Your smile is one of the first things others see about you. First impressions are made at a glance and nothing makes a better impression than a beautiful smile. A smile makeover improves the appearance of your smile, and even more important, can restore the health and function of your mouth and teeth. If you are self-conscious about the appearance of your teeth, there may be a quick and convenient solution to restore your confidence when you smile and laugh. The dentists at McCarl Dental Group have comprehensive dental and cosmetic dentistry training and offer a wide range of solutions for complex dental problems.

Anne was uncomfortable with the changes in her smile over the years. Everyone’s teeth darken, wear down and shift with time. Anne also experienced crowding of her lower teeth. Crowded teeth are more difficult to clean and can lead to gum disease. Dental restorations also age with time and sometimes older dental work needs to be replaced. To restore the health and improve the appearance of Anne’s smile, Dr. McCarl straightened her lower teeth with Invisalign orthodontics and replaced aging dental work with porcelain crowns and veneers.

There are advantages to selecting an Invisalign Preferred Provider who is also experienced in other forms of cosmetic dentistry. When dentists have comprehensive dental training, they are better able to address multiple dental concerns with a wide range of dental solutions that are specific to each dental patient’s unique needs and objectives.

Cosmetic dental procedures have improved dramatically during the last 10 to 15 years. Dentists who have kept up-to-date with the newest procedures and technologies are able to achieve better results for their patients, in shorter periods of time, with greater comfort. The latest techniques in cosmetic dentistry give you an array of affordable and convenient options for improving your smile.

Successful cosmetic dental cases, ranging from matching a single porcelain crown or veneer with your front teeth, to designing a completely new smile, require extensive knowledge and planning as well as a high level of technical skill. Not all dentists performing smile makeovers use the latest techniques or have access to the same technology. It’s extremely important for both the appearance of your dental restoration and also the health, function and longevity of your smile that your dentist is highly skilled and up-to-date.

Anne’s porcelain veneers and crowns were made by the experts at BECDEN Dental Laboratory. Not only is it important for your dentist to combine knowledge, experience, and artistry; but dental lab technicians working behind the scenes must also share this talent. When McCarl dentists submit a dental case to BECDEN, we send digital impressions and sometimes study models.  We also include photographs of our patients with specific instructions to help the lab create the most natural looking and longest lasting restorations available. BECDEN treats every dental restoration with the utmost care and communicates frequently with McCarl Dentists to discuss individual dental cases.

At McCarl Dental Group, a smile makeover always begins with a comprehensive dental check-up and consultation. During the initial consultation, your dentist will identify and discuss with you various issues that may be affecting your dental health. These may include tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, chips, cracks, gaps, misalignment, and staining or yellowing of your teeth.

Your dentist will then develop a treatment plan specific for your unique dental health and dental care needs. This plan may involve the use of multiple general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and restorative dentistry options. If, for example, your teeth are badly chipped or stained, teeth whitening and porcelain veneers can improve the quality of your smile. If you have broken teeth or are missing teeth, a combination of dental implants and dental crowns may be the best option for you. Orthodontic treatment may also be considered.

A smile makeover can include the use of Invisalign orthodontics, teeth whitening, dental crowns, porcelain veneers and dental implants. The procedures used to treat your mouth will depend on the types of dental problems that you have.

