When you have a gap between two of your teeth or have misshapen teeth with spaces between them, you may feel self conscious and embarrassed about your appearance. With our porcelain veneers, bonding and dental implants, we can treat these gaps between your teeth and end your embarrassment and discomfort. With years of cosmetic dentistry expertise, Dr. Cobb will greatly enhance the appearance of your teeth, the beauty of your smile and give you a boost in your self esteem and confidence like you have never before experienced.

Porcelain veneers are ceramic shells or outer coatings applied to the outer surface of your teeth. Today’s porcelain veneers blend perfectly with the natural coloring of your adjacent teeth so that no one would ever notice the veneer. Instead, they will notice the beautiful results that come about after the application of the porcelain veneer. Veneers also correct the appearance of misshapen teeth and teeth with uneven surfaces, in addition to filling gaps between two teeth. Dr. Cobb will outfit your teeth with porcelain veneers in a three visit time frame.

At your first visit, Dr. Cobb will consult with you about the pros and cons of veneers and show you what you will look like when veneers are applied to your teeth. During your second visit, a thin, 0.5 millimeter layer of enamel will be removed from your teeth to make space for the porcelain veneers so that they can be permanently attached to your teeth. During this time, a temporary veneer may be applied to your teeth until your permanent porcelain veneers are completed by the dental laboratory. Once your permanent porcelain veneers are ready, Dr. Cobb will make adjustments to the fit until you are comfortable, and then the veneers will be permanently adhered to your teeth.

You will notice an immediate improvement in the appearance of your teeth and relief of your mouth pain due to misshapen teeth once the porcelain veneers are bonded to your teeth. This improvement will last a lifetime with careful dental hygiene and regular dental care.

Tags: Cosmetic Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist Washington DC, Maryland, Oral Health, Porcelain Veneers, Washington DC

Your smile is one of the first things that someone notices about you when they first meet you and not having a straight, pearly-white smile can cause you to have problems with your self-esteem. Besides contributing to poor self-esteem, problems with your teeth can also contribute to discomfort in both your jaw and mouth.

Problems in your mouth may be a result of tooth loss, movement, fractures or wear and tear as you age. The good news is that you aren’t stuck with your mouth being that way for the rest of your life. Restorative dentistry helps you restore your confidence and provides many options for improving your dental health.

After a consultation with a dentist who can analyze the condition of your mouth, you can take the next steps to determine which method of restorative dentistry is most appropriate for your situation. Dental implants replace broken or missing teeth in your mouth to improve your smile and confidence. The implant is typically composed of titanium and fuses to the bone. They are strong and natural looking and provide a long-term solution to dental concerns.

Porcelain veneers place a thin shell on the outer covering of the tooth to brighten a dull or worn smile due to aging. Before veneers can be applied, a thin layer of tooth enamel must be removed to make room for the placement. They’re more ideal to improve the look for a faded smile, as opposed to fixing more serious problems with missing or damaged teeth.

If a gap is a problem in your mouth, you may be a candidate for bridge work. A bridge gets its name from bridging the gap in a patient’s mouth with an artificial tooth that eliminates the gap and also fits comfortably in the mouth similar to a natural tooth. They may be used in combination with other restorative dental procedures for a comprehensive plan to fix all problems in a patient’s mouth.

Tags: Bridge work, Chevy Chase, Gapped teeth, Maryland, Porcelain Veneers, Restorative Dentistry

Have you ever been right in the middle of smiling, only to stop yourself because you were embarrassed about your teeth. A lot of people have silver colored fillings, which are also known as “amalgam” fillings. These fillings stand out against the white color of your teeth, especially if you have a lot of the metallic fillings in your mouth. If this is your personal experience, Dr. Cobb can help you.

Andrew C. Cobb, DDS, is a dentist who specializes in Cosmetic Dentistry, Advanced Restorative Dentistry and Dental Implants. For over 25 years, he has served the Washington DC, Chevy Chase and Bethesda areas. Let Dr. Cobb uses composite fillings, which are also known as “white fillings.” These fillings are attractive and durable, and they blend in with your teeth so that they are vitually undetectable.

