Cosmetic Dentistry

The dentists at McCarl Dental Group have a passion for providing top quality care to their dental patients. They understand that a smile can change a person’s attitude, health, and ultimately life. In addition to preventative care, many dental patients would like to correct problems they have had since childhood, such as discolored or misaligned teeth, while others would like to minimize the effects of aging that develop over time. McCarl dentists are adept at managing complex dental cases that require a combination of treatments, as well as cosmetic dental treatments that produce excellent results in one to three visits. Whether your profession requires being in front of a television camera, speaking with students or conducting business meetings, a beautiful smile conveys warmth, confidence and success.

The McCarl Dental Group is comprised of Dr. Clayton McCarl, Jr., Dr. Jay McCarl, and Dr. David McCarl—all of whom completed their Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Maryland Dental School, and continue postdoctoral training with prestigious instructors and advanced programs throughout the country. The McCarl dentists are active in their communities, volunteer regularly, and are proud to honor their grandfather, Dr. James W. McCarl, who started his practice in 1924 and was the first dentist in Greenbelt, Maryland. Today, the McCarl Dental Group offers expertise in traditional porcelain veneers and no prep veneers, porcelain crowns and bridges, Invisalign orthodontics, custom teeth whitening, minimally invasive and traditional dental implants, composite white fillings, dental hygiene and periodontal treatment.

More than seventy percent of new patients to McCarl Dental Group are referred by existing patients who are delighted with their dental care. Five current patients have shared their success stories through their own words and smiles on the following page. These patients are a testament to the brilliant work and service that McCarl dentists provide.

Patient Testimonials

“A smile is very important in the business world because it’s one of the first things a potential client, customer or coworker sees. I speak with a lot of crime victims in my line of work, and a warm smile often helps express concern and compassion when words seem to fall short. Thanks to the McCarl Dental Group my smile is the last thing I need to worry about. I can focus on the person in front me and help them find justice. The McCarl Dental Group is very professional and up-to-date on the latest technology, and best of all I didn’t have to travel the country looking for the best dentist. He was right in my backyard!”— Karen Daboroski, producer of America’s Most Wanted

“I always hated to see my teeth when I smiled for pictures because they were so yellow. Even after trying different whiteners, I could not get them any whiter. Dr. McCarl recommended a veneer to repair a front tooth that was dark and said that my smile could be further enhanced by placing veneers on the other front teeth that showed when I smiled. I had porcelain veneers placed on six teeth and couldn’t be happier with my white smile now!”— Cecily Duda, elementary school teacher

“The dentists at McCarl Dental Group have removed the anxiety one typically experiences when going to the dentist. It is an established practice that truly gives you the feel of an ‘old-time’ family practice, but with current, state-of-the-art technology and dental practices. Over the years, my visits to McCarl Dental Group have become more than the routine patient-dental service provider relationship—they treat me like family. Thank you to all of the members of the McCarl Dental practice for helping me attain the smile that I always desired and making my dental care a friendly, comfortable visit.”— Dan Dering, business executive

“Before my experience with the McCarl Dental Group, I did not like showing my teeth when I smiled. I am so glad I chose to enhance my smile through Invisalign, and I am pleased to have chosen the McCarl Dental Group for my dental needs. I now love showing my teeth when I smile, and especially love being photographed.”— Jackie Oddoye, recruiter

“My smile became increasingly important to me as I started to speak publically, and appear on national television shows. It was not just a matter a vanity—it became a necessity for career advancement. After doing the Dr. Phil Show over a dozen times, I had some of my own material pitched to different networks, and was told my work was great, but my teeth and smile were not up to standards. After consulting with three dentists, I choose the McCarl Dental Group to do my complete mouth restoration. Dr. McCarl’s knowledge and confidence about the process of dental restoration was evident. It was a fair and realistic price for my veneers and crowns, and I could not be happier with my smile. My favorite compliment is, ‘They look like your teeth,’ and that’s exactly what I wanted.”— Joani Gammill, RN and Board Certified Alcohol and Drug Interventionist

A crown fits over and restores a decayed, broken, or weak tooth and becomes the tooth’s new outer surface. Crowns may be made of all porcelain, all metal, or a metal base covered with a thin layer of porcelain. The shade or color selected may match the neighboring teeth to blend in, or a different shade may be chosen to brighten your smile.

