The Silver Spring dental office of Dr. Alan Dechter and Dr. Matthew Moy offers general dental services to all families. Get the convenience of comprehensive dental care for children and adults under one roof. Family dentistry in our Silver Spring, MD office lets your family visit one location on the same day, for preventive care appointments.
We can work with you to coordinate appointment times so everyone can visit on the same day! Our family dental office also has evening and Saturday dental appointments to accommodate busy work-week schedules. We prioritize your time and convenience.
Contact our friendly staff to set up dentist appointments that work for your busy schedule. We strive to provide quality dental services on time so that you can get back to your life.
The Benefits of Early Dental Visits
Visit our family dentistry to enjoy all the benefits that our practice has to offer. Parents and caregivers bring children in for their first dental appointment soon after the primary teeth erupt. Early visits with our family dentist serve several vital purposes for the long-term oral health of your child. You can look forward to the benefits of children’s dental visits:
Reduces anxiety at the dentist
Starting dental visits early in childhood helps kids feel more comfortable and less anxious about going to the dentist. It also builds trust between the child and the dentist. This trust can prevent your child from developing a fear of dental visits as they grow older.
Monitors oral development
Early visits provide us the opportunity to monitor your child’s oral development. We will alert you to any concerns that could impact their speech, health, and appearance of their teeth.
Teaches good oral habits
In our office, we offer age-appropriate oral hygiene tips and demonstrate proper teeth brushing techniques. We want our pediatric patients to learn how to maintain their teeth and mouth at home. We also want them to learn about the benefits of good oral health for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Age-Specific Dental Care
Preventive dental care can help maintain your oral health with personalized care. We aim to provide each patient with the services they need to address their concerns and risk factors. Dr. Dechter and Dr. Moy believe in the value of relationship dentistry.
Dental Care in Your Early Years
We spend time with each of our younger patients to get to know them and understand their oral health. But children aren’t the only ones with specialized oral health needs. Certain ages are more likely to experience certain oral health problems.
In the late teens and early twenties, wisdom teeth begin to erupt. Many of our mouths don’t have space for these to come in, so we seek wisdom teeth removal. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain and shift your teeth, causing crowding. To learn more about our wisdom teeth removal services, visit Tooth extraction.
At this age, many people also want to focus on getting straighter teeth. Clear aligners are the choice for many in this age group. Many people aren’t able to tell that you are currently straightening your teeth with aligners. To learn about our ClearCorrect® aligner services, visit Clear aligners.
Dental Care in Your Later Years
As we age, our lifestyle habits and extra years begin to take their toll. Our tooth enamel thins, showing more of the yellow dentin inside. If you’re a regular smoker or coffee drinker, years of bad habits can permanently stain your teeth.
Our dentists can provide professional teeth whitening to remove years of stains from your teeth. Our professional teeth whitening services can brighten your teeth by many shades in a single treatment. To learn about teeth whitening treatments at our dental office, visit Teeth whitening.
You may have another dental issue if you have more severely stained teeth that do not respond to teeth whitening. Sometimes ,certain medications or a genetic issue can cause teeth to stain. Our dentist can not whiten deep and dark stains that are past the surface level of you teeth using whitening treatments.
If the deep stain is not causing dental health issues, we can hide it using a cosmetic treatment like porcelain veneers. Our porcelain veneers can cover imperfections. To learn more about these veneers, visit Porcelain veneers.
Do you have tooth loss? Seniors are more likely than other age groups to suffer from tooth loss. But everyone’s situation is different and tooth loss can occur in any age group. We offer a variety of tooth replacement options.
We will work with you to develop a dental plan to replace missing and lost teeth. Common treatments we use to replace missing and lost teeth include the following:
Patient Testimonial
“I took my 2.5 year old son for a cleaning yesterday. My son had a great visit. His teeth were cleaned by a wonderful hygienist (Afsoun) and he was thought how to better brush his teeth and the importance of regular brushing.
During the visit, 1-2 cavities were found and Dr. Dechter made time to fix the cavities right then, instead of us having to come back for a second visit. My son actually had fun and he walked away with clean teeth, no cavities, a red balloon, some cool stickers, and a big smile on his face.
During the car ride home, he said he wants to go back again. Thanks for the great, quick, and wonderful service.”
-Kooroosh D.
Children’s Dental Services in Silver Spring
We offer complete dental care for the needs of a growing smile in a friendly environment. Our dental services for children will help your child maintain a healthy smile. We will address any problems or diseases along the way.
Dental Exams and Cleanings
Regular dental exams and cleanings are the foundation of good oral health. During these visits, we:
Check for cavities: Using a visual exam and a handheld scanner, we look for early signs of tooth decay. This helps us catch small problems before they turn into bigger ones.
