Daniel R. Melnick D.D.S

Cosmetic Dentistry
Frequently Asked Questions

Laurel, Columbia, Fulton, Silver Spring - Maryland

Smile Makeover

1. What can a smile makeover do for me?

A smile makeover improves the total look of your smile, restoring your self-confidence while enhancing your outer beauty. It solves visible problems such as discoloration, chips, and crooked teeth, creating a bright and beautiful smile.

2. What cosmetic dentistry treatments can I choose from?

A smile makeover normally consists of a combination of cosmetic dentistry treatments which can include:

• Porcelain Veneers
• Porcelain Crowns and Bonding
• Tooth Whitening
• Porcelain Fillings
• Laser Dentistry
• Filling Upgrades

Learn more about smile makeovers by reading our Smile Makeover FAQ's.

Porcelain Veneers

1. What can porcelain veneers do for me?

Porcelain veneers are a wonderful solution for many imperfections, including chips, cracks, misshapen or crooked teeth, and discolored or stained teeth that are resistant to whitening procedures.

2. What will porcelain veneers look like?

Porcelain veneers look natural in shape, size, color and texture. Their glass-like quality means that they absorb and reflect light in the same way as your natural tooth surface, making them undetectable to the untrained eye.

Learn more about porcelain veneers by reading our Porcelain Veneer FAQ's.

Tooth Whitening

1. What causes tooth discoloration?

Many factors can contribute to tooth discoloration including:

• Aging
• Tobacco products
• Staining foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, sodas, dark berries
• Old fillings
• Dental trauma
• Medications
• Too much fluoride
2. Will tooth whitening damage or weaken my teeth?

Tooth whitening is completely safe and will not harm the enamel or the structure of your teeth.

Learn more about tooth whitening by reading our Tooth Whitening FAQ's.

Porcelain Fillings

1. Why should I choose porcelain fillings over other types?

For most people the primary reason is appearance.

• Studies show that CEREC porcelain fillings are some of the most durable aesthetic porcelain fillings on the market.
• Only porcelain fillings have a completely natural, perfectly color-matched, and life-like quality
• Silver amalgam fillings are very visible, can darken or tarnish, and sometime discolor the entire tooth
• Porcelain is also a great alternative for those who are concerned about potential health risks associated with amalgam fillings
2. How many visits will be required?

Using CEREC cosmetic dentistry technology only one visit is required to fit and form a porcelain filling, though in the past, two or more were required.

Learn more about porcelain fillings by reading our Porcelain Filling FAQ's.

Laser Dentistry

1. What can laser dentistry do for me?
• If you have a "gummy" smile or teeth that appear too short, we can reduce the excess gum tissue, revealing the natural length of your teeth.
• Uneven gum lines can be sculpted to their proper shape.
• Discoloration can be corrected.
2. Will laser gum re-contouring damage or harm my teeth?

No. The laser is set to a frequency that will target your gums without affecting your teeth or underlying structure.

Learn more about laser dentistry by reading our Laser Dentistry FAQ's.

TMJ

1. What are the possible symptoms of TMJ?

The most common symptoms are:

• Neck and shoulder pain
• Numbness in the fingers and arms
• Locking/limited jaw movement
• Headaches and migraines
• Jaw pain

Other symptoms can include:

• Facial pain
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Cracked teeth
• Sensitive or sore teeth
• Loose teeth
• Earaches with no infection
• Ears that feel "full"
2. I have been in pain for years. Will it take years to recover?

No. Some patients are relieved of their symptoms and pain overnight, and others may take several months.

Learn more about TMJ by reading our TMJ FAQ's.

Dental Implants

1. Am I a good candidate for dental implants?

If you are missing a tooth, several teeth, or you are considering dentures, dental implants may be a good solution for you.

2. Why should I get dental implants instead of removable dentures?

Dental implants avoid many common problem normally associated with dentures:

• Bone shrinkage
• Denture slipping
• Gum irritation
• Pain
• Difficulty eating

Bone shrinkage will alter your appearance over time, making you look older than you really are. It also means having to get a new set of dentures every few years.

Learn more about dental implants by reading our Dental Implant FAQ's.

Gum Treatment

1. What causes gum disease?

Many things can lead to gum disease including:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Poor nutrition
• Weak or compromised immune system
• Tobacco use
• Hormonal changes
• Genetics
• Diabetes
• Grinding or clenching teeth
• Stress
2. What can happen if I leave gum disease untreated?

Initially you will experience pain and inflammation of the gums. Over time the gum line will recede. Eventually, you'll probably lose some teeth.

Learn more about gum treatment by reading our Gum Treatment FAQ's.

Sedation Dentistry

1. Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

Yes. Sedation Dentistry is far different from general anesthesia. You may be partially awake and you'll be breathing on your own.

2. I am very resistant to numbing. Will this really work for me?

Yes. Even those most resistant to numbing can have pain-free dental work when sedation Dentistry is used.

Learn more about sedation dentistry by reading our Sedation Dentistry FAQ's.

Dr. Melnick and his staff in Laurel, Maryland, are happy to answer any questions your may have about cosmetic dentistry. Learn more by viewing our Before and After Gallery and reading Testimonials from our patients, or contact us today for your initial cosmetic dentistry consultation.