Reasons you may need a crown:
•    Repair teeth that have broken or decayed so much that your dentist cannot fix them with a filling.
•    Cover a tooth that is so severely damaged that most of the top layer had to be removed.
•    Replace a worn or cracked filling.
•    Improve the appearance of a tooth.
•    Strengthen a tooth after root canal treatment to seal the tooth and prevent it from breaking.
•    Crowns sometimes come loose over time, and you may need to get them re-cemented or replaced.  With proper care a crown can last for many years and will function the same as any healthy tooth.

At the Greenbelt and Millersville dental offices of McCarl Dental Group we recommend all-porcelain crowns for front teeth because they look and function like natural teeth. The use of all-porcelain crowns eliminates gum irritation associated with metal allergies and is healthier for gums because it is not necessary to place the crown deep under the gum line to hide the metal. All-porcelain restorations used for cosmetic dentistry require very sophisticated design software and pressing ovens used only by the highest quality dental laboratories.

There are many ways to make a crown. Porcelain can be added as one color only, all at once, and fired in the furnace, or can be added in layers with a variety of colors to more closely mimic natural teeth. The labor time and skill level for fabricating porcelain crowns are considerably higher in the highest quality crowns. High end Dental Technicians are artists, using their color palette of wet porcelains to copy the shade and shape chosen by the dental patient and dentist. They use a technique called “layering” in which they bake the porcelain in the shape of the tooth and then “cut it back” and layer in different shades of porcelain which adds vitality to the crown. The highest quality porcelains have the finest grain size, which creates a more aesthetic and natural looking crown. The high end, fine grain porcelains also prevent wearing away of the enamel of the opposing teeth, a problem that may occur with lower cost porcelains.

You will typically need two visits to your dentist to restore your tooth with the highest quality crown. During your first visit, your dentist will make sure you are comfortable by using any of the many local anesthetic techniques available. The dentist will remove any decay or unsound tooth structure and prepare the tooth for a crown by shaping it with his/her headpiece (drill). If you received an injection, your lips and gums may remain numb for a few hours until the anesthetic wears off and you should be careful to avoid biting your numb lip or cheek.

An impression of your teeth or a digitally scanned image will be used to create a model for construction of the crown. While the dental laboratory is making your permanent crown, your tooth will be covered with a temporary crown. On your second visit, your dentist will remove the temporary crown, try in the permanent crown, check the fit and bite, make any minor adjustments necessary and cement your permanent crown.

We have had photographs taken of more than 20 McCarl dental patients who have porcelain crowns or veneers and have volunteered to share their beautiful smiles.  The dentists at McCarl Dental Group always explain treatment options and get input from dental patients during the planning process so that they can meet and exceed dental treatment goals.

A beautiful and healthy smile makes us more attractive, but did you know that smiling can also help you feel better?  According to Dr. Mark Stibich, smiling helps reduce your stress level, boosts your immune system, lowers blood pressure and releases endorphins, our body’s natural pain killers. Smiling also helps improve our mood and keeps us from looking tired, worn down, and overwhelmed.

Smiling more frequently is a simple way to improve the quality of your life. Researchers think that even when you force a smile, you are signaling the emotional centers of your brain to tell them that everything is good. Simply activating specific muscles in your face that create a smile signals the emotions of happiness and joy. A smiling person brings happiness with them so you also help others feel better! Oprah Radio host Dr. Robin Smith says a smile is so powerful and contagious; your life may change for the better once you start smiling! “By smiling at someone, you have the capacity to ignite a chain reaction of other smiles,” she says.

A beautiful and healthy smile conveys warmth, confidence and success. Many people, however, feel extremely self-conscious about their smile. If you do not enjoy smiling because you are embarrassed by your teeth please call for an appointment with a dentist at McCarl Dental Group. We can help you have a confident and attractive smile.

If you would like to correct discolored teeth that you have had since childhood, you could consider zoom teeth whitening or porcelain veneers. Dental veneers can also minimize the effects of aging that develop over time including cracked or worn down teeth. The McCarl dentists are certified in all aspects of traditional and minimally invasive dental implants. They offer comprehensive dentistry featuring traditional  and no-preparation porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns and bridges, Invisalign orthodontics, composite fillings, teeth whitening, dental hygiene and periodontal treatment.

