beauty, balance, breath

Patient FAQs

Cosmetic and Neuromuscular Dentistry in Burke, VA

At Pamela Marzban DDS, we believe that informed patients make the best decisions about their oral health.

Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions we receive from our patients

  • Absolutely. Many of our patients invite their friends and family to join our practice, and we consider that the highest compliment. We’re honored by your trust and will take exceptional care of anyone you refer.

  • Investing in your oral health and smile transformation may be easier than you think. We accept cash, checks, and major credit cards, and also offer financing through CareCredit to make your treatment as accessible as possible.

  • Brushing cleans only about 60% of your tooth surface. Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between teeth, preventing decay and gum disease where your toothbrush can’t reach.

  • Dental X-rays allow us to see what’s happening below the surface—between teeth, under fillings, and along the roots. They help us detect early signs of decay, infection, and bone loss before they become serious problems.

  • Fluoride strengthens enamel and helps re-mineralize weak spots before cavities form. Whether through drinking water, toothpaste, or professional treatments, regular exposure to fluoride supports long-term cavity prevention.

  • These are deep-cleaning procedures used to treat gum disease. Scaling removes hardened plaque (tartar) above and below the gum line, while root planing smooths the root surfaces to help gums heal and reattach.

  • Bruxism is the unconscious grinding or clenching of teeth, often during sleep. It can lead to tooth wear, fractures, headaches, and jaw pain. A custom night guard protects your teeth and joints from damage caused by grinding.

  • Amalgam (silver) fillings contain small amounts of mercury, which has raised safety concerns in recent years. While the FDA considers them generally safe, many patients prefer tooth-colored, mercury-free alternatives for peace of mind. We offer safe amalgam removal and replacement with porcelain or composite restorations.

  • A crown is a durable, custom-made cap that covers the visible part of your tooth above the gum line. It’s cemented in place and designed to look and feel like your natural tooth. You may wear a temporary crown while your permanent one is crafted in our partner lab.

  • A dental crown strengthens and protects a weakened or fractured tooth. When a tooth has a large filling or visible cracks, a crown prevents further breakage and restores both function and aesthetics.

Teeth Whitening

  • We offer three effective whitening solutions to help you achieve a brighter smile:

    In-Office Whitening (Opalescence X-tra Boost): A one-hour, chemically activated treatment that delivers dramatic results without the need for lights or lasers.

    Custom Take-Home Whitening (Opalescence): Custom-fitted trays and professional-grade gel you can use at home for powerful, gradual whitening.

    Pre-Filled Whitening Trays (TresWhite): A convenient, prescription-strength option for easy daily use.

    Learn More

  • Yes. Both Boost and Opalescence are approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) as safe and effective. Mild sensitivity may occur but is temporary. Whitening under professional supervision minimizes risk and ensures proper application.

  • Whitening lifts stains from enamel but doesn’t alter its natural color. Results depend on your enamel’s thickness and tone as well as the color of your dentin (the layer beneath). For more dramatic or uniform results, porcelain veneers can be an alternative.

  • Most surface and age-related stains respond well to whitening. However, discoloration caused by medications (such as tetracycline), fluorosis, or trauma may not. In those cases, Dr. Marzban may recommend veneers or another cosmetic solution.

  • No. Whitening only affects natural enamel. If your existing restorations no longer match your newly brightened teeth, we can replace them for a seamless look.

    • Brush twice daily and floss once a day

    • Limit dark-colored foods and drinks (coffee, tea, red wine)

    • Avoid smoking and tobacco

    • Schedule routine cleanings every six months

    • Use your Opalescence trays for touch-ups as recommended

  • The ADA recommends whitening no more than twice a year for comfort and enamel protection.

  • Dr. Marzban offers a downloadable information sheet about general teeth whitening, procedure options, and its advantages.

    DOWNLOAD INFORMATION SHEET

Porcelain Veneers

  • Veneers can address many cosmetic concerns:

    • Discolored or deeply stained teeth (including stains that don’t respond to whitening)

    • Chipped or cracked teeth

    • Small, worn, or uneven teeth and edges

    • Gaps and uneven spacing

    • Mildly crooked or rotated teeth

    Note: veneers don’t replace missing teeth. For tooth replacement, we may recommend dental implants or other restorations as part of your smile makeover.