Even if you have larger cavities, Dr. Cobb can give you porcelain dental inlays or onlays that will also blend in and cover the biting surface of your tooth. Dental crowns are another way to treat weaker teeth that may be at risk of breaking. These crowns also blend with the natural appearance of your teeth.

Come see Dr. Cobb for your dental needs. You don’t have to be embarrassed about your unsightly metal fillings any longer. When you have dental work that is vitually invisible to others, you’ll be proud of your teeth. The next time you smile, you won’t have to cover up ugly fillings and dental work. Having great looking teeth is a simple way to dramatically boost your self confidence. When your self confidence is stronger, you’ll notice positive changes in your relationships, work and personal satisfaction. You can achieve this by doing away with silver fililngs and replacing them with composite resin fillings. Andrew C. Cobb, DDS, is the professional who is qualified to bring the latest innovations in dentistry to you and your family.

Tags: Chevy Chase, Composite Resin Fillings, Cosmetic Dentist Washington DC, Dental Crowns, Maryland, Replacement Fillings

Symptoms of periodontal disease, or gum disease, include swollen, red, sore and bleeding gums that often happens while brushing or flossing. It affects 75% of American adults according to The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). Gum disease not only affects the gums, but can lead to gingivitis which can cause receding gums and even tooth loss if left untreated. Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups can prevent gum disease.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA) periodontal disease is more of a concern for tooth loss than cavities. Everyone is potentially at risk for gum disease, but risk factors increase with age, in those who smoke and with pregnancy. The best way to prevent gum disease is good oral hygiene.

Brushing twice daily is important. Many overlook the importance of flossing. With regular flossing comes healthier and tighter gums. Floss goes in between teeth at the gum line, removing food before it can turn in to plaque. Plaque eventually hardens and turns in to tartar which is the culprit for gum disease. Only a dental professional can clear away tartar and treat gum disease properly to prevent damage.

Periodontics is a specialty of dentistry that deals with the treatment of gum disease and its contributing factors. A Periodontist can treat mild gum disease with a regular cleaning, or may recommend a deep cleaning to remove the bacteria below the gum line. Depending on the severity, surgical treatments may be an option. New treatments for gum disease have proven to be more comfortable and provide less down time than ever before. The sooner gum disease is treated, the less treatment that is needed and the better the outcome.

While sore and bleeding gums are common warning signs of gum disease, often there are no signs and symptoms. Only a dentist can tell you whether you have gum disease. Visiting the dentist for regular check-ups can prevent future tooth loss, and keep gums and teeth healthy, always.

Tags: Chevy Chase, Gingivitis, Gum Disease, Healthy Smile, Maryland, Oral Health, Sore Gums

Having broken and missing teeth can pose a lot of problems. Not only can it be embarrassing but it can also lead to health problems as well. It is important to get this problem fixed as soon as possible. Not only will you look and feel better about yourself, but your mouth will be much healthier and your teeth can work together again properly. Below are some of the most popular options for replacing or fixing broken or missing teeth.

Dentures

For those that are missing many or all of the teeth in their mouth, getting dentures is an easy fix. Whether your teeth have fallen out because of an accident, disease or lack of care, they are perfect for any situation that has led to teeth missing. A benefit of dentures is that they can be created to custom fit your mouth and give you a comfortable fit.

Implants

Dental implants can also be used to replace a gap in your mouth where a tooth is missing. The implants are implanted into the jawbone of the patient to ensure a secure hold. With implants, it is extremely important that the patient practice good oral hygiene and have regular dental checkups to make certain that the dental implants are being taken care of and will last as long as they are supposed to.

Crowns

If you have teeth that are decaying or just damaged, a popular option would be to get a dental crown. Dental crowns are beneficial because not only do they add to the physical appeal of your smile, but the crown will also protect your tooth from further damage. They will also provide extra protection from sensitivity in the damaged tooth as well.

Partials

A dental partial, or sometimes referred to as a bridge, is a prosthetic that you would get to replace a few missing teeth. They are usually made of metal or plastic and can be fixed partials or removable ones. The fixed partials attach artificial teeth to your jaw using a dental crown. It can also be attached using implants. The removable partials consist of metal framework that holds plastic gums and teeth. Clasps hold the partials in place, but they can be easily removed for cleaning.

