Custom Crowns and Bridges in Washington, DC
Custom dental crowns and bridges made in our on-site lab. Dr. Gerald Marlin crafts restorations for strength, fit, and natural appearance.
Custom-Crafted Crowns & Bridges
Smile again with top-quality dental crowns and bridges, custom-crafted right here in Washington, DC. Whether you need a single crown to protect a weakened tooth or a bridge to replace missing teeth, our cosmetic dentistry approach prioritizes both function and natural appearance.
Rejuvenate Your Smile With Superbly Crafted Dental Restorations
Damaged or decayed teeth can make it difficult to eat or speak comfortably and cause you to feel self-conscious about your smile appearance. The good news is that if the interior of a damaged tooth is intact, it can be saved and restored with a dental crown.
If you have one or two missing teeth, a dental bridge enables proper chewing and prevents adjacent teeth from drifting. Whether you have chipped, cracked, broken, severely decayed, or missing teeth, our skilled prosthodontist and dental lab technician will work closely with you to make your smile fully functional again with beautifully fabricated dental bridges and crowns in Washington, DC!
Precise Crown Selection Protocols
At Elite Prosthetic Dentistry, we follow a strict protocol when determining the types of crowns you receive. Hand-crafted options include:
- Milled plus handcrafted all-ceramic crowns and bridges and teeth that need splinting (for three to four teeth or less)
- Porcelain fused to high noble metal crowns (g., gold, platinum, palladium, and silver) for any significant reconstruction requiring the most accurate fit and splinting of multiple teeth together
- Fully milled anatomic crowns in the non-aesthetic zone when more excellent strength/resistance is required due to severe bruxism (tooth clenching/grinding) or worn-down dentition
- Milled anatomic crowns with custom porcelain added to the outside surface for a natural appearance
Dental Crowns - Dr. Gerald Marlin
Dental Crowns Protect Weakened Teeth
A crown is a tooth cap that surrounds the visible portion of a tooth to strengthen it and reduce the risk of further complications. A zirconia crown offers 10 times the strength of natural tooth enamel and a minimum of three times that of porcelain. Made from lithium disilicate ceramic, eMax provides excellent translucency, durability, and natural-looking aesthetics. All ceramic crowns cannot be used when more than three teeth or implants need to be splinted; noble metal crowns are used under those circumstances.
Crowns composed of at least 50% noble metals interact well with human tissue, providing better oxidation and corrosion resistance than other metals. The appropriate type of tooth crown is chosen for their particular needs and created in Washington, DC, at our on-site dental lab. They are precisely matched in size, shape, shade, and translucency to adjacent teeth, blending seamlessly with your smile and restoring a comfortable bite.
The Elite Dental Crown Process
The procedure begins by removing decay and then reducing the tooth structure on the top and sides to accommodate the crown. An impression is taken that our dental lab technician uses to create your new restoration. We’ll provide you with a temporary crown resembling natural teeth so you can continue your daily life without worrying about a missing or incompatible tooth.
During your second visit, our prosthodontist will place the permanent crown. If a crown causes any bite interferences, careful occlusal adjustment is performed to restore a proper bite and prevent pain, discomfort, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction.
The Benefits Of Dental Crowns
- Restores strength to damaged teeth
- Improves tooth size, shape, and color
- Repairs severely decayed teeth
- Preserves tooth after a root canal
- Restores dental implants
What’s The Difference Between Dental Implants & Bridges?
Dental BridgesFill Unsightly Gaps Left by Tooth Loss
Even a single missing tooth can cause bone loss and shifting of surrounding teeth. A dental bridge in Washington, DC, is an alternative to dental implants for one or more missing teeth in a row. As with a single crown, the teeth on each side of the empty socket are modified, and impressions are taken.
Your bridge is fabricated on-site from the highest-quality materials and color-matched to look natural alongside your existing teeth. A traditional bridge is used when the teeth around a missing tooth space are broken down and will need crowns in the future. On the other hand, if the teeth on either side of a space are healthy, placing an implant in the missing tooth space is preferred, as it will preserve the bone in that spot while preventing the need to prepare the two adjacent teeth.
