Tooth discoloration can occur externally—from tobacco, coffee, tea, certain foods, or tartar buildup—or internally, due to aging, trauma, fluoride exposure, illness, or antibiotics taken during childhood. Our experienced team offers safe, effective cosmetic tooth bleaching solutions, ranging from prescription-strength strips to custom take-home trays supervised by your dentist. During home-use whitening, patients wear a gel-filled mouth guard daily for 30–60 minutes over two weeks, with results typically lasting one to three years. While bleaching is one of the most affordable and non-invasive cosmetic treatments, it may not be suitable for everyone—especially those with gum recession or existing restorations. Professional supervision ensures optimal whitening results and protects tooth sensitivity, providing a brighter, healthier-looking smile with long-lasting results.

Bonding is a procedure in which tooth-colored materials are applied to the surface of a tooth. It is used to cover discolorations, repair chips, breaks, and cracks, and fill in gaps between teeth. Bonding is a virtually painless treatment that can usually be completed in a single visit. Over time, the bonding material may need to be recoated or replaced to maintain its appearance and strength.

The process begins with etching the tooth surface using a conditioning solution that allows the composite resin to adhere securely. To ensure a natural look, Dr. Alan Scharf carefully blends various resin shades to match the patient’s natural tooth color. Once applied, the material is sculpted into the proper shape and hardened using a special light or chemical process. The bonded area is then smoothed and polished for a seamless, natural-looking finish.

Dr. Alan Scharf has extensive training and experience in cosmetic composite bonding, using the latest restorative materials and techniques. His practice offers a wide range of composite brands and custom tooth shades to ensure each restoration delivers exceptional durability, color, and contour. Whether you need bonding to repair decay or enhance the aesthetics of your smile, you can trust Dr. Alan Scharf for beautiful, long-lasting results.

Composite restorations, also known as tooth-colored fillings, offer a durable and highly esthetic solution for repairing teeth affected by small- to mid-size cavities or fractures. These restorations can be used effectively on both front and back teeth, blending seamlessly with your natural smile.

Once the procedure is completed, the restored tooth is immediately functional, allowing patients to eat and speak comfortably without delay. Dr. Alan Scharf uses advanced composite materials and a wide range of custom shades to precisely match each patient’s natural tooth color, ensuring a beautiful and natural-looking result.

With Dr. Scharf’s expertise and attention to detail, composite restorations not only strengthen and protect your teeth but also enhance the overall appearance of your smile—providing both lasting function and aesthetic excellence.

A dental crown is a custom-made, tooth-shaped cap that fits precisely over a natural tooth. Designed to match the natural color and shape of surrounding teeth, a crown restores the strength, function, and appearance of a damaged tooth. Once cemented in place, it fully covers the visible portion of the tooth above the gumline, providing lasting protection and a natural-looking result.

Crowns are typically used to restore teeth weakened by large fillings or cavities, repair cracked or broken teeth, and strengthen teeth that have undergone root canal treatment. By enclosing the entire visible surface of the tooth, a crown enhances durability, chewing comfort, and esthetics, while safeguarding the underlying structure from further damage.

Dr. Alan Scharf and his team are known for their expertise and attention to detail in restorative dentistry. Completing hundreds of crowns annually, they ensure each restoration is performed with precision, clarity, and patient comfort in mind. Using advanced materials such as zirconia and porcelain, Dr. Scharf provides crowns that are strong, natural-looking, and long-lasting.

Patients at Dr. Alan Scharf’s practice receive personalized care and clear communication throughout the treatment process, resulting in crowns that restore both function and confidence to their smiles.

Dentures are custom-made prosthetic devices designed to replace missing teeth and restore the function and appearance of a natural smile. They are supported by the soft and hard tissues of the mouth and can be either removable or implant-supported. Depending on the patient’s needs, dentures may replace missing teeth on the upper (maxillary) or lower (mandibular) arch.

Dr. Alan Scharf and his team have extensive experience in selecting and fabricating the ideal denture solution for each patient. Working closely with a state-of-the-art local dental laboratory, they use the latest materials and advanced techniques to ensure optimal fit, comfort, and esthetics.