Tags: Bethesda, Broken Teeth, Chevy Chase, Chipped Teeth, Cosmetic Dentist, Dental Crowns, Dental Implants, Maryland, Missing Teeth, Porcelain Veneers

Jaws that pop and click when the mouth moves can lead to pain in the jaw, head and neck aches and difficulties when moving the mouth. Jaw clicking can be annoying, but it is indicating that a more serious problem, such as Temporomandibular Disorder (TMJ) could be occurring.

Causes of Clicking Jaws

The jaw operates as a hinge. The jaw muscles, or hinges open and close the mouth. When these muscles becomes stretched or are suffering from an injury the top and bottom jaw can open and close at a different rate. This causes the jaw to click or pop, and since the jaw joints are near the ear the person can feel and hear the clicking sound. Some people think that their jaw has become dislocated, but this is not the case.
There are several causes of clicking and popping jaws.

•Bruxism – when a person grinds their teeth while sleeping, or clenches the jaw tightly, the jaw muscles can be pulled. This can lead to the clicking and popping sound.

•Chewing gum – constantly chewing gum or chewing tough foods such as hard taffy can also stretch the jaw muscles resulting in clicking jaws when eating or talking.

•Trauma to jaw – if a person has an impact to the face it can damage the mandibular, or jaw muscle.

•Stress – a person tightening their jaw or facial muscles, or clenching their teeth during stressful times can result in sore jaws and stretched muscles.

•Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can settle in the jaw muscles

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

The clicking and popping of the jaw can be a sign of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). It can result in pain in the face, neck, and jaw and shoulder area when eating, talking or opening the mouth. Chewing can be difficult and there can be swelling on one side of the face.

Treatment depends on an accurate diagnosis being made by experienced dental professionals. Treatment can be as simple as a bite appliance or as serious as restorative or orthodontic treatments. A person suffering from popping and clicking of the jaws should seek assistance at www.cobbdentistry.net/procedures/tmj.aspx

Tags: Headaches, Jaw Clicking, Jaw Discomfort, Jaw Pain, Jaw Popping, Maryland, TMJ

For many people, a fear of traditional braces can be a barrier to straight teeth. Metal braces are usually worn by children, so older teens may feel that a mouth full of metal will make them look younger than they are. Adults who need to have their teeth straightened worry that metal braces will make them look juvenile or unprofessional. The metal parts on traditional braces can irritate sensitive tissues in the mouth, make flossing and other dental hygiene difficult and leave discolorations on teeth. Invisalign solves these problems with a clear plastic aligner that can be removed at any time.

Invisalign’s clear aligner trays are virtually invisible in the mouth. They can be removed for brushing, flossing, eating and playing sports. Invisalign can provide all of the health benefits of braces by gently rearranging teeth, preventing periodontal problems caused by teeth that are crowded or widely spaced. These aligners are made without BPA, a chemical that can leach into the mouth from cheaply made plastics.

The clear plastic trays used in this procedure are custom shaped with the help of x-rays and impressions of the patient’s teeth. This ensures that the aligner trays fit each individual’s mouth perfectly. There should not be any rough spots, chafing or rubbing with a well-made tray. After the initial fitting, the patient receives a whole set of clear aligners. Every two weeks, the patient switches to a new aligner until the set is used up and the teeth are perfectly positioned. This simple process requires only occasional checkups and can be finished in a time frame comparable to traditional braces.

Many teens and adults choose to use these clear plastic products because they want the benefits of dental health without the appearance or irritation of metal braces. Invisalign’s products allow patients to look professional and stay comfortable while reaping the benefits of flawlessly aligned teeth.

Tags: Bethesda, Braces, Chevy Chase, Cosmetic Dentist, Cosmetic Dentistry Washington DC, Invisalign, Invisible Braces

People often suffer great pain when their teeth do not align correctly or if there is something wrong with the two joints in front of their ears that connect the lower jaw to the skull, known as TMJ joints. This is known as temporomandibular joint disorder. In most cases, people with this disorder endure migraines, facial and jaw aches, neck and back pain, and have an abnormal bite. Other symptoms include chewing difficulty, emitting clicking or popping noises when opening the mouth, chronic earaches, and teeth grinding.