Crooked teeth can be straightened with Invisalign orthodontics. Straight teeth enhance the beauty of your smile and also have health benefits. Crooked teeth are harder to clean and can lead to gum disease and periodontal disease. Invisalign makes orthodontics a great option for adults who have always wanted straight teeth, or have had relapse from braces as a teenager. McCarl dentists can also straighten your teeth with porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are stronger, thinner and more durable than the veneers of twenty years ago. Both traditional and minimal preparation veneers are available at McCarl Dental Group. Talk to your dentist about which options will be most effective for you.

If you are missing teeth, there has never been a better time for a dental implant. With the recent advances in dental implants, more patients are candidates for permanent tooth replacement. Some people do not have enough bone in their jaws for the larger, traditional implants; however, most people have sufficient bone mass for mini dental implants. A dental implant restored with a crown looks, feels and functions like a natural tooth.  Dental implants replace the root of the tooth with a biocompatible titanium alloy and are placed in the jaw where they fuse to the bone. They are effective for single and multiple tooth restoration. The most common use of mini dental implants is stabilization of dentures. The bottom line for many dental implant patients is that for the first time since they have had dentures, they can actually talk and chew without being afraid that their dentures will fall out or shift causing sores in their mouths. Patients are able to remove and replace the denture easily so that they can clean their gums and dentures daily.

Could it be that SMILING is the true key to success? In his book How to Win Friends & Influence People, Dale Carnegie says, “the effect of a smile is powerful” and lists smiling as second in the top six ways to make people like you. He describes a genuine heartwarming smile as one of the most captivating features in charming and successful people. Smile and you will draw people to you. “The expression one wears on one’s face is far more important than the clothes on one’s back.”

The McCarl dentists were named Top Dentists by Dental Specialists in the AA County Dental Association in the What’s Up? Annapolis poll and nationally by the Consumers Research Council of America. McCarl Dental Group was also voted Best Dentist in the Capital Newspaper Reader’s Choice poll.

Retired dentist and Heritage Harbour Annapolis resident Dr. Walter Smith summarized the recent dental presentation by McCarl Dentists by saying there has never been a better time for dentistry. The newest technological changes have made dentistry more comfortable for dental patients than ever. When Dr. Smith retired in the 1980s, dental implants were in their infancy. Dentists could not have imagined a digital scanner taking pictures of teeth prepared for dental restorations with images sent via high speed internet for fabrication of perfect dental crowns and bridges. Neither could dentists imagine computer morphology that would allow clear aligner trays to straighten teeth. Today’s dentistry is remarkable!

Dr. James McCarl interviewing retired dentist Dr. Walter Smith.

Drs. Clayton and Jay McCarl discussed four of the newest procedures and technologies in dentistry at Heritage Harbour in Annapolis Maryland last week. The four topics they presented were dental implants, Invisalign orthodontics, digital scanning for dental impressions and healthy mouth – healthy body: the relationship between oral and overall health.

Door prizes are always fun! Dr. Walter Smith won a professional custom in-home teeth whitening, Lillian Gill won a dental exam, cleaning and necessary x-rays. Sheri Reagor won a Sonicare Electric toothbrush.

Dental Implants
Dental implants can improve your quality of life if you are missing teeth! Dental implants have improved dramatically since the 1980s and have continued to improve during the last few years. They are small titanium posts that are inserted into the jaw bone and function like the root of a tooth. Implants are an effective and reliable anchor for dental crowns, removable bridges and dentures. The jaw bone fuses to the titanium implant and withstands forces from chewing food. Mini dental implants, known as minimally invasive implants, are thinner in diameter and the procedure for placing them is less invasive than traditional dental implants. Case selection is instrumental in a successful dental implant case. The dentists at McCarl Dental Group are certified in traditional and mini dental implants and understand what is best for each individual patient.

Invisalign Orthodontics
Crooked teeth contribute to gum disease. Invisalign orthodontics are less expensive, more esthetic and can also be faster than metal braces. Adults of all ages are straightening their teeth in record numbers. These dental patients improve the health and appearance of their smiles. McCarl dentists are preferred providers of Invisalign orthodontics.

