When a tooth is severely broken down, cracked, or weakened, you need more than just a quick fix—you need a restoration that looks completely natural and is built to last. If you are looking for top-tier dental crowns in Washington, DC, Slate Dental has a proven track record of saving and restoring teeth that others might give up on. Our practice offers comprehensive restorative treatments for our local community.
Whether you need to protect a damaged tooth, replace an old, failing crown, or restore your smile after a trauma, our custom dental crowns are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth while providing unparalleled strength.
Complete maxillary ceramic crown restoration, spanning from the first premolar on one side to the first premolar on the other.
The Slate Dental Difference: Uncompromising Quality
Not all dental crowns are created equal. While the American Dental Association (ADA) notes the average lifespan of a dental crown is around 8 to 10 years, our goal is to far exceed that standard. Because of our meticulous preparation, exact fit, and premium materials, our crowns routinely outlast these timelines. We stand behind the quality of our prosthetics, offering our patients a high level of confidence in their restorative care.
The LiSi Press Advantage
To achieve these superior results, we utilize LiSi Press by GC for our highly aesthetic crowns. This state-of-the-art lithium disilicate material offers a massive leap forward in restorative dentistry:
- Exceptional Aesthetics: Unlike traditional porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns that can leave a dark line at the gums, LiSi Press is highly translucent. It reflects light exactly like natural tooth enamel.
- Incredible Durability: It boasts high flexural strength, meaning it can withstand the heavy forces of daily chewing and grinding without chipping or fracturing.
- Precision Fit: The fabrication process allows for a microscopic fit, sealing the underlying tooth from future decay and ensuring long-term success.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown (often called a “cap”) is a custom-made covering that encases the entire visible surface of a damaged tooth. It restores the tooth’s original shape, size, strength, and appearance.
You might need a dental crown in Washington DC for many reasons, including:
- A severely decayed or broken-down tooth that cannot support a standard filling.
- A cracked or fractured tooth that needs to be held together.
- Severe wear from grinding or acid erosion.
- The need to cover a dental implant.
Note: If your tooth’s damage extends into the nerve, we will expertly diagnose the issue and refer you to a trusted local endodontist. Once your root canal is complete, you will return to our Washington, DC office where Dr. Slate will design and place your beautiful final crown.
Benefits of Dental Crowns in Washington, DC
Dental crowns do more than just improve the way your teeth look. They protect, restore, and enhance your smile. Here’s how our high-quality crowns can help your oral health and boost your confidence:
Strengthen Weak Teeth
Crowns lend extra support to teeth that are weak from decay, cracks, or large fillings. A damaged tooth is more likely to break and get infections. A crown helps hold the tooth together, protect it, and prevent more damage and pain. By covering and protecting the tooth, a crown can also help you avoid extractions.
Protect from Further Damage
A crown is a protective cover for the entire visible part of the tooth. This cover keeps the tooth safe from harmful things like bacteria, plaque, or injury. Without this, a damaged tooth can become more prone to infections or further decay.
Restore Tooth Function
When a tooth is damaged, chewing, biting, or even speaking can be uncomfortable. Crowns help bring back the full function of the tooth so you can eat and talk without any issues.
Improve Your Smile
Crowns don’t just protect teeth; they can also make them look better. If you have chipped, misshapen, or discolored teeth, custom LiSi Press crowns can transform how they look, blending in naturally with your other teeth.
A showcase of the lifelike detail and glossy finish of our ceramic crowns.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Getting a custom crown at Slate Dental is a precise, patient-focused process designed for your comfort and long-term oral health. Here’s what you can expect:
- Consultation and Exam: At your first appointment, Dr. John Slate will evaluate your tooth, take necessary x-rays, and plan your treatment.
- Tooth Preparation: Dr. Slate gently removes any decay and reshapes the tooth to ensure a perfect fit for the crown. We then take highly accurate impressions of your teeth, which serve as the exact blueprint for your new restoration.
- The Temporary Crown: While our specialized dental lab masters are crafting your final LiSi Press crown, Dr. Slate will place a beautiful, functional temporary crown to protect your tooth.
- Final Placement: You return to our office a few weeks later. We remove the temporary, meticulously check the fit, bite, and aesthetics of your new custom crown, and securely bond it into place. You will leave our Washington, DC office with a beautiful and ready-to-use new smile.
Caring for Your Dental Crown
While a crown itself cannot decay, the natural tooth structure beneath it still can. To ensure your crown lasts well past that 10-year mark, treat it like your natural teeth by brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Maintain your routine cleanings and exams at our Washington, DC office so we can monitor the margins of the crown. If you grind your teeth at night, let us know so we can fit you for a custom nightguard.
Cost of Dental Crowns
The cost of a dental crown can vary depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the procedure and whether any initial foundational build-ups are required. During your consultation, we will provide a clear, transparent breakdown of your treatment plan. Our team is always happy to help you navigate your payment options and plan for your restorative care so you can focus on achieving a healthy, lasting smile.
Schedule An Appointment Today
Custom restorations are a great way to protect and restore damaged or decayed teeth. At Slate Dental, we provide high-quality care and beautiful dental crowns in Washington, DC. If you need a restoration or want to learn more, schedule an appointment online or call us at 202-686-5222 today!