Annapolis Dentists

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!

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

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.

Receiving an artificial knee, hip or lens of the eye has become a reliable, predictable part of mainstream healthcare. After 30 years, dental implants are also a predictable and safe procedure to enhance dental function and comfort. Dental implants are effective for single and multiple tooth restoration in crown and bridge dental cases and also for securing dentures.

A McCarl Dental Group patient from College Park Maryland experienced trauma to his mouth more than 40 years ago and lost a front tooth. He has lived with the inconveniences of wearing a “partial-plate” since high school. During a one hour dental visit we placed a single dental implant and temporary crown. Two weeks later he received his permanent crown and now he is able to bite into apples and eat corn on the cob for the first time in 40 years!

The most common use of mini dental implants is stabilization of dentures. Poorly fitting dentures can cause a great deal of discomfort, inconvenience and embarrassment. It is not uncommon for denture wearers to experience bad breath from food trapped beneath their denture. Successful placement of the mini dental implant resolves social and practical problems commonly associated with dentures. With the cost savings and rapid healing of the newest advances in dental implants, there is no reason to suffer from loose or poorly fitting bridges, partial dentures or full dentures. The bottom line for many patients with dental implants 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 causing extreme embarrassment, or shift causing sores in their mouths.

Dental implants fall into two primary categories. There are traditional implants, which are placed and need to heal or “sleep” 4 to 6 months before use or “loading.” The other type of dental implants is minimally invasive which allows them to be placed and put into use right away. The immediate loaded implants are very popular not only because of their immediate use but also because they are less invasive, have a very rapid healing response and cost significantly less for the patient. Mini or minimally invasive implants have become available to almost all of the population. Previous traditional implants may have been too expensive for some patients while other dental patients did not have enough bone in their jaws to place larger, traditional implants. Most patients have sufficient bone mass for placement of a tiny minimally invasive implant. The mini dental implants will withstand normal chewing forces just like natural teeth.

Our McCarl Dental Group patients from Lanham, Bowie, New Carrollton, Laurel, Greenbelt, Severna Park, Annapolis, Crofton, Crownsville and Millersville Maryland are thrilled with the new mini dental implants. When a dental patient comes to our office for dental implants, we make the determination for the location of implants during the initial consultation while viewing a digital panoramic x-ray. When using dental implants to retain a lower denture, we gently insert up to four mini dental implants into the front of the patient’s lower jaw. This is a relatively painless procedure that can be performed by a dentist certified in the installation of dental implants and requires only mild anesthesia. The miniature dental implants, which are approximately the size of wooden toothpicks, are placed about five millimeters apart. The patient’s denture is then carefully adjusted by the dentist to allow it to snap onto the mini implants. Patients are able to remove and replace the denture easily so that they can clean their gums and dentures regularly.

The result is a secure fitting denture that allows a patient to speak and eat with confidence. Minimally invasive dental implants are placed in about an hour’s time and the typical dental patient can enjoy a light meal an hour or so after having the mini implants placed. It is a win-win situation for our dental patients who now have a quick, comfortable and affordable solution for the discomfort and inconveniences of missing teeth and dentures, as well as our dentists, who love to keep dental patients smiling.

On Friday March 5, 2010 Dr. Clayton McCarl and Dr. Jay McCarl took time off from treating dental patients to attend a continuing education course on the latest advancements in cosmetic dentistry. Because the dentists at McCarl Dental Group strive to always stay current with the latest dental procedures and technologies, many of the procedures and materials discussed are already in place at our Millersville and Greenbelt Maryland dental offices. What we look for are “the pearls” of knowledge and information that will make a difference to our patients.  Last Friday, we found some pearls to further enhance our cosmetic dentistry techniques and, especially our patients’ healthy and beautiful smiles.  Our emphasis on continuing education and current technology is always appreciated by our patients from  Annapolis, Severna Park, Crofton, Crownsville, Millersville, College Park and Greenbelt.

