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.
Smile Maintenance: The Importance of Routine Dentistry
Many patients wonder why they should visit with 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 is one of the top reasons that you have a healthy mouth. Our team provides the following 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 that have signs and symptoms of gum disease get the treatment that they need. We also provide custom care for patients that are at greater risk of gum disease but do not have any clear signs and symptoms. Periodontal therapy is the use of dental procedures, such as 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. It involves removing the infected or decayed material from the inside of the tooth and replacing it. This procedure can repair severely damaged teeth that are still salvageable.
The goal of root canal treatment 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 endodontics treatment, visit Root canals.
Enhancing Smiles using Cosmetic Dentistry
We offer treatments to fix cosmetic issues that keep yo unhappy about the look of your teeth and mouth. Cosmetic dentistry can enhance your smile offering subtle or dramatic results.
Teeth Whitening
You can achieve a quick and painless smile makeover using professional teeth whitening. The whitening treatments we offer are quick, safe and effective. The teeth whitening treatment is very comfortable, effective, and will whiten your teeth up to 8 shades in just one hour. For patients looking for more subtle and gradual results, take-home whitening kits may 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 your dentist placing thin shells made of porcelain over the front and sides of certain teeth in your smile line. Porcelain is a strong material that can resist many types of stains. The process involve several steps and requires minimal removal of tooth enamel. Our custom porcelain veneers will provide beautiful, 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. The treatment uses clear aligners that are more discreet and comfortable than traditional braces. While wearing for the 20-22 hours a day, no one will even notice. 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.
Restoring Your Dental Health using 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 latest technology and techniques and quality materials to ensure 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
As a typical dental restoration, we use dental crowns to address many restorative needs. Our office is proud to offer the convenience and efficiency of same day dental crowns using CEREC technology, when appropriate for your treatment needs. A crown covers the whole tooth to give it strength and stability. 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. 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 is a series of artificial teeth that help bridge the gap that missing teeth create. This dental restoration is supported by an anchor on either side of the gap to hold the false tooth in place. Replacing lost teeth with a dental bridge now offers secure results using dental implants. Your dentist will create a custom dental bridge to give you a functional and beautiful smile, boosting 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 secure your new false teeth permanently. 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 will custom design a set of dentures to rest directly on the 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
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, making it easier to assess alignment issues. However, 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 porcelain veneers?
Most dental insurance plans don’t cover dental veneers. They’re considered cosmetic, 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 usually lasts 24 to 48 hours. Some patients might experience it for up to a week. You can use desensitizing toothpaste to help reduce discomfort. If your teeth sensitivity persists, contact our office.
Can I get a tooth implant years after extraction?
Yes, you can get a tooth implant years after extraction. However, your dentist will need to evaluate the extraction site’s bone density and overall health. Over time, the bone may shrink, requiring procedures like bone grafting to ensure adequate support for the implant. Talk with a dentist will help you determine 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 teeth are pulled. This waiting period allows your gums and jawbone to heal properly, ensuring a better fit for the dentures. In some instances, you can get immediate dentures on the same day as the extraction. However, 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 or use our online appointment request form.