The practice offers a full range of denture options, including temporary, partial, and complete dentures, as well as implant-supported overdentures and fixed hybrids. Implant-supported dentures provide exceptional stability—allowing patients to eat comfortably, speak naturally, and smile confidently without the worry of dentures slipping or requiring adhesives.

Whether restoring a few missing teeth or a full arch, Dr. Scharf’s denture solutions combine precision craftsmanship, modern implant technology, and personalized care to deliver natural-looking results and long-lasting comfort.

Oral cancer can develop in any part of the mouth or throat, most commonly on the tongue or floor of the mouth. While anyone can develop the disease, risk increases for individuals over 40, males, tobacco or alcohol users, or those with a history of head or neck cancer. Extended sun exposure is also a known contributor to lip cancer.

Dr. Alan Scharf and his team bring a unique, hospital-based background from Johns Hopkins and Bayview Medical Center, where they gained extensive experience in pathology detection and treatment. Every new patient and recall visit includes a comprehensive head and neck cancer screening, ensuring early detection and prompt care. The team also performs brush and excisional biopsies and collaborates with one of the nation’s leading oral pathologists for diagnostic accuracy.

Early detection is vital to successful treatment. During each exam, Dr. Scharf’s team checks for abnormal lumps, color changes, sores, or tissue irregularities that could indicate precancerous or cancerous changes. Patients are encouraged to regularly examine their mouths for persistent sores, red or white patches, numbness, difficulty chewing or swallowing, or changes in how their teeth fit together.

To reduce the risk of oral cancer, patients are advised to avoid tobacco use and heavy alcohol consumption, limit sun exposure, and maintain a nutrient-rich diet high in fruits and vegetables. With proactive screening and lifestyle awareness, Dr. Scharf’s practice helps patients protect their oral health and overall well-being through prevention, early detection, and expert care.

For patients with healthy teeth and gums who wish to enhance the appearance of their smile, Dr. Alan Scharf offers custom-made dental veneers—a simple and effective solution for improving tooth color, shape, and alignment. Veneers are ideal for brightening teeth that are permanently stained, closing small gaps, reshaping uneven teeth, or covering chips and worn enamel caused by brushing or everyday wear.

Veneers are thin, durable shells made of porcelain, composite resin, or acrylic materials, designed to blend naturally with your existing teeth. The process typically requires only a few comfortable visits and often does not require anesthesia. Using the latest digital and cosmetic dentistry technologies, Dr. Scharf and his team plan and deliver beautiful, long-lasting veneers with exceptional precision. Each case includes custom shade matching, model previews, and high-quality ceramic materials to ensure natural aesthetics and long-term results.

During the procedure, a small amount of enamel is carefully removed, impressions are taken to create a custom model, and the veneers are securely bonded with dental cement and cured using advanced lighting technology.

To maintain veneers, patients should practice excellent oral hygiene, visit the dentist regularly, and limit foods or drinks that stain, such as coffee, tea, or red wine. Avoiding tobacco and hard objects like ice or fingernails helps protect against chips or peeling. With proper care, veneers can transform your smile—giving you confidence that lasts for years.

When a tooth is at risk of infection due to decay or fractures, root canal therapy can save it from extraction and restore long-term function. The procedure involves carefully removing the infected or inflamed pulp tissue from within the tooth, cleaning and shaping the canal system, and sealing it with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. The opening is then restored with a permanent filling known as a core buildup. To protect the treated tooth from future fractures, a dental crown is strongly recommended once the root canal is complete.

Even after root canal therapy, a tooth can still develop decay, as the outer structure remains susceptible. Because the treated tooth no longer contains nerves, decay may progress silently—without pain. For that reason, regular dental checkups and X-rays are essential to ensure the tooth remains healthy and intact.

At Dr. Alan Scharf’s office, patients benefit from advanced technology and a gentle, efficient approach to root canal therapy. Using digital X-rays, precision rotary instruments, and high-magnification microscopes, most treatments are completed in one to two comfortable visits—without the need for referral to a specialist. With proper restoration and ongoing care, root canal therapy offers a long-term success rate of up to 97%, preserving your natural smile for many years.