The lecture emphasized porcelain veneers and crowns, ultra thin veneers that require no drilling, smile makeovers, and other esthetic forms of dental care available today. Dr. David Hornbrook an internationally acclaimed innovator in cosmetic dentistry taught the course. Dr. Hornbrook has founded several world renown cosmetic dental training centers including:  The Hornbrook Group Center for Advanced Continuing Education, The Las Vegas Institute (LVI), and PAClive. The program was sponsored by The Academy of General Dentistry and Becden Dental Lab.

The dentists at McCarl Dental Group are committed to ongoing study in all fields of dentistry. Dr. Hornbrook’s course allowed us additional insight into advancements in new stronger and more esthetic forms of porcelain, diode lasers, easier and more effective ways to improve a patient’s bite, and an honest discussion on which innovations will bring benefit to our patients and which products are more hype than substance.

Please click here to see our fun video featuring McCarl Dental Hygienists.

March is a great month to schedule your dental hygiene visit. As a gift to you, we offer a $45 New Patient Exam, cleaning and necessary x-rays ($295 value). Come see why we were  voted Annapolis Top Dentists.

McCarl Dental Hygiene exams include professional cleaning, tartar, plaque and calculus removal, x-rays as necessary and fluoride treatment. Our highly trained dental hygienists provide the latest procedures and techniques in periodontal care for your oral health. We take great care of your healthy, beautiful smile.

Today several of our dental patients from Annapolis and Severna Park Maryland asked us about ways to enhance their smiles. Some would like to correct problems they have had since childhood such as discolored or misaligned teeth. Others would like to minimize the effects of aging that develop over time including cracked or worn down teeth.  If you do not enjoy smiling because you are self conscious about your teeth, there are a wide range of options available to give you a confident and attractive smile. A beautiful and healthy smile conveys warmth, confidence and success.  McCarl Dentists were named Top Dentists in Annapolis because of their high quality dentistry along with the confidence and respect from dental specialists in Annapolis Maryland.

Please visit our website at http://www.mccarldental.com to see smile makeovers designed and created by McCarl dentists.  Several of our dental patients featured on our website had complex dental cases with combinations of treatments including Invisalign orthodontics, dental implants and gum recontouring along with porcelain veneers and crowns. Others were able to achieve their goals for their smile in two or three visits.

• Crooked teeth can be straightened with Invisalign orthodontics, or for a quicker solution, porcelain veneers.
• Chipped and broken teeth can be repaired – the treatment will depend on the extent of damage, but the options include cosmetic bonding, porcelain veneers or porcelain crowns.
• Missing teeth cause functional problems as well as being unsightly. Solutions include dental implants with crowns, permanent bridges or dentures.
• Gaps between your teeth can be closed instantly with porcelain veneers. Orthodontics can also be used to move the teeth and close the gaps between them.
• If stained and discolored teeth cannot be brightened with professional teeth whitening, porcelain veneers are an option.

McCarl Dental Group conveniently located near Annapolis and Severna Park Maryland offers complimentary consultations to answer questions and share information regarding dental implants, Invisalign orthodontics or a smile makeover with porcelain crowns or veneers.

One of the most exciting aspects in dentistry is the rapidly improving dental treatments in dental procedures. If you are missing teeth, there has never been a better time to take advantage of the dramatic improvements in minimally invasive dental implants. The procedure used to require significant and expensive periodontal surgery with a six month recovery before any teeth could be placed on the implant. Now it is a quick and minimally invasive procedure that often has no down time before a tooth, partial or full denture can be attached to the implant.

The bottom line for many patients with dentures 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. Because the new procedure is less invasive, it is also less expensive. It is a win-win situation for our dental patients who now have a quick, comfortable and affordable solution for the discomfort and inconveniences of missing teeth and dentures.

The majority of dental patients who visit McCarl Dental Group live in Annapolis, Severna Park, Crofton, Crownsville College Park, Lanham, Seabrook, Bowie, New Carrollton, Laurel, Greenbelt, and Millersville Maryland.