Digital Scanning for Dental Impressions
Digital scanning for dental impressions is the future! McCarl Dentists and LVI Dentists use the Cadent iTero 3D Intraoral Scanner. The iTero has a camera on a wand that takes digital pictures of teeth that have been prepared for a dental crown or bridge. These pictures are sent over high speed internet to fabricate dental restorations. This method provides the most accurate impression of teeth available today. The crowns and bridges fabricated using digital scanning for impressions require very little or no adjustment – they fit perfectly! Digital imaging will replace conventional dental impressions in our lifetime.

Healthy Mouth-Healthy Body
Diseases in the mouth affect your entire body. Prior to joint replacement surgery it is essential to have a dental exam to check for infection in your mouth. Oral infections range from gum disease or periodontal disease to tooth abscesses. Germs in your mouth can get into your bloodstream and affect other parts of your body. Are you planning a knee or hip replacement? See your dentist first! Are you about to start chemotherapy? Have your dentist check your gums and teeth for potential sources of infection before taking immunosuppressant drugs including chemotherapy. When teeth are healthy it enhances nutrition. McCarl Dentists help our patients enjoy smiling and eating. A healthy smile contributes to your overall health and well being. Visit our YouTube Channel to see videos of the presentation. McCarl Dentists discuss Healthy Mouth Healthy Body

The dentists at McCarl Dental Group in Millersville and Greenbelt Maryland were recently voted Best Dentists in the Capital Hometown Annapolis Reader’s Choice Awards.  The Reader’s Choice Awards reflect votes by our dental patients who read the Capital magazine. McCarl dentists have also been named What’s Up? Annapolis Magazine’s Top Dentist. This award represents dentists who were chosen as the best by other dental specialists.  The dentists at McCarl Dental Group specialize in complex comprehensive dental care as well as everyday general dentistry. Our patients’ responses in our smile survey, found at www.mccarldental.com indicate that they are very satisfied with our family and cosmetic dentistry. A patient who received dental veneers last week called Dr. Clayton McCarl “Michelangelo of the mouth!”

McCarl dentists have been recognized for excellence in dental veneers which are thin, custom-made moldings that cover unattractive teeth. They are created from tooth-colored, high-tech materials to portray a bright, natural smile. No prep, minimal prep and traditional veneers cover unattractive gaps between teeth and cover stained misshapen or crooked teeth. Traditional dental veneers can transform even the darkest teeth to bright white. They are individually sculpted and it is almost impossible to tell the difference between a veneer and a natural tooth.

For traditional porcelain veneers, the face of the tooth is reshaped to allow for the added thickness of porcelain. In comparison to a crown, a minimal amount of the natural tooth must be altered for a veneer. At the Mccarl dental group, a digital image can be taken of the reshaped tooth and sent via high-speed internet to a dental laboratory where the veneer is custom-made for your mouth. If you receive a no prep or minimal prep veneer, no temporary is needed to cover the tooth while the veneer is being made. The veneer is permanently attached to the face of your tooth with adhesive material or cement which bonds it to the original tooth structure. With good care, veneers can last for ten to fifteen years or longer. Unlike most bonding materials, veneers are resistant to stains from coffee, tea and cigarettes. They will not change color over time. Because a small amount of tooth is reduced to fit traditional veneers, the process is not reversible. No prep veneers are placed on the original tooth structure and can be removed.

Patients with veneers still need to brush and floss regularly to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile. Veneers typically cannot be damaged by abrasion from your toothbrush or floss. As with natural teeth, patients with dental veneers are advised to avoid chewing fingernails or anything else that may cause the veneers to chip or crack. Remember: never use your teeth as tools!

Veneers used to be reserved for Hollywood movie stars and the rich and famous. Now you would be surprised how many of your neighbors achieved their beautiful smiles with veneers. Call McCarl Dental Group at 410-987-0870 or 301-474-4144 to find out if veneers are right for you.

