The Silver Spring dental practice of Dr. Alan Dechter and Dr. Matthew Moy is your home for all your dental health needs. We can help you maintain, restore, and enhance your smile. Our team of experienced professionals can work with you to achieve your dental health goals. We can address all your needs with complete personalized dentistry, a full mouth reconstruction, or a smile makeover.
Dr. Dechter and Dr. Moy commit to advancing their skill through continuing education. Both dentists work constantly on improving your experience. We want to develop a lasting relationship with you as our patient. This way, we can meet your needs with the highest standard of care.
Routine and General Dentistry
Many patients wonder why they should visit us twice a year. Even if you have good oral health and a comfortable smile, visiting the dentist is important for your health. Your routine visits to the dentist are one of the top reasons that you have a healthy mouth. Our team provides general dental services that keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Dental Exams and Professional Teeth Cleanings
A thorough exam and cleaning will spot any signs of a dental problem and remove plaque from all surfaces in the mouth. We screen for tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and other oral health concerns. When Dr. Dechter finds cavities early, we can easily treat them using preventative dentistry. To learn more about preventive and general dental care, visit General dentistry.
Periodontal Therapy
We help patients who have signs and symptoms of gum disease get the treatment that they need. We also provide custom care for patients who are at greater risk of gum disease but don’t have any clear signs and symptoms. Periodontal therapy uses dental procedures like s scaling and root planing to maintain healthy teeth and gums. To learn more about treatments for periodontal disease, visit Periodontal therapy.
Root Canals
Dr. Dechter and Dr. Moy provide convenient and quick care for root canal treatments. We use root canal treatments to save a damaged tooth from extraction. During this treatment, we remove and replace the infected or decayed material from the inside of the tooth. This procedure can repair severely damaged teeth that are still salvageable.
The goal of root canal therapy is to restore the function and look of the affected tooth, and prevent further damage or infection. Dr. Dechter will perform an emergency root canal for new patients if necessary. To learn more about this endodontic treatment, visit Root canals.
Cosmetic Dentistry
We offer treatments to fix cosmetic issues that keep you unhappy about the look of your teeth and mouth. Cosmetic dentistry can enhance your smile with subtle or dramatic results.
Teeth Whitening
You can achieve a quick and painless smile makeover using professional teeth whitening. Our office offers safe and comfortable whitening treatments. The teeth whitening treatment is very effective, whitening your teeth up to 8 shades in just one hour.
If you want more subtle and gradual results, take-home whitening kits are available for you to purchase. To learn more about the whitening process, see Teeth Whitening.
Tooth Bonding
Dental bonding treatment offers a conservative solution for minor cosmetic concerns. This simple and economical cosmetic treatment will improve the health and appearance of your teeth in just one visit. Teeth bonding is a great option for minor to moderate cosmetic dental concerns. It is especially useful for children or adults not ready to commit to a permanent cosmetic restoration. To learn more about the tooth bonding treatment, see Tooth Bonding.
Porcelain Veneers
We use dental veneers to repair chipped and cracked front teeth. The process involves our dentist placing thin shells made of porcelain over the front and sides of teeth in your smile line. Porcelain is a strong material that can resist many types of stains.
The process involves several steps and requires minimal removal of tooth enamel. Our custom veneers will provide beautiful and lasting results. To learn more about the tooth veneer process, see Porcelain Veneers.
Invisible Aligners
Straighten crooked teeth, close gaps between teeth, and more in as little as 6 months. We offer the option of straightening teeth with invisible braces and clear aligners. Clear aligners are more discreet and comfortable than traditional braces.
You must wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day, but they’re so discreet that no one will notice them on your teeth. Clear aligners can align teeth in 6 to 18 months, which is faster than braces. To learn more about these orthodontic treatments, see Clear Aligners.
Dr. Dechter and Dr. Moy work one-on-one with patients seeking to repair cosmetic issues. Your end result will also support your long-term oral health.