  • Yes, if you have good oral health: teeth free of active decay, healthy gums, and a balanced bite. We’ll evaluate for gum disease, decay, or signs of bruxism/TMJ. If needed, we’ll first complete gum disease treatment, bite stabilization, or other foundational care to support long-term veneer success.

    Learn More

  • No. Because we can match color and shape precisely, you can veneer one tooth, several, or your full visible smile. Your plan is personalized to your goals.

  • Only if you want them to. We can design a subtle, natural result that blends seamlessly—or a bolder transformation that still looks authentic.

  • Veneers bond to the front of your existing teeth. To achieve a perfect fit and natural profile, we typically remove a small amount of enamel so the veneer sits flush and in harmony with adjacent teeth.

  • Most cases take two visits a few weeks apart. At visit one, we prepare teeth, capture records for the lab, and place temporaries if needed. A master ceramist crafts your custom veneers. At visit two, we try-in, refine, and permanently bond your veneers.

  • Longevity depends on home care, bite forces, and regular maintenance. Modern ceramics are strong and stain-resistant. Published studies show excellent survival rates over 10+ years; many patients enjoy results well beyond that with proper care.

    • Brush twice daily and floss once daily (including between veneered teeth)

    • See us every six months for professional cleanings and exams

    • Avoid chewing ice or hard objects; limit frequent exposure to dark staining agents

    • If you clench or grind, wear your recommended night guard

Invisalign® Clear Braces

  • Treatment length varies, but most patients complete their Invisalign plan in 6–18 months. Thanks to SmartTrack® material, many see results in half the time compared to older systems or braces.

  • You may experience minor adjustments during the first few days of wear, but most patients adapt quickly. Invisalign aligners fit snugly, making it easy to speak, work, and socialize with confidence.

  • Aligners are crafted from SmartTrack®, a medical-grade, BPA-free thermoplastic designed for durability and consistent tooth movement.

  • Yes. Wearing retainers ensures your teeth remain in their new position. Initially, you’ll wear them full-time, then only at night as your smile stabilizes.

Sedation Dentistry

  • Sedation dentistry uses mild sedatives to reduce anxiety and enhance comfort during dental treatment. You remain conscious, relaxed, and able to respond to the dentist, but most patients remember little of their visit.

  • Yes. Sedation helps anyone who experiences anxiety, a strong gag reflex, difficulty getting numb, or physical tension during appointments. By keeping your body relaxed, sedation reduces sensitivity and makes treatment smoother and more comfortable.

  • Absolutely. When you’re relaxed, we can complete more care in one visit. Sedation is ideal for longer procedures, full-mouth treatments, or combined cosmetic and restorative dentistry appointments.

  • Yes. NuCalm® is a drug-free relaxation technology that uses neuroscience-based methods to calm the body’s nervous system. It combines a natural supplement, microcurrent stimulation, neuroacoustic audio, and light blocking to create a meditative, anxiety-free state.

    In studies and patient reports, 95% say they would use it again, and 98% would recommend it to friends and family.

  • Yes. In addition to NuCalm®, we offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral conscious sedation, depending on your needs. As a DOCS-certified provider, Dr. Marzban will determine which option is safest and most effective for you.

  • No. Sedation dentistry helps you relax without putting you fully to sleep. You’ll remain aware and able to respond, but most patients feel so calm that they barely remember the experience.

  • Yes. Sedation has been used safely for decades. We review your health history and medications, monitor you throughout treatment, and customize the dosage and approach for your safety.

  • You may benefit from sedation if you:

    • Feel anxious about dental treatment

    • Have a strong gag reflex

    • Experience soreness or stiffness during dental visits

    • Need multiple or complex procedures

    • Want a more comfortable, stress-free experience

 

Reach Out!

Experience the difference of dentistry designed for beauty, balance, and breath. To learn more about Dr. Pamela Marzban and our comprehensive cosmetic and restorative dentistry in Burke, Virginia, call 703-323-8200 today. We welcome patients from Fairfax, Fairfax Station, and across Northern Virginia seeking a truly holistic approach to oral health.

8996 Burke Lake Road
Suite #101
Burke, Virginia 22015

Existing Patients: 703-323-8200
New Patients: 703-782-4705

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