The Benefits of Our Hand-Crafted Ceramic Crowns
In this digital era, stamped-out, milled crowns are routinely developed from virtual libraries in software programs without the tighter machining tolerance for a better fit. At Elite Prosthetic Dentistry, our team takes pride in handcrafting crowns at our in-house dental lab. Our dental lab technician masterfully crafts crowns by hand using different porcelains on an all-ceramic base with the utmost precision and attention to detail. All ceramic crowns handcrafted at our dental lab are based upon milled zirconia copings with tight tolerances that combine with a custom porcelain anatomic form to match your natural tooth shape and blend in with your facial pattern. These crowns offer numerous benefits, including:
• Superior lifelike aesthetics
Frequently Asked Questions
What are dental restorations, and how can they rejuvenate my smile?
Dental restorations, such as crowns and bridges, repair damaged or decayed teeth, restoring function and appearance. By protecting weakened teeth and filling gaps from missing teeth, they make eating and speaking easier. These restorations are customized to match the natural look of your teeth, enhancing your smile. Our skilled team at Elite Prosthetic Dentistry in Washington, DC ensures a precise fit and a natural-looking result.
How do dental crowns protect weakened teeth?
Dental crowns act as caps that fully encase the visible portion of a weakened tooth, preventing further damage. Zirconia crowns, for instance, are significantly stronger than natural enamel, providing long-lasting durability. Crowns can restore damaged or decayed teeth, improve their size and shape, and even protect teeth after a root canal. Custom-made crowns at Elite Prosthetic Dentistry are crafted to blend seamlessly with your existing teeth.
What materials are used in dental crowns at Elite Prosthetic Dentistry?
At Elite Prosthetic Dentistry, we use various high-quality materials, including all ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and zirconia for dental crowns. Each material is selected based on the patient’s unique needs, with factors like strength, aesthetics, and biocompatibility considered. For example, eMax crowns offer exceptional translucency and durability, while noble metals provide superior fit and resistance. The result is a strong, natural-looking restoration.
How is a dental bridge different from a dental implant?
A dental bridge is a restoration used to fill gaps caused by missing teeth by anchoring to the adjacent teeth, while an implant involves placing a titanium post directly into the bone. Bridges are ideal when neighboring teeth need crowns, whereas implants preserve bone health without altering surrounding teeth. At Elite Prosthetic Dentistry, we fabricate custom bridges for seamless integration with your smile. Implants are preferred when adjacent teeth are healthy.
What is the procedure for getting a dental crown?
The dental crown procedure begins with removing decay and shaping the tooth to accommodate the crown. A skilled dental lab technician takes an impression and uses it to create a custom crown. During a follow-up visit, the permanent crown is fitted, and any necessary adjustments are made to ensure a perfect bite. Temporary crowns are provided in the interim, allowing you to function normally while awaiting the final restoration.
What are the benefits of using zirconia crowns?
Zirconia crowns are exceptionally strong, offering up to ten times the strength of natural enamel, making them ideal for areas under significant pressure, like molars. These crowns are also biocompatible, reducing the risk of adverse reactions, and are customized to mimic the natural translucency of teeth. Their durability and aesthetic appeal make them a popular choice for long-lasting restorations. At Elite Prosthetic Dentistry, we ensure a perfect fit for a natural and functional smile.
Why choose handcrafted crowns over digitally milled crowns?
Handcrafted crowns offer superior aesthetics and a more precise fit than standard digitally milled crowns. At Elite Prosthetic Dentistry, our in-house dental lab creates crowns with internal color shading and custom porcelain layering for a lifelike appearance. Handcrafting allows for tight tolerances and attention to detail that virtual libraries in digital programs often lack. This ensures crowns blend seamlessly with your facial structure and existing teeth.
What is the difference between porcelain and metal crowns?
Porcelain crowns offer superior aesthetics, closely mimicking the natural color and translucency of teeth, while metal crowns provide exceptional strength and durability. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns combine the benefits of both materials, offering a strong, durable base with a natural-looking exterior. At Elite Prosthetic Dentistry, we choose the material based on your specific dental needs and the location of the tooth being restored. Each option is custom-made for optimal function and appearance.
Can crowns improve the appearance of my smile?
Yes, dental crowns can significantly enhance the appearance of your smile by improving the size, shape, and color of damaged or misshapen teeth. Crowns are custom-designed to match your natural teeth, providing a seamless, aesthetic improvement. Whether you need a single crown or multiple, they offer a durable, long-lasting solution for a more confident smile. At Elite Prosthetic Dentistry, we focus on creating crowns that restore both function and beauty.
