RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY

Restorative Dentistry in Chevy Chase, MD

Damaged, decayed, or missing teeth affect more than appearance. They can change how you chew, speak, and feel day to day.

At Modern Haus Dental, restorative dentistry focuses on rebuilding teeth with precision and long-term stability. Treatment is guided by a function-first philosophy that protects your bite, preserves healthy tooth structure, and restores comfort.

Your care is led by Dr. Kristy Lee, DDS, an NYU-trained dentist recognized by Bethesda Magazine and Washingtonian Magazine as a Top Dentist.

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Dental Restorations Designed to Last

Restorative dentistry addresses problems that affect how your teeth function, feel, and hold up over time. At Modern Haus Dental, treatment is planned with a function-first philosophy so restorations support long-term oral health rather than temporary fixes.

Instead of simply treating symptoms, we evaluate why damage occurred and design restorations that protect your bite, tooth structure, and overall stability.

What Restorative Dentistry Treats?

Modern Haus Dental therapy is about achieving a natural, healthy shade that fits your teeth and boosts confidence in your smile.

Tooth decay and structural breakdown.
Cracked, fractured, or weakened teeth
Worn enamel from grinding or bite imbalance.
Missing teeth and bite collapse.
Failed crowns, tooth fillings, or bridges.
Pain, infection, and compromised chewing function.

Benefits of Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dentistry focuses on rebuilding oral health - not just appearances. Benefits include:

Restoring natural chewing and bite function.
Strengthening weakened or damaged teeth.
Preventing further decay, infection, or tooth loss.
Replacing missing teeth for improved stability.
Reducing dental pain and sensitivity.
Improving long-term oral health and confidence.

When done correctly, dental restorations protect your smile today and preserve it for years to come.

Why Patients Choose Dr. Kristy Lee for Restorative Care

Restorative dentistry requires more than technical skill. It demands accurate diagnosis, disciplined planning, and an understanding of how teeth, bite forces, and oral structures work together over time.

Dr. Kristy Lee leads every restorative case with a function-first, longevity-driven approach rather than quick fixes.

Advanced Training & Proven Credentials

Dr. Lee earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from NYU College of Dentistry, completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency, and served five years as a dentist in the U.S. Air Force. That experience reinforces the precision, durability, and disciplined decision-making required for complex restorative cases.

Comprehensive, Function-First Treatment Planning

Every restoration is evaluated within the context of bite stability, remaining tooth structure, and long-term wear, not simply whether a tooth “needs a filling or crown.”
This approach helps prevent repeat failures, fractures, and unnecessary retreatment by addressing the underlying forces affecting the tooth.

Advanced Diagnostics for Accurate Decisions

Modern Haus Dental uses advanced diagnostic technology to detect problems early and plan restorations that fit accurately and last longer. Technology includes:
• AI-assisted digital X-rays for earlier detection
• iTero Lumina scanning for digital impressions and real-time visualization
• NIRI imaging to detect decay between teeth without radiationThese tools allow for more precise diagnoses and more predictable restorative outcomes.

These tools allow for more precise diagnoses and more predictable restorative outcomes.

Ethical, Patient-First Care – Not Insurance-Driven Dentistry

Treatment recommendations are based on what protects your teeth long-term, not simply what an insurance plan happens to cover.Patients receive clear explanations, options, and timelines without pressure or shortcuts.

Advanced Numbing Techniques

Dr. Lee uses advanced BufferPro technology to make local anesthetic injections more comfortable.Traditional dental anesthetics are formulated at a low pH for shelf stability, which can cause a burning sensation during injection. BufferPro neutralizes this acidity by adding sodium bicarbonate directly to the anesthetic cartridge.

As a result, patients typically experience significantly less discomfort during the injection, and the onset of numbing is much faster than with unbuffered anesthetics.

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Before And After Smile Transformations

Our restorative cases focus on: stronger bites, stable chewing function, eliminating pain or infection, rebuilding damaged teeth, and missing spaces. These results aren’t cosmetic touch-ups - they’re structural corrections that improve daily comfort, confidence, and oral health.

Before

After

PATIENT STORIES

See what our patients in Chevy Chase are saying about their experience at Modern Haus Dental.

Fantastic experience.

