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!

Every hour of every day, someone in the United States dies from oral cancer. The five year mortality rate has remained unchanged over the past 30 years at approximately 50 percent. Traditionally, the majority of oral cancers occurred in men over 40 who were heavy smokers and drinkers. This is no longer the case. There is an alarming increase in oropharyngeal (base of the tongue and pharynx) cancer cases seen in the 18-40 age group. This is due to certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV #16 and #18). Twenty two percent of current oral cancers are related to HPV and the number is growing. Whereas the male to female ratio used to be 5:1 fifty years ago, it has now changed to 2:1. The mode of transmission for HPV is oral sexual activity. What may have once been thought of as a safe sex act is no longer the case.

There are two HPV vaccines, Gardasil and Cervarix, available to protect against the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pediatricians and general practitioners recommend the HPV vaccine for all females ages 11 or 12 years old and males 9 through 26 years old. Previously it was only administered to females to prevent cervical cancer caused by HPV. They now realize that they will never stop the widely spread virus without inoculating the males as well. Gardasil is used for both females and males. Cervarix is used only in females. Both vaccines are administered as three shot series. As with any medical procedure, consult your physician to see if it is right for you  and your family.

Other than HPV, one of the major contributors to oral cancer has always been tobacco products. With the strict laws against smoking in public, you would think this was less of a problem. Not so. There is a new product called SNUS. This is a small pouch of tobacco placed in the vestibule of the mouth similar to snuff, but typically people swallow snus rather than spit it out. Several of the tobacco companies have their own brand with varying flavors. Some snus cans warn that “it can cause periodontal disease and tooth loss” while other flavors state “it can cause cancer.” This is horrifying to the dental field. Tobacco products placed directly on the mucus membrane have a higher level of tissue damage and potential oral cancer. There is no simple treatment for oral cancer. Patients have radical surgeries consisting of removing parts of their tongues, jaw and face. This is nothing to be taken lightly.

What are the signs and symptoms of oral cancer? The first sign of oral cancer is often a red or white patch or an ulceration that does not disappear in a week or two. Be aware of any changes in your mouth. Visit your dentist immediately if you have any type of sore, ulceration, lesion, lump or thickening of the tissue in your mouth, tongue, cheek or throat. Early detection of oral cancer improves success of treatment.

How do we detect oral cancer? The only definitive diagnosis is through a tissue biopsy, but your dentist and dental hygienist should be performing routine oral cancer screenings. Oral Cancer Screenings are included with every routine dental hygiene visit and dental exam at McCarl Dental Group. This is done by a visual examination of your tonsil area, the base of your tongue, the tissue around your tongue and lips and the roof of your mouth. We also check for lumps or bumps around your neck and ask if you’re having any trouble swallowing. If any ulcers are found, we will try to determine if they are due to trauma or something more severe. Normal, routine mouth sores will go away in 7 – 10 days, cancer will not. If you and your dentist think a sore or lesion is due to trauma, you should return in two weeks for a re-evaluation of the area. If the sore has not disappeared or if we have any concerns at all, we will refer you to an oral surgeon for a small tissue biopsy. As in all health matters, better safe than sorry.

There are several products on the market that a general dentist can use to try to determine if the area is cancerous or not. Again, these products can be helpful, but only a tissue biopsy is definitive. ViziLite Plus, Microlux DL, Orascoptic DK, and VELscope VX use florescence technology to identify areas of cell trauma. Oral CDX uses a small scraping from the site and is sent out for a lab to analyze. If the lab report indicates damaged cells, the patient will be sent for a biopsy. For additional information please visit oralcancerfoundation.com.

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.

“We have tremendous respect for Kevin, both professionally and personally,” says Dr. Clayton McCarl. “This course reviewed the newest advancements in dental implant technology and how to bring these improvements to our patients. Dr. Doring does an outstanding job of communicating the keys to long term success in implant surgery and restorations.”  Regional Implant Specialist and CAMLOG representative from Henry Schein, Bob Voelker provided excellent support for the dentists attending the seminar with materials, supplies and educational resources.

Why are Dental Implants Important?
Traditional and minimally invasive dental implants have surpassed traditional dentures and bridges as the best solution for missing teeth. When you lose a tooth, your jawbone slowly loses strength and density, causing bone loss and changes in facial features. The loss of even one tooth can cause an unstable bite and uneven chewing. Because remaining teeth tend to shift, proper cleaning becomes more difficult and increases the likelihood of gingivitis and even periodontal disease.