1. Crooked teeth are harder to clean and can lead to gum disease. Crooked or crowded teeth can often be straightened with nearly-invisible Invisalign orthodontics, which are more discreet, less expensive, and often work faster than traditional braces. Invisalign is a great option for adults who have always wanted straight teeth, or have had relapse from braces as a teenager.
2. Chipped and broken teeth can be repaired with combinations of cosmetic bonding, porcelain veneers or porcelain crowns. Porcelain veneers are custom-made wafer-thin shells which, when bonded to the front of teeth can dramatically improve a smile. Porcelain crowns encase the entire tooth in a protective covering at the gum line. In the past, porcelain crowns were fused to metal and were less natural looking. Today, all-porcelain crowns and veneers are more durable and much more natural looking. The quality of the porcelain also significantly affects the appearance of dental crowns. There are numerous porcelains on the market with a vast price range. The highest quality porcelains have the finest grain size, which creates a more aesthetic and natural appearance.
3. Missing teeth can be replaced with dental implants and crowns, permanent bridges or dentures. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that anchors a replacement tooth, bridge or denture. With the recent advances in dental implants, more patients are candidates for permanent tooth replacement. A dental implant restored with a crown looks, feels and functions like a natural tooth.
4. Stained and discolored teeth that cannot be brightened with professional teeth whitening can sparkle again with traditional porcelain veneers or the newest no-preparation veneers. “No-prep” veneers can be a perfect solution to repair stained, discolored or chipped teeth and can also fill in spaces between teeth. With little or no drilling and no needles or Novacaine, these custom made thin veneers create an affordable, beautiful and natural smile.
5. Gaps between teeth can be closed instantly with porcelain veneers or more gradually with Invisalign or traditional orthodontics.

Ask your dentist about ways to keep your smile looking and feeling great. Everyone deserves a HEALTHY and BEAUTIFUL SMILE!

Veneers are used for the following reasons:

• Improve the appearance of your teeth. If your teeth are stained, discolored or are different shades, veneers can be a great option to quickly improve your smile.
• Protect damaged teeth from further harm. A veneer can also be used to restore minor tooth decay  and to cover up a damaged tooth keeping it safe from further injury. This application of veneers is similar to the use of dental crowns – but for much less severe damage and decay. As mentioned above, crowns are used to cover an entire tooth, while veneers only cover a tooth’s surface.
• Create a straighter smile. Dental veneers may be an option to make your teeth appear straighter if your teeth are not properly aligned. Depending on the degree of re-alignment that is needed to straighten your smile, porcelain veneers can create a beautiful straight smile without orthodontics. It is important to note that dental veneers are not ideal for all situations where the goal is to straighten teeth. The highly skilled dentists at McCarl Dental Group are Invisalign Preferred Providers and are experienced in the latest techniques for placing porcelain veneers and crowns.
• Provide uniform size, shape and symmetry. Porcelain veneers can create a beautiful smile with consistent shape and size teeth. Are your teeth different sizes and shapes?  Do you have small teeth with spaces or gaps that cannot be easily closed with orthodontic work?  Dental veneers may be a great solution!

Cosmetic dental procedures have improved dramatically during the last 10 to 15 years. As a result, there is an array of affordable options – no longer a luxury reserved just for the Hollywood glitterati. Many times there is an easy, affordable solution to the dental problems that keep you from smiling. Call McCarl Dental Group today for a free consultation to learn ways we can enhance your smile.

Pictures of McCarl Dental Patients with Porcelain Veneers

“I always hated to see my teeth when I smiled for pictures because they were so yellow. I could not get my teeth whiter with professional whiteners. Dr. McCarl recommended a veneer to repair a front tooth that was dark and said that mysmile 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

"I went to Dr. Clayton McCarl because he has a lot of experience doing veneers. I was so pleased with the results. I am not sure who was more excited, Clayton or me. I am not self-conscious about my teeth any more."

“It makes me tear up when I say this but I value everything about my smile! I’ve have had MAJOR dental work done over the years and while some things Dr. Jay didn’t do, he has had to fix numerous issues from my past dentists. We discussed my options and we came to the conclusion that I needed this done, not just for me but also for the health of my teeth!"

“Before I got my porcelain veneers I was embarrassed to smile and now I smile with my teeth showing all the time. I want to thank Dr. David McCarl for making this possible. Your staff is very personable and made the procedure comfortable and pain free. I have and will always recommend McCarl Dental Group to my family and friends.

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

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 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.

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

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>

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 .

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.