Skip to main content
Smile By Design Dental Group

Restorative Dentistry in Irvine, CA: Rebuild Your Smile

Rebuilding a damaged or missing tooth doesn't have to mean guesswork or a rushed plan. Smile By Design Dental Group provides restorative dentistry irvine ca patients trust, from a single crown to complete smile reconstruction. Our team includes Dr. Hyeonju (Michael) Choi, DMD, a prosthodontist who has completed more than 35,000 implant procedures and restorations. We welcome new patients and serve families in English, Korean, and Spanish. Every treatment plan starts with a clear, written explanation of your options so you know what to expect before any work begins.

Specialist-Led Restorative Care

Why Irvine Patients ChooseSmile By Design forRestorative Care

Restorative care works best when guided by someone trained for both routine and complex cases. Many patients searching for a restorative dentist irvine trust want to know what shapes that care before committing to treatment.

Prosthodontic Expertise Behind Every Restoration

Dr. Choi’s background as a prosthodontist means his training centers on replacing and restoring teeth, from single crowns to full-arch implant cases. That focused experience, more than 35,000 procedures across his career, means complex restorations are planned by someone who has treated a wide range of situations, not simply added on to a general practice. Dr. Ahn, DDS, brings an evidence-based approach that complements this specialty focus for patients who also need general or preventive care.

Conservative Philosophy: Preserving What You Have

Before recommending a crown, bridge, or implant, our team looks for ways to preserve your natural tooth structure whenever it’s a responsible option. Patients often tell us they appreciated a more conservative alternative, like an inlay instead of a full crown, when another office recommended more aggressive treatment. Our goal is to restore what’s damaged and protect what’s healthy, using a written plan you can review at your own pace.

Comprehensive Restorative Treatment

Restorative Dental Services
Available in Irvine, CA

Smile By Design offers a full range of restorative dentistry irvine ca services, weighted toward the implant-based solutions that represent Dr. Choi’s core specialty, along with fixed and removable options for every stage of tooth loss or damage.

Implant-based tooth restoration result in Irvine CA

Implant-Based Restorations

For patients missing one or more teeth, this is often where treatment begins. Many people researching dental implants irvine start with a consultation to see if they’re a candidate, since implants replace the tooth root and help preserve jawbone density. We also provide implant restoration irvine ca services for patients who already have implants placed elsewhere and need a new crown. Learn more about our dental implants options, including single-tooth and full-arch approaches.

Explore Dental Implants
Dental crowns and bridges in Irvine CA

Crowns, Bridges, and Fixed Prosthetics

Crowns and bridges remain common ways to repair a damaged tooth or replace a missing one without surgery. We use durable materials designed to blend with your natural teeth, and same-day crown capability is available for certain cases. Explore our dental crowns page to learn how these restorations are made.

Explore Crowns & Bridges
Dentures and implant overdentures in Irvine CA

Dentures, Overdentures, and Removable Options

For patients missing multiple teeth or an entire arch, dentures and implant-supported overdentures offer a removable solution that still feels secure and natural. We fit these carefully, since comfort and bite alignment shape how confidently patients wear them daily.

Explore Dentures
Full mouth reconstruction result in Irvine CA

Full Mouth Reconstruction

When damage or tooth loss affects most or all of your mouth, a coordinated full mouth reconstruction brings several dental restoration irvine ca services together into one plan. This approach often bridges restorative and cosmetic goals, since function and appearance are addressed together. Visit our full mouth reconstruction page to see how these plans are built step by step. Many patients also pair this work with our cosmetic dentistry services to fine-tune the final look of their smile.

Explore Reconstruction
Dr. Michael Choi, Prosthodontist in Irvine CA

Dr. Michael Choi, DMD

Prosthodontist & Implant Specialist

Irvine, CA Practice Leader

Why Timing Matters

What Happens When Tooth Loss or Damage Goes Untreated

Putting off treatment for a damaged or missing tooth rarely makes the problem smaller. Left alone, small issues tend to become larger, more involved ones.

Bone Loss, Shifting Teeth, and Escalating Treatment Needs

When a tooth is missing, the jawbone beneath it can begin to lose density over time, since it no longer gets stimulation from chewing. Neighboring teeth may drift into the open space, which can affect your bite and complicate future implant placement. A cracked or decayed tooth left untreated can progress to the point where a filling or crown is no longer enough, and more extensive treatment, like a root canal or extraction, becomes necessary. Addressing problems earlier generally keeps your options broader and more conservative.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Restorative Dentistry in Irvine

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

Most adults with adequate jawbone density and healthy gums are candidates for dental implants, though bone loss, smoking, or certain medical conditions can affect eligibility. A consultation with Dr. Choi, which typically includes a 3D scan, helps determine if implants are right for you or if bone grafting could help. Many patients researching dental implants irvine start with this exact conversation.

Does insurance cover restorative dental work?

Coverage varies by plan and by procedure. Many restorative services, like crowns, bridges, and dentures, receive at least partial coverage under many dental plans, while implants may be covered differently depending on your policy. Our team can help you understand your specific benefits, and you can find more detail on our insurance and financing page.

How long do crowns and bridges typically last?

With good home care and regular checkups, crowns and bridges often last many years, though the exact lifespan depends on materials used, your bite, and how well you maintain your oral hygiene. Regular exams allow us to catch early signs of wear so a restoration can be adjusted or replaced before a bigger problem develops.

What is the difference between a restorative dentist and a prosthodontist?

A general restorative dentist can handle many common repairs, like fillings, crowns, and simple bridges. A prosthodontist completes additional training focused on replacing and restoring teeth, including complex cases like full-arch implants and full mouth reconstruction. Choosing a restorative dentist in Irvine, CA who is also a prosthodontist can matter most for cases involving multiple teeth or combined restorative and cosmetic goals.
Background pattern
RESTORATIVE CONSULTATION

Start Your Restorative Treatment Plan in Irvine

Every restorative case is different, and the best way to know your options is a conversation with our team. Call to schedule a consultation, and we’ll help you find the right path forward at your own pace.