When a dental implant is restored with a crown, the finished product looks, feels and functions like a natural tooth. Implants are effective for single and multiple tooth restoration. They are placed in the jaw where they fuse to the bone and replace the root of the tooth with a biocompatible titanium alloy. In some cases, a crown can be placed on the tooth immediately.

Dental implants are the best restoration solution for dental patients in whom neighboring teeth are healthy and properly aligned. Unlike a partial denture or bridge, a dental implant can prevent bone loss at the site of the missing tooth.

The most common use of mini dental implants is stabilization of dentures. Many dental implant patients tell us that for the first time since they have had dentures, they can actually chew, talk and laugh without being afraid that their dentures will fall out. Implants anchor a denture securely and still allow patients the ability to remove and replace the denture easily for cleaning.

Three Generations of Trust
At McCarl Dental Group, we use a variety of traditional and minimally invasive dental implant systems with different types of implants based on the unique needs of each dental patient. CAMLOG dental implants will be a great addition to the dental implant systems that we are currently using in our dental practice.

CAMLOG is a division of Henry Schein, a company that provides dental supplies and has a three generation relationship with McCarl dentists. The Henry Schein Company supplied the digital panoramic x-ray machines and ITERO digital impression scanners for both our Greenbelt and Millersville, Maryland dental offices. We are excited to offer McCarl dental patients the exceptional benefits of the CAMLOG dental implant system.

For additional information about dental implants, please read our article from Taste of the Bay Magazine http://www.mccarldental.com/pdfs/TOTB-July-Implant-Article.pdf.

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

One of the most common causes of gum problems is insufficient flossing. If you do not floss your teeth, you never fully clean between your teeth. With time, lack of flossing leads to bleeding gums and sometimes more severe problems like advanced gum disease and loss of teeth. Gum neglect is one extreme of the spectrum.

The other extreme is when you brush your gums really hard. In this situation, gums actually start to recede up and away from their teeth. Receding gums leave sensitive parts of the tooth exposed and can lead to discomfort and later infection.

A misconception about dental care is that you need to brush really hard. This is not true. In fact, it’s often better for your gums and teeth if you use a soft brush and gentle touch. The plaque and bacteria that build up on your teeth are removed more effectively with a soft, gentle scrub. If you brush too hard, you are risking gum recession and you are not cleaning your teeth as efficiently as you could be.

Here are a few tips if you are a “gum scrubber” who tends to brush too hard:
•  Lighten up! The first step is to admit that you brush too hard. Practice brushing with a gentle touch.  You can also ask your spouse or a family member to watch you brush and remind you if you start brushing too hard.
•  Find a new angle. Reduce the force of the brush against your gums and make sure that your toothbrush bristles touch your gums at a 45-degree angle.
•  Power up with an electric toothbrush. If you just can’t seem to brush more softly, get a machine to do it for you! Purchase a battery-powered toothbrush, like a Philips Sonicare or OralB electric  toothbrush. Your McCarl dentists and dental hygienists are happy to make a recommendation based on your brushing preferences. Electric toothbrushes give your teeth and gums a steady, consistent and gentle scrubbing, just like the professional teeth cleaning at your dentist’s office.
•  Try Disclosing tablets. Disclosing tablets are chewable pills or liquid that stains the plaque red.  Then you simply brush and floss until the red is gone. You do not need to brush longer or harder than it takes to get the red off your teeth.
•  Soothe your sensitive teeth with special toothpaste. If you have receding gums caused by excessive brushing, your dentist can prescribe an analgesic toothpaste with special ingredients to reduce discomfort and promote healthier gums.  You may also try Sensodyne or Colgate Pro Health toothpaste.

You can usually repair the harm that has been done to your gums from the pressure of excessive brushing or lack of flossing. At the very least, you can prevent receding gums from getting worse. Ask your dentist at McCarl Dental Group for advice – that’s why we’re here!

With the experienced dentists at McCarl Dental Group, a root canal is a simple and routine procedure that will have you feeling great again quickly. During the root canal, your dentist will remove the pulp from the center of the tooth and fill the pulp cavity. This dental procedure promotes healing and can relieve a toothache and prevent the development of a painful infection that may spread to other teeth. A root canal can also treat an infection that has progressed into an abscessed tooth.

It is important to make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible if you are experiencing dental pain. Bacteria from an infected tooth can enter the bloodstream and cause infections in other parts of the body. Dental patients who are at higher risk of complications from infection or are immunosuppressed may need to take antibiotics before and after a root canal.