No Prep Veneers can be a conservative, esthetic, and affordable veneer solution for chipped teeth, spaces between teeth and dark or stained teeth. McCarl dental patients have been delighted with their smile makeovers that have been accomplished in two quick dental visits. We can brighten smiles, change shapes of teeth, eliminate spaces between teeth and create natural beautiful smiles without Novocain or drilling!

Minimal and No Prep Veneers aren’t the best solution for every patient who would like to enhance their smile. A dentist with experience in all types of veneers will create an individual dental treatment plan for each dental patient to create the best possible results. McCarl dentists in Greenbelt Maryland and Millersville Maryland have been enhancing smiles with veneers for more than 20 years and continuously study the technologies, products and procedures available for our dental patients. Because we stay current with the latest dental techniques and technologies in dental implants, Invisalign orthodontics, porcelain veneers and crowns and teeth whitening, we can offer our dental patients a wide range of options for comprehensive custom smile makeovers.

Please watch our videos to hear McCarl dental patients tell about their great experiences with no prep veneers and smile makeovers.

Explanation of No Prep Veneers before Dental Procedure

McCarl Dental Patient After No Prep Veneers>

Minimal prep veneers and no prep veneers give dental patients a beautiful smile makeover without the discomfort of Novocain or drilling.

Rick Jones sells high quality new and restored pianos and wanted a winning smile to complement his successful business. Dr. McCarl took impressions of Rick’s teeth and the lab fabricated thin veneers similar in thickness to a contact lens. The ultra thin porcelain veneers were bonded into place on top of his natural teeth to brighten Rick’s smile, eliminate spaces between his teeth and create an even smile line without chipped and broken edges. His smile makeover with thin veneers was completed in two visits to Greenbelt dentists at McCarl Dental Group.

Rick is extremely happy with his new smile. The technology of thin veneers has improved so that they are much more durable than just a few years ago. Veneers do not retain permanent stains. If Rick ever notices slight discoloration from coffee, tea or red wine he will be able to restore his sparkling smile with a quick application of whitening gel in take-home teeth whitening trays.

Rick Jone’s recommendation of McCarl Dental Group No Prep Veneers .

Invisalign Orthodontics can correct a lot of different dental and orthodontic problems. The custom-made Invisalign aligners straighten teeth, create a beautiful smile and can have a positive impact on your health.

Please click to watch our video highlighting McCarl Dental Group Invisalign orthodontics patients who are delighted with their new healthy and beautiful smiles.

Patients featured in this video are from Annapolis Maryland, Crownsville, Crofton and Severna Park. Invisalign orthodontics straightened their teeth with virtually invisible aligners or trays in less than a year. Many of our McCarl dental patients choose to lighten their smile with professional teeth whitening gel during or after their Invisalign dental treatment.

Invisible Invisalign Orthodontics can solve problems caused by overly crowded teeth. When left untreated, overly crowded, missing and widely spaced teeth can prevent normal chewing and can also increase the likelihood of periodontal or gum disease.
A crossbite occurs when the upper and lower jaws are both misaligned and can cause wear of the teeth, gum disease, and bone loss.

An overbite occurs when the upper teeth bite over the lower teeth. An overbite can be caused by genetics, bad oral habits, or over development of the bone that supports the teeth. This orthodontic problem can lead to gum and periodontal problems, excessive wear on the lower teeth and can also cause painful jaw joint problems, Temporomandibular joint disorder or TMJ syndrome.

When the lower teeth protrude past the front teeth it is called an underbite. This can also be caused by missing upper teeth, but is usually caused by undergrowth of the upper jaw, overgrowth of the lower jaw. An underbite can also cause painful jaw and joint problems and can prevent the normal function of front teeth or molars which also leads to tooth wear.

While the cosmetic dental results are undeniable, Invisalign Orthodontics is much more than just a cosmetic dental procedure. Invisalign orthodontics is a custom-designed program that will treat your specific dental or orthodontic problems.

Invisalign Preferred Providers at McCarl Dental Group have achieved a high level of clinical training and experience in treating patients with the Invisalign system. The cost of Invisalign orthodontics is based on individual treatment programs. Also, be sure to speak with the patient advocates at McCarl Dental Group because dental insurance often covers correction of orthodontic problems.

