiple medical conditions and ...

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Crowns & Bridges Technology

Digital Impressions & Wellness Scans

Digital impressions are a giant leap forward in improving patient comfort and the outcomes of the results we produce for you. Do you remember the big metal trays filled with pink paste that you had to hold in your mouth? Digital impressions eliminate the need for this process in most cases. Instead, we move a handheld intraoral scanner over your teeth, which captures digital images displayed on a computer monitor. The result is a highly detailed 3-D virtual impression of your teeth. These images allow us to plan and design highly accurate and precise restorations like

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High-Quality Crowns and Bridges in Alexandria, VA

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