The Root Canal Procedure
• First, your dentist will numb your gums with a gel and then your dentist will inject a local anesthetic that will completely numb the teeth, gums, tongue, and skin near the infected tooth.
• The dentist may use a dental damn to separate the decayed tooth from the other teeth. A dental damn is a small sheet of rubber on a metal frame that helps stop liquid and tooth chips from entering your mouth and throat.
• The dentist will use small instruments and a drill to remove the pulp from the tooth. Your dentist may also fill the interior of the tooth below the gum line with medicines, temporary filling materials, and a root canal filling.
• When the root canal is complete, a permanent filling and often a dental crown is needed to strengthen the weakened tooth. When making a crown, the dentist shapes the tooth and then scans the tooth to create a digital impression that is sent to the dental lab fabricating the tooth. With digital impressions, each porcelain crown is a perfect fit! The tooth may be fitted with a temporary crown until the permanent crown is fabricated and cemented into place.

What to Expect After Your Root Canal
After a root canal, your lips and gums may remain numb for a few hours until the anesthetic wears off. An antibiotic will be prescribed if your tooth was infected. If there is any discomfort, pain medicines, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or a stronger prescription painkiller will be prescribed by your dentist.

Root Canal Illustration

The dental patient in this video has an upper removable partial plate that replaces one front tooth and a few others in the back. By inserting a mini dental implant and restoring it with a crown we were able to remove the front tooth off of the existing partial so that it just replaces missing back teeth. The entire procedure took two visits, 2 weeks apart, with a combined chair time of 90 minutes.  The dental visits were extremely easy for the patient. This patient did NOT need general anesthesia, incisions, stitches, and virtually needed no recovery. For the first time in years this Annapolis patient is not missing a front tooth! He is amazed that the mini implant restored with a porcelain crown feels and functions like a natural tooth.

Annapolis Dental Implant Patient Before Procedure

Annapolis dental implant patient after restoring mini implant with a porcelain crown.

With the most recent advances in dental implants, more patients are candidates for permanent tooth replacement. Some patients do not have enough bone in their jaws to place the larger, traditional implants while most patients have sufficient bone mass for placement of a tiny minimally invasive dental implant. Mini implants withstand normal chewing forces just like natural teeth.

Dr. Clayton McCarl, Dr. Jay McCarl and Dr. David McCarl have attended dental implant mini-residency programs and are certified in treatment planning, case selection, implant placement protocol and restorative techniques for both traditional and minimally invasive dental implants.

Adults are having their teeth straightened in unprecedented numbers! Whether you are self-conscious about your smile or concerned about your dental and overall health, Invisalign is a great solution.  Many adults notice their teeth shifting, crowding and getting crooked, especially the lower front teeth. Even people who had braces as teenagers often experience relapse causing crowded teeth.

Benefits of Straight Teeth
• Improved function and wear patterns of the teeth
• Increased ability to clean the teeth
• Better long-term health of teeth and gums
• A more attractive smile

Fortunately there are simple and convenient ways to straighten your teeth. Invisalign trays straighten teeth and correct your bite just like metal braces – only nobody else knows you are wearing them! The metal brackets and wires used with braces often cause irritation to the mouth and gums. Also no metal and wires usually means you spend less time in your dentist’s office getting adjustments. Invisalign is more comfortable, more convenient and less expensive than metal braces. The dentists at McCarl Dental Group are premier providers of Invisalign Orthodontics.

Invisalign can correct a wide variety of dental and orthodontic concerns.  Before starting Invisalign orthodontics at McCarl Dental Group, your dentist will take x-rays and photographs that are combined with 3-D computer imaging technology to design your individual treatment plan. You will receive a series of custom made clear trays which fit snugly over your teeth. Each tray is worn for two weeks before moving to the next tray. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will gradually shift until they have straightened to an ideal position. If you have only minor crowding, it will take fewer trays to correct. Some Invisalign cases take only ten trays (20 weeks) to correct fully. Major crowding cases take longer; however, Invisalign is often faster than traditional braces. For most adults, treatment time is just under one year. Invisalign is a great way to transform your smile without interfering with your day-to-day life.

Sally McCarl Moore adds that hygienists LOVE Invisalign because the patients take them out to eat and brush and floss before replacing them. “This keeps the gums healthy during treatment and does not cause any decay or tooth discoloration, which are all significant problems with traditional braces. Invisalign allows patients to maintain good oral hygiene habits and is a great way to straighten teeth!”

Invisalign Orthodontics are often combined with other dental procedures including, dental implants, porcelain veneers and crowns. Because crooked teeth and misaligned bites can contribute to other health problems, Invisalign orthodontics may be covered by dental insurance. There are also excellent financing options available. Call our Greenbelt Dental Office at 301-474-4144 or our Millersville Dental Office at 410-987-8800.