Analysis and a careful examination of the patient’s TMJ joints and mouth allow dentists and orthodontists to create specialized therapy treatment plans. In minor cases, corrective therapy aims to relax muscles and calm down inflammation. This can be done through gentle jaw exercises, a soft diet regimen, and warm and cold moist compressors. Other treatment methods include utilizing a splint, oral medication, facial massages, and in extreme cases, surgery. Long term treatment can last well over six months.

Chronic headaches, body aches, and trouble chewing are just a few symptoms that people with TMJ disorder endure. TMJ therapy is an effective method that aims to allow people to feel relief and smile without pain again.

Tags: Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Maryland, Restorative Dentistry, TMJ

Tek scans, also known as T-scan, are making dentists more comfortable with their patients’ mouths. The T-scan is a sensor that is shaped like a ‘U’ and is inserted into a patient’s mouth. Once inserted, the patient bites down on the sensor, which then measures the force of the patients bite. The sensor also measures which parts of the patients bite are functioning in the correct manner and which parts are not. Once the sensor is in the patients’ mouth and the patient is biting down, the sensor immediately begins recording data. The sensor allows dentists to track the force of the patients bite from the initial touch to the full force of the patients bite. The data recorded from the sensor then goes to a computer where it is displayed for the dentist to see. The dentist can now see where the patients’ problem areas are, or where they will be soon.

Dentists know that when a patient’s bite is unstable it can cause serious problems. A few of these problems are pain, gum disease, headaches, tooth loss, TMJ disorder, and broken restorations such as fillings. Using the T-Scan, dentists can help prevent many of these problems and can help restore patients trust in their dentist. Dentists can also finish patients’ cases with confidence, knowing that they have helped their patient to the best of their ability.

The T-Scan can be used at any time. Dentists can use them during regular patient check-ups or during emergency visits. This will also allow dentists to detect any problems that may be beginning to form. The sensor in the T-scan can identify early contact between teeth or unbalanced contact, which should be corrected as soon as possible. Because of this new and wonderful technology in the world of dentistry, dentists can now properly fix and adjust their patients teeth without having to guess which teeth are meeting too soon.

Patients whose dentists use the T-scans can also rest assured that the sensor will not stick to their teeth. Veneers and restorations will easily lift off of the sensor, allowing dentists’ full confidence in the tool they are using for their patients teeth.

Tags: Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Maryland, Tek Scan, Tekscan Technology

Cosmetic dentistry includes general dentistry with an artistic twist. It has all of the functional necessities for effective tooth treatment and repair with the added factor of making the dental work look as attractive as possible. The cosmetic dentist uses special materials along with composite and ceramic technology to achieve beautiful results while maintaining the durability and integrity of the dental work. Cosmetic dentistry requires much more instruction than general dentistry. Usually, only those dentists who are truly passionate about restoring their patients’ beautiful smiles will take the time to undergo this highly technical schooling.

Even though, “time stops for no person,” a smile makeover through cosmetic dental surgery is an easy way to peel away the years and restore a youthful, happy appearance.
Of the dozens of different cosmetic dentistry options, one of the simplest and most popular procedures is teeth whitening.

As people age, their teeth begin to darken. Teeth whitening can help eliminate this problem quickly and easily . There are many different methods used to achieve this. One method uses translucent bleaching gel with a special light. Another uses a laser, and another uses a custom fitted tray with a bleaching compound. Anyone who is interested in teeth whitening should consult his or her dentist for a consultation to find the right solution.

What were once unsightly amalgam fillings are currently being replaced by cosmetic dentistry procedures that use composite materials or porcelain to achieve a result that amazingly resemble the color of the patient’s own teeth. This helps maintain the patient’s natural smile and is done in a way that tries to retain the structure of as much of the tooth as possible. Amalgam fillings are rapidly gaining a controversial status because of their mercury content.

Cosmetic dentistry procedures offer many different options for those who are not satisfied with their smiles. Some of them include implants, veneers, dental bridges, laser dentistry and other procedures that only a highly qualified cosmetic dentist can achieve. Anyone who is considering cosmetic dentistry should make an appointment with a cosmetic dentist for a consultation.

Tags: Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Cosmetic Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist Washington DC, Dental Implants, Teeth Whitening, Washington DC