Fantastic experience. Came in not knowing why my teeth were staining and left with not only the reason why the stain was there, but the best teeth cleaning and plaque removal experience ever. My teeth look better even before they started staining.Thank you Dr. Lee. I am so relieved and you and your office staff member took time to listen and find solutions.

I highly recommend Dr. Kristy Lee.

Barbara

Dr. Lee is by far the best dentist I've had.

Dr. Lee is by far the best dentist I've had. She genuinely cares about her patients and goes out of her way to deliver the best possible treatment outcomes. As someone who has had a lot of dental work done, Dr. Lee is the only dentist who has gone the extra mile for me, effectively developing and executing a comprehensive long-term treatment plan in coordination with top specialists across multiple disciplines. Further, she has an incredible and professional staff who are friendly, knowledgeable, and great at their jobs. Modern Haus Dental is without question the best dental practice in the DMV.

Scott

I want to tell everyone how pleased I am with Dr. Kristy Lee and her staff.

I want to tell everyone how pleased I am with Dr. Kristy Lee and her staff. She is honest, thorough and very caring as are all of those that work with her! There is a comfortable feel in the office, and the latest "state of the art" techniques and equipment are used! I highly recommend her! You will be in the best of hands!!

Karen

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Restorations for Damaged or Decayed Teeth

These treatments repair damaged or decayed teeth while preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible. The goal is to restore strength, function, and appearance while protecting long-term oral health.

Step 1

Esthetic Bonding with Bioclear Technology

Step 2

Tooth-Colored Dental Fillings

Step 3

Dental Crowns

Dr. Lee uses advanced Bioclear bonding technology to reshape and strengthen teeth with natural-looking, same-day results.

Unlike traditional bonding that simply patches small areas, Bioclear uses an injection-molded composite technique that wraps the tooth in a uniform layer of resin. This creates seamless restorations that match the natural contours and translucency of healthy teeth.

Bioclear is commonly used to:

Close gaps between teeth
Eliminate “black triangles” near the gumline
Repair chipped or worn edges
Improve tooth shape or minor alignment
Correct discoloration

The warmed composite flows precisely around the tooth, creating a stronger bond and a smooth polished finish that resists staining.

Tooth-colored composite fillings restore teeth damaged by decay or minor fractures while preserving a natural appearance.

Unlike older metal fillings, modern composite materials bond directly to the tooth structure, allowing Dr. Lee to remove less healthy enamel and reinforce the remaining tooth. The result is a restoration that blends naturally with surrounding teeth while maintaining strength and function.

Benefits of composite fillings include:

Mercury-free, natural-looking restorations
Conservative treatment that preserves more healthy tooth structure
Strong bonding that helps reinforce the remaining tooth
Comfortable, efficient treatment often completed in a single visit
Seamless integration with modern restorative techniques such as Bioclear

Composite fillings allow damaged teeth to be repaired while maintaining the appearance and integrity of your natural smile.

Porcelain crowns protect and strengthen teeth that are cracked, weakened, heavily filled, or structurally compromised.

A crown fits over the entire visible portion of the tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance while protecting it from further damage. Modern ceramic materials allow crowns to blend naturally with surrounding teeth while providing excellent durability.

Crowns are commonly recommended when a tooth needs more support than a filling can provide.

Dental crowns can:

Reinforce teeth weakened by large fillings or fractures
Restore normal chewing function and bite stability
Improve symmetry and appearance while maintaining durability
Protect teeth after root canal therapy when additional strength is needed

When designed properly, a crown restores both the function and long-term stability of the tooth.

Advanced Tooth Replacement & Structural Restoration

Replacing missing teeth is about more than appearance. Gaps can shift surrounding teeth, alter your bite, and place excess stress on remaining teeth. Proper restorative planning rebuilds the structure of the mouth so chewing, speaking, and long-term stability are restored.

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring to neighboring teeth or, in some cases, dental implants.

Bridges can:

Restore chewing function and prevent teeth from drifting
Help stabilize the bite and distribute forces more evenly
Provide a fixed option for patients who prefer not to wear removable appliances

Dental implant restorations

Dental implant restorations focus on restoring implants correctly so they function and feel like natural teeth. Crowns, bridges, and implant-supported prosthetics are designed for proper bite alignment, durability, and long-term oral health.

