Common Dental Questions
Do you accept referrals?
Many of our patients invite their family and friends to join our practice. The referrals we receive are the best compliment, so feel free to recommend our practice to your friends and family. We’ll take great care of them!
What payment options do you provide?
Investing in your oral health and or smile transformation may be easier than you think. We want to help you achieve your goals by offering you several payment options. For your convenience, we gladly accept cash, check, and credit cards. We also offer financing through CareCredit.
What are my teeth whitening options?
We administer an in-office bleaching treatment called Opalescence X-tra Boost Teeth Whitening System by Ultradent. This product can drastically whiten teeth within one hour. You may have seen procedures that use a “laser” to activate chemistry on the teeth. A light source is a thing of the past. Opalescence X-tra Boost is chemically activated, meaning that it activates itself at the time it is placed on your teeth. If you’re looking for white teeth … fast, this is the option for you. In minutes, the procedure is complete and you have a new smile!
The at-home bleaching product by Opalescence is what we refer to as customized bleaching. For over a decade, this procedure has set the standard for all other systems. First, we take impressions of your teeth. We send you home with custom-fitted trays and syringes of Opalescence gel. The bleaching solution contains powerful whitening formulations that you will place in your tray each day as you whiten your smile.
Treswhites comes in a pre-filled, adaptable tray ready to adhere to your teeth in one easy step. You’ll simply place the tray in your mouth, adapt a thin membrane that will adhere to your teeth, and wear it for 60 minutes, one time a day. It is easier and much more effective than leading supermarket products. It is a prescription-strength formula at an affordable price.
Why do I need a crown?
A dental crown, often called a cap, may be required to improve the structure, shape, or appearance of a tooth. When a tooth has a large filling in it, through time and pressure the surrounding weakened tooth structure will start to show stress fractures. Therefore, before the tooth breaks, it is imperative to place a crown on top of it to keep it together and prevent the need for more treatment.
What is a crown?
A crown is a cover for the portion of a tooth above the gum line. Crowns are held in place with dental cement, and they must be created in a lab. Often patients will wear a temporary crown until the permanent crown is ready.
Why do I need to floss?
Flossing can prevent tooth decay by removing plaque between teeth, and it can also ward off gum disease. If you are only brushing, you are only cleaning 60% of your mouth.
Why do I need X-rays?
X-rays can detect cavities in areas of your mouth a dentist cannot see, such as between teeth and in the roots. X-rays also show your jaw placement, structure, and integrity. All of these hidden areas must be maintained to achieve premium oral health.
Why is fluoride important?
When a tooth incurs a weak spot from the depletion of minerals, a cavity may appear. Fluoride re-mineralizes teeth, fighting cavities before they start. No matter what your age is, whether your source to fluoride is through our water systems or in a professional application we encourage frequent exposure to this natural element.
What are tooth scaling and root planning?
Tooth scaling is professional teeth cleaning to remove plaque and calculus. Root planning is the first step in alleviating periodontal disease. It involves cleaning plaque below the gum line and may require multiple visits to complete the procedure.
What is Bruxism and why do I need a night guard?
Bruxism is the grinding of the teeth, and it often occurs during sleep. A night guard is a specially designed mouthpiece to protect your teeth from the damages caused by nighttime grinding.
Are silver fillings dangerous?
Amalgam fillings contain small amounts of mercury, a chemical hazardous to humans. Years ago, science was not aware of the dangers mercury posed. The level of mercury found in amalgam fillings is negligible, and experts believe that such a small amount is not harmful. However, the topic of amalgam fillings has recently incurred heated debate and media attention. Many patients worried about the toxicity of their amalgam fillings may choose to undergo a simple procedure that involves removing the amalgam and replacing it with porcelain.
If you have more questions, please call 703-323-8200 or email Burke, Virginia dentist Dr. Pamela Marzban.
How long does a smile makeover take?
There isn’t a specific timeline on how long a smile makeover can take because several different cosmetic or restorative procedures may be needed.
How do I maintain my cosmetic dental results?