Clean teeth thoroughly: Our hygienists provide gentle yet thorough cleanings to remove plaque and tartar, keeping your child’s teeth healthy and bright.
Dental Sealants
Sealants are a simple and effective way to protect your child’s teeth from cavities. We apply a thin, protective coating to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars), where food particles often get trapped. Sealants can last for several years and are a great way to prevent decay.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities. We may recommend a fluoride treatment after cleaning to give your child’s teeth extra protection. The fluoride varnish we use covers every tooth to make the enamel stronger and more resistant to decay.
Sports Mouthguards
If your child is active in sports, a custom mouthguard is a must to protect their teeth and gums from injury. We create comfortable, custom-fit mouthguards for kids and adults to wear during sports or other physical activities. These mouthguards provide the best protection.
Invisible Aligners
We offer clear aligners as an alternative to traditional metal braces for teens and adults who need orthodontic treatment. These nearly invisible aligners can straighten teeth. Aligners correct mild to moderate orthodontic issues without the hassle of wires and brackets. They’re a great option for those who want a more discreet way to improve their smile.
We also offer cosmetic dentistry procedures and restorative dental treatments near you for all ages. Maintaining the health of your smile is our first priority. These services are a part of family dentistry services in our Silver Spring, MD dental office.
Family Dentistry FAQs
Learn more about family dentistry in Silver Spring, MD, with answers to these common patient questions:
How do I choose a family dentist?
Choosing a family dentist can be a huge decision. First, ensure the dentist is qualified to treat children and adults. Some dentists claim to be able to work with children but don’t have the experience.
Next, search for online reviews and see what their past and current patients say about them. Reviews not on their website hold more merit because they cannot manipulate them. Schedule an initial visit to their office to see if you and your family will feel comfortable there. A great first impression can go a long way.
When should my child first visit the dentist?
The ADA recommends that you schedule your child’s first dental visit before their first birthday or when their first tooth erupts. Take your child to the dentist once their teeth start coming in to ensure proper development.
Their first impression should be a positive and friendly one. Bring some of their favorite toys to keep them happy and alleviate anxiety. Remember, the dentist is here to help patients, not scare them away.
Can family dentists do fillings?
Family dentists do fill cavities. They provide general dentistry procedures such as fillings and cleanings to remove plaque and tooth decay. If you need dental work done that your family dentist does not work with, they will typically recommend you to a specialist.
What is the best age to get clear aligners?
There is no “best age” to get clear aligners. They can be effective for patients across a wide age range. Many adults choose aligners for their discreet appearance.
Teens can also benefit from this treatment. We recommend that you until all permanent teeth grow. This usually happens in the early teens.
How long do porcelain veneers take to put on?
Porcelain veneers usually require two appointments. The first visit involves preparing your teeth and taking impressions. This takes 1-2 hours. We’ll place temporary veneers while the lab crafts your custom set.
About two weeks later, you’ll return for the final fitting. This second appointment usually lasts about an hour. The process, from consultation to final placement, generally takes 2-4 weeks.
Does teeth whitening cause sensitivity?
Teeth whitening can cause temporary sensitivity. Many patients can feel some discomfort during or after treatment. This happens because whitening opens tiny pores in your enamel and exposes nerve endings. But this sensitivity usually fades within a few days. We offer desensitizing treatments and recommend special toothpaste to manage any discomfort.
What do I do if my child is nervous about going to the dentist?
If your child is nervous about going to the dentist, there are several things you can do to help them feel more comfortable:
- Talk About It Positively: Talk to your child about the dentist before the visit. Explain that the dentist helps keep teeth clean and healthy. Avoid using words like “pain,” “hurt,” or “shot,” because this might make them more anxious.
- Use a Fun Story or Book: Many children’s books and videos about going to the dentist show the experience in a fun and friendly way. These can help your child understand what to expect and make them feel more at ease. Some kids’ shows even feature characters going to the dentist, which can help reduce their fear.
- Visit the Dentist Early: Take your child to the dentist regularly, even from a young age. Early visits help them get used to the office and the process so they won’t feel scared when they get older. The first few visits will be short and focus on cleaning the teeth.
- Bring Comfort Items: Some kids feel better if they have a favorite toy, blanket, or stuffed animal with them in our dental office. Having something familiar can help them feel more comfortable.
Does insurance cover family dentistry?
Yes, insurance often covers family dentistry, but it depends on your specific dental plan. Most dental insurance plans cover preventive care like routine exams, cleanings, and X-rays. This means your family can get regular checkups and cleanings without paying the full cost out of pocket.
Contact Our Office
Do you need to make a dental visit for you and your child? Get family dentistry services in Silver Spring, MD, for children, teens, and adults. Call Dechter and Moy Dentistry at (301) 508-9755. You can also schedule an appointment online.