Restorative Dentistry
Dr. Dechter and Dr. Moy are leading local dentists near you for the restoration of tooth damage and loss. We offer advanced care for your restorative needs. Our dentists use the latest technology and techniques and quality materials for stable and comfortable results. We offer the following restorative dentistry treatments:
Dental Implants
Dr. Dechter and Dr. Moy provide quality care for all types of dental implants. A dental implant fixture is a titanium post that the dentist will surgically implant into the jawbone beneath the gum line. It supports a denture or dental bridge to replace missing teeth. This is the most natural tooth replacement solution available today. If cared for properly, a dental implant-supported restoration will prevent bone loss and last a lifetime. To learn more about the benefits of dental implants, see Dental Implants.
Dental Crowns
Crowns can address many restorative needs. Our office uses tooth crowns to fix teeth with cracks or decay. We also use crowns to address crooked teeth and teeth compromised by cavities or trauma.
A crown covers the whole tooth to give it strength and stability. We’re proud to offer the convenience and efficiency of same-day dental crowns using CEREC technology. To learn more about the convenience and efficiency of CEREC dental crowns, see Dental Crown.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a secure and aesthetically pleasing treatment option for anyone with one or more missing teeth. It’s a series of artificial teeth that help bridge the gap. This dental restoration is supported by an anchor on either side of the tooth gap to hold the false tooth in place.
Replacing lost teeth with a dental bridge now offers secure results with dental implants. We’ll create a custom dental bridge to give you a functional bite and boost your confidence. To learn more about the various types of bridges, see Dental Bridge.
Dentures
We offer custom dentures with the option of using dental implants to permanently secure your new false teeth. A denture is a set of false teeth that is traditionally the only option for people missing most or all of their teeth. The restoration is custom-made in a dental lab using impressions of your mouth.
Dentures are typically made of a base of acrylic resin and metal. We’ll custom-design a set of dentures to rest directly on your gums. The false teeth are fused to the durable base for a natural look. To learn more about the benefits of dentures, see Dentures and Partials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you want to know more? Read answers to common questions about our dental services in our Silver Spring dental office.
What is the best age to get clear aligners?
There’s no “best” age for clear aligners. Many orthodontists recommend starting treatment in the teenage years. Most permanent teeth have erupted by this age and make it easier for us to assess alignment issues.
But adults can also benefit from clear aligners at any age. The treatment is effective as long as your teeth and gums are healthy. Your dentist or orthodontist can determine if you’re a good candidate, regardless of age.
Does insurance cover veneers?
Most dental insurance plans don’t cover dental veneers. They’re considered cosmetic and not medically necessary. Some plans might partially cover veneers if needed due to an accident. Check your policy or speak with our office for help understanding your coverage.
Do you brush your teeth before or after whitening strips?
Yes. It’s best to brush your teeth before applying whitening strips. This removes plaque, allowing better contact between the whitening agent and your teeth. You should wait at least 30 minutes after brushing before using the strips. Don’t brush immediately after using strips to avoid irritation. Rinse with water instead.
How long does sensitivity last after teeth whitening?
Sensitivity after teeth whitening treatment can last 24 to 48 hours. Some patients might experience it for up to a week. We recommend that you brush with desensitizing toothpaste. Contact our office if you still feel discomfort and we can help.
Can I get a tooth implant years after extraction?
Yes, you can get a tooth implant years after extraction. We’ll need to evaluate the extraction site’s bone density and overall health first. The bone may shrink over time. You may need procedures like bone grafting to ensure adequate support for the implant. Talking with a dentist will help you find the best approach for your situation.
How long does it take to get dentures after teeth are pulled?
It can take about 6 to 8 weeks to get dentures after you get a tooth extraction. This waiting period allows your gums and jawbone to heal properly for a better fit. Sometimes you can get immediate dentures on the same day as the extraction. But these may need adjustments as your mouth heals.
Schedule An Appointment and Dental Exam
We welcome new patients and families from many local areas, including Layhill, Aspen Hill, Kensington, Rockville, and Bethesda. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our office at (301) 508-9755. You can also use our online appointment request form.