A frequent source of dental emergencies is broken or chipped teeth from people using them as scissors, pliers or fingernail clippers. You would not believe the things people try to open or cut with their teeth – bottles, plastic bags, tape, string, fishing lines, cloth … you name it! We see chipped teeth and broken teeth that damage the dental enamel of natural teeth, but also in porcelain veneers and porcelain crowns. PLEASE DON’T USE YOUR TEETH AS TOOLS!

Crunching ice causes severe problems. Chewing on large pieces of ice causes stress fractures in even the healthiest teeth. Ice is hard and brittle but also cold which causes contraction in the tooth enamel of natural teeth.  Porcelain crowns also break and chip when chewing ice. Damage from chewing ice occurs in molars and often results in a severe fracture, not just a small chip. Fingernail biting is also a frequent reason for chipped enamel or porcelain in front teeth.

Treating dental emergencies is a routine aspect of comprehensive dental care. McCarl dentists strive to provide same day emergency dental treatment to people experiencing dental pain or a broken tooth causing cosmetic dental concerns. The dentists at McCarl Dental Group serve Anne Arundel County and Prince Georges County.  Our dental offices are conveniently located near Annapolis, Severna Park, Crofton, Crownsville, College Park, Lanham, Seabrook, Bowie, New Carrollton, Laurel, Greenbelt and Millersville.

Unlike bones, fractured teeth do not heal themselves. A tooth may or may not cause pain when it is cracked or fractured and many minor tooth fractures do not cause symptoms. Deeper fractures are often painful because the damage extends to the nerve inside the tooth. Pain from fractures may come and go or may be constant. It is always best to treat the dental emergency as soon as possible to try to prevent the problem from getting worse.

Please STOP USING YOUR TEETH AS TOOLS. Visit the dentists at McCarl Dental Group for top quality dental care for damaged and healthy teeth.

Aging and genetics contribute to tooth discoloration.  Another major cause of darkened teeth are staining substances including coffee, tea, cola and red wine or smoking.  We also see antibiotic staining from tetracycline use during childhood, as well as discoloration from old amalgam fillings.  Professional teeth whitening at McCarl Dental Group conveniently located near Annapolis Maryland is a great way to brighten a smile.

Please click here Invisalign Orthodontics and Teeth Whitening to watch our video of McCarl dental patients who are delighted with their bright smiles from professional teeth whitening.

Whitening toothpastes contain mild abrasives that can remove staining on the outside of the teeth but do not alter the intrinsic color of teeth. Professional tray system teeth whitening or bleaching corrects most types of discoloration by removing intrinsic stains. Professional teeth whitening is a quick and safe way to whiten teeth 2-5 shades.

At McCarl Dental Group, we recommend the in-home tray teeth whitening system. First, we take impressions to make custom fitted teeth whitening trays. A precise fit of the tray is essential to the success of the whitening treatment. In the comfort of your home, you place the prescription whitening gel in the custom fitted tray. We recommend DayWhite, NightWhite and  Zoom teeth whitening gels.  During the specified time, the tooth whitening gel oxidizes allowing oxygen to enter the enamel which whitens or bleaches the teeth. The tooth is made lighter but the structure of the tooth is not changed.

Contact our Millersville Dental Office at 410-987-8800 or our Greenbelt Dental Office 301-474-4144 to learn about our special discount for professional teeth whitening.

Professional teeth whitening is an excellent solution for many patients however fillings, crowns, and bonding will not lighten past their original color.  Teeth with yellow and light brown stains usually lighten well, but gray colored teeth often do not bleach as well. There are many excellent options for patients who are not good candidates for enhancing their smile with teeth whitening.  For these dental patients, porcelain veneers may give the best results.  The dentists at McCarl Dental Group are included in Americas Top Dentists and are experts on all types of smile makeovers and cosmetic dental reconstruction.

If you are interested in enhancing your smile, whether through teeth bleaching, ultra thin veneers, traditional porcelain veneers, or crowns, please make an appointment for a complimentary consultation at McCarl Dental Group.  We offer professional teeth whitening and smile makeovers to our dental patients in Annapolis, Maryland and also our dental patients in Severna Park, Crofton, Crownsville and Millersville, College Park, Lanham, Seabrook, Bowie, New Carrollton, Laurel and Greenbelt.