How long do dental crowns typically last?
With proper care, dental crowns can last between 10 to 15 years or even longer. Their lifespan depends on factors like the material used, your oral hygiene habits, and any habits like teeth grinding. Regular dental check-ups and proper care, including brushing and flossing, can extend the life of your crown. At Elite Prosthetic Dentistry, we use high-quality materials to ensure your crowns are built to last.
What makes Elite Prosthetic Dentistry's crowns unique?
At Elite Prosthetic Dentistry, we combine high-quality materials with skilled craftsmanship to create custom dental crowns. Our in-house dental lab allows for meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a precise fit and natural appearance. Handcrafted crowns offer superior aesthetics, including lifelike translucency and internal color shading. Our personalized approach ensures each patient receives the best possible restoration for their needs.
Your Best Smile Is Within Reach
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Gerald Marlin to discuss your treatment options and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.
Related Case Studies
Explore similar cases demonstrating our expertise in advanced prosthetic dentistry.
Complex Temporary Crowns Restore Patient's Smile in Just One Day with an Immediate Smile Makeover
A patient from Potomac, Maryland, came to Elite Prosthetic Dentistry with the chief complaint of pain from a failing dental implant and its significant impact on her appearance.
Complex Multi-Faceted Treatment for Patient Unhappy With Her Artificial-Looking Crowns, Teeth and Gums
Many patients come to Elite Prosthetic Dentistry unhappy with the appearance of their smile. However, this particular patient presented with multiple interconnected problems that together created a smile she found deeply unsatisfying.
Complex Salvaging Ms. N’s Severely Broken-Down Upper and Lower Teeth from Gum and Bone Disease
Many people in the U.S. suffer from extensive periodontal disease characterized by significant bone loss and shrinkage of the gum tissue. This condition can begin at a very young age and worsen quickly due to hereditary factors and lack of early diagnosis by their dentist.
Before After A Smile Transformation in Just Four Months: A Patient’s Dental Crown Restoration for a TV Series
A patient with dental crowns that were in poor shape was going to appear on a streaming video series on a major TV network that was scheduled to begin filming soon. Our patient, John, an author about to embark on a book tour, was anxious as his teeth were not up to his standards to appear on television.
Standard Replacing a Discolored Front Tooth with a Precision Placed Implant
Some of the most challenging restorations occur when fabricating an anterior crown to fit on an implant. Not only does one have the difficulty of matching the single front tooth to the other ones in the high visibility zone, but the dentist must also ensure the position of the underlying implant is precise through accurate preplanning and placement.
Standard Patient Was Dissatisfied With Her 'Gummy' Smile
Excessive gingival tissue, commonly referred to as a "gummy smile," can significantly impact the appearance of a person's smile and their self-confidence. When someone smiles and a large amount of gum tissue is visible above the teeth, it can create the perception that the teeth are too small or short, even when they are actually normal size.
Related Articles
Deepen your knowledge with additional insights on this topic.
Why are Some Temporary Crowns More Natural Than Others?
Temporary crowns fabricated in our in-house laboratory are made to blend with each individual’s lip line, facial pattern, and adjacent teeth in Washington, DC.
What Makes a Natural-Looking Crown?
A natural-looking crown blends with your gum tissue, matches your smile line, and has proper translucency and coloration. Washington, DC prosthodontist.
How is an Immediate Smile Makeover Performed?
An immediate smile makeover uses personalized temporary crowns crafted to match your facial pattern and smile line while final restorations are made.
When Are Veneers Not as Good as Crowns for a Smile Makeover?
There are several factors - dark coloration, high gingival margins, extensive shape changes - that can make veneers less suitable than crowns in Washington, DC.
Can my tetracycline stained teeth be made to look pretty?
Tetracycline and other deep, intrinsic stains are best masked with custom crowns - veneers won’t suffice. Elite Prosthetic Dentistry in Washington, DC.
How Can I Have my Severely Worn Dentition Repaired?
Severely worn teeth can be restored with full-mouth rehabilitation using custom crowns and precision prosthodontic techniques in Washington, DC.
Ready to Transform Your Smile?
With 40+ years of experience and 3,900+ dental implants placed, Dr. Gerald Marlin delivers results that last. Schedule your consultation today.