Maintain your smile makeover by practicing good oral care, making healthy lifestyle choices, and keeping up with regular dental visits.
Do cosmetic dental treatments improve oral health?
Cosmetic treatments can improve oral health by restoring function, preventing damage, and making oral hygiene easier, but this isn’t a substitute for regular brushing, flossing, and checkups.
Are cosmetic dental treatments customizable?
Cosmetic dental treatments are customizable to match your smile goals, facial features, and lifestyle. Contact us to learn more.
Can cosmetic dentistry correct multiple issues at once?
One of the biggest advantages of cosmetic dentistry is that it can address multiple dental concerns. Common dental issues that can be addressed at the same time are:
Discolored teeth
Chipped or cracked teeth
Misaligned or crooked teeth
Gaps in teeth
Missing teeth
What is functional orthodontics?
Functional orthodontics focuses not just on straightening teeth, but on improving the way your teeth, jaws, and facial muscles work together. Unlike traditional orthodontics, which mainly focuses on improving appearance, functional orthodontics aims to enhance overall oral function, health, and long-term stability.
What conditions does functional orthodontics treat?
Functional orthodontics treats a variety of conditions like:
Overbite
Underbite
Crossbite
Open bite
Jaw misalignment or asymmetry
Misaligned chewing or swallowing patterns
Can functional orthodontics improve breathing and sleep?
Functional orthodontics can help with breathing and sleep, especially in children and teens whose jaws are still growing, as well as in adults.
What is TMJ disorder?
TMJ disorder (temporomandibular joint disorder) is a condition that affects the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. This joint allows you to move your jaw up and down and side to side for talking, chewing, and yawning.
How is TMJ disorder diagnosed?
TMJ disorder is diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation, medical history, and CBCT (3D) imaging. Early diagnosis can help prevent worsening pain and improve jaw function.
Can TMJ treatment help with headaches and neck pain?
Treating TMJ disorder can often relieve headaches, neck pain, and other related conditions because these issues are frequently caused by muscle tension and jaw misalignment.
Do I need surgery for TMJ disorder?
In most cases, TMJ disorder does not require surgery. The majority of patients find relief with non-invasive treatments.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where a person’s breathing repeatedly pauses or becomes very shallow during sleep. These pauses can last a few seconds to a minute or more and often occur many times per hour, usually disrupting normal sleep patterns.
What are the most common symptoms of sleep apnea?
The most common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
Loud snoring
Breathing interruptions during sleep
Gasping or choking during sleep
Restless sleep or frequent tossing and turning
Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue, even after a full night's sleep
Morning headaches
Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
Irritability or mood changes
Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
Are there different types of sleep apnea?
There are three main types of sleep apnea, each with different causes:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Central Sleep Apnea
Combination of OSA and CSA
How is holistic dentistry different from traditional dentistry?
Holistic dentistry differs from traditional dentistry in its approach to oral health, overall wellness, and treatment philosophy. While both focus on teeth and gums, holistic dentistry looks at the whole body connection.
How can tongue or lip ties affect my baby?
Tongue and lip ties occur when the tissue under the tongue (lingual frenulum) or upper lip (labial frenulum) is unusually tight or short. In babies, this can affect feeding, growth, and oral development.
What are common signs of tongue or lip ties in infants?
Here are the most common signs of tongue or lip ties in infants:
Trouble latching or staying latched during breastfeeding
Clicking sounds while nursing
Long, exhausting feeding sessions
Poor milk transfer
Frequent gassiness or colic due to swallowing air
Fussiness or frustration during feeding
Trouble sticking out the tongue or moving it side to side
Heart-shaped or notched tongue tip
A short or tight band of tissue under the tongue or upper lip
Gap between upper front teeth (later in development)
What is tongue and lip tie treatment?
By releasing tight tissue under the tongue or upper lip, this treatment helps babies feed comfortably, swallow effectively, and have healthy development.
If you have more questions, please call 703-323-8200 or email Dr. Pamela Marzban. Serving clients in Burke, Northern Virginia, Fairfax, and surrounding areas.