A well-designed implant restoration should:

Protect the implant and surrounding bone and gum tissue
Feel natural when chewing and speaking
Support long-term hygiene and maintenance
Blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth

Preserving Natural Teeth

Modern restorative dentistry focuses on preserving healthy tooth structure whenever possible. Treatments like root canal therapy and dental onlays allow damaged or infected teeth to be saved while restoring strength and function.

Root Canal Therapy & Tooth Preservation

Root canal therapy saves teeth that would otherwise need to be removed when infection reaches the inner nerve of the tooth.
The goal is to remove infection, relieve pain, and preserve the natural tooth whenever possible.

What to expect conceptually:

Infected tissue is removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.
The tooth is then restored, often with a crown, to reinforce the structure for long-term function.
Many patients report relief because the source of pain/infection is treated.

Dental Onlays - Conservative Alternatives to Crowns

Dental onlays are custom restorations used when a tooth is too damaged for a simple filling but does not require a full crown. They restore strength and function while preserving as much healthy enamel as possible.Because onlays cover only the damaged portion of the tooth, they are often considered a more conservative and precision-focused solution compared to traditional crowns.

When Are Onlays the Better Solution?

One or more cusps of a tooth are fractured or weakened
The chewing surface requires structural reinforcement
A large failing filling needs replacement

This “partial crown” approach restores strength while preserving more of the natural tooth structure.

Technology That Improves Restorative Outcomes

Advanced diagnostic and imaging technology allows Dr. Lee to identify problems earlier, plan restorations more precisely, and deliver results that fit and function naturally — especially for crowns, bridges, implants, and complex restorative cases.

Modern Haus Dental incorporates several advanced technologies to support accurate diagnosis and predictable treatment:

AI-assisted digital X-rays to help detect decay and structural issues earlier
iTero Lumina digital scanning for highly accurate impressions and real-time visualization of teeth and bite
NIRI imaging to detect areas of concern between teeth without additional radiation
Air polishing technology to remove biofilm and surface stains while supporting healthier gums before and after restorative treatment

Schedule Restorative Dentistry in Chevy Chase, MD

At Modern Haus Dental, every restorative consultation is led by Dr. Kristy Lee, DDS, and focused on identifying why the problem exists, not just how to patch it. Your visit is designed to assess tooth structure, bite forces, existing restorations, and long-term stability before recommending treatment.

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What to Expect at Your Restorative Consultation

A comprehensive clinical exam with advanced diagnostic imaging.
Evaluation of tooth structure, cracks, decay, bite alignment, and prior dental work.
Clear explanation of restorative options (fillings, crowns, bridges, implant restorations, or conservative alternatives).
Honest discussion of longevity, priorities, and phased treatment when appropriate.
Transparent pricing and financing options.

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FAQs about Restorative Dentistry

Is restorative dentistry different from cosmetic dentistry?

Restorative dentistry focuses on health and function by repairing damaged teeth, replacing missing structure, and stabilizing the bite. Cosmetic dentistry focuses primarily on appearance, although many restorative treatments are designed to both function properly and look natural.

Are dental implants part of restorative dentistry?

Yes. Implant restorations, such as implant crowns or implant bridges, are restorative solutions used to replace missing teeth while restoring chewing function and preventing surrounding teeth from shifting.

How long do dental restorations last?

Longevity depends on the type of restoration, materials used, bite forces, oral hygiene, and habits such as grinding. Well-designed restorations that account for bite stability and long-term wear generally last significantly longer than short-term repairs, especially when combined with consistent preventive care.

Does restorative dentistry hurt?

Most restorative procedures are performed with local anesthesia and are designed to be comfortable. Some temporary sensitivity afterward is normal depending on the depth and complexity of treatment, but your care plan includes comfort measures and clear post-treatment guidance.

How do I know which restoration is right for me?

The best option depends on how much natural tooth structure remains, whether the tooth is cracked or infected, your bite dynamics, aesthetic goals, and long-term priorities. A proper consultation includes diagnostic imaging, bite evaluation, and a clear comparison of treatment options, including advantages, limitations, and expected longevity.

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Call (301) 986-4814 or request an appointment below to set up your first visit. We can't wait to hear from you!

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