6201 Baltimore Avenue Riverdale, MD 20737
11421 Falls Road
Potomac, MD 20859
FAQ
Dental FAQ in the Washington Metropolitan Area
I Have a Question About My Smile. Can I Get a Complimentary Consultation?
We would like to extend a special offer to our Internet viewers! Call our office and ask for our complimentary Cosmetic Evaluation. We will look and give you some ideas on how today's Cosmetic Dentistry can help you. Today, we can perform miracles and create movie star smiles in ways not possible only a few years ago. Come in and ask us how you can have the smile of your dreams and face the world with confidence!
Is This Kind of Treatment Expensive? Can I Make Payments or Get Financing?
Costs for cosmetic treatment can vary widely depending on your needs or desires. Whitening would represent the lower end of the spectrum, while veneers fall at the higher end. To be more specific, costs can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Simple whitening and minor bonding might be in the range of a nice television. Some complex full mouth reconstructions may require an investment comparable to an average car. Many cases fall somewhere in between. Cosmetic dentistry is very much like plastic surgery. It is mostly elective and serves to enhance your appearance. Of course, the investment may have many intangible returns such as increased confidence and self-esteem. Many social studies indicate that feeling good about your appearance can improve your chances at excelling in your career or social life. The best way to determine your options and costs is to arrange a consultation.
How Long Will My Cosmetic Treatment Last?
There are too many factors to accurately predict how long any dental treatment will last. The condition of the teeth prior to treatment influences the longevity of restorations. Home care and eating habits are part of the equation. Of course, the quality of the treatment itself influences the long term outcome. We will promise the our best effort, and use the most highly regarded dental labs in the country.
My Teeth Are Really Broken Down and Worn. Can The Youthful Smile I Had Years Ago, Be Recreated?
In many cases the answer is yes. If you have teeth that are worn, shifted, missing, broken, or a combination of these, full mouth reconstruction can be the answer. Full mouth reconstruction can restore your smile and at the same time, make eating easier and more comfortable.
I Had Some Crowns Placed Some Time Ago, and I Noticed That They Have a Dark Line at The Gum Line.
What Can I Do?
Many patients have this complaint. Until recently, crowns were done with porcelain fused to metal. Unfortunately, it is difficult to mask the dark color of the metal. Today's all porcelain crowns eliminate metal completely. That means no darkness at the gum line ever.
I Had Some Crowns Placed Some Time Ago, and I Noticed That They Have a Dark Line at The Gum Line. What Can I Do?
Many patients have this complaint. Until recently, crowns were done with porcelain fused to metal. Unfortunately, it is difficult to mask the dark color of the metal. Today's all porcelain crowns eliminate metal completely. That means no darkness at the gum line ever.
I Have a Single Dark Tooth in the Front. Can It Be Lightened?
This is a common problem. It is usually caused by a dead pulp in the tooth. A bleaching procedure may be used to lighten the tooth. In some cases a crown or a veneer may be the best approach.
I Have Teeth That Are Chipped. What Can I Do?
Small chips can often be replaced with a bonding procedure. A tooth colored material is used to recreate the lost tooth structure. The color and shape are blended to match the natural tooth. This can often be done without anesthesia.
My Teeth Are Crooked or Have Spaces. Do I Have To Get Braces to Straighten Them?
The answer to this question is, it depends. In some cases orthodontic treatment is the best approach. However, in other cases of misaligned (crooked) teeth, other methods may be used. Porcelain veneers are a breakthrough procedure that can correct this problem. Years of orthodontics can be replaced with veneer placement within two weeks!
Will My Insurance Cover Cosmetic Dentistry?
Like plastic surgery, insurance usually does not cover treatment done for purely cosmetic reasons. However, treatment that is necessary to repair broken or decayed teeth, or replace existing restorations that are defective may qualify for some insurance reimbursement.
My Teeth Are Stained and Yellow. Is There A Way To Whiten Them?
Dental bleaching is one of the most popular cosmetic services. It is an affordable treatment that can give you a bright white smile. We offer "home bleaching" or 1 hour in office bleaching. A professional dental exam is key to making the decision which method is best for you.
Can I Get Rid Of These Ugly Black Fillings?
Yes! Silver fillings are becoming a thing of the past. There are many ways to restore teeth with materials that virtually disappear and blend in with the natural color of your teeth.
How Do I Choose a Dentist For My Cosmetic Needs?
A very important question, for the best results, it is important to know the qualifications and experience of the treating dentist. The term "cosmetic dentistry" has become trendy and many dentists are promoting themselves as cosmetic dentists. At this time cosmetic dentistry is not a recognized specialty, however it is a discipline of dentistry that requires thorough knowledge of science and an artistic eye. Ask your dentist about his or her training in this area. Ask about continuing education courses and experience. A very effective way to understand your dentist's skills is asking to see before and after photographs. Dentists who are dedicated to the art of cosmetic dentistry always take photographs of their cases. Dr. Calomeris is committed to consistent and never ending improvement of his skills. He has accumulated over 1300 hours of continuing education. Dr. Calomeris is a clinical instructor who invites other dentists to train in his "over the shoulder" live patient cosmetic seminars. With over 24 years of experience he was one of the first to place Rembrant Cerinate veneers in this area.