Frequently Asked Questions
Your Path to Comfort, Confidence & Understanding in Chesapeake, VA
At The Center For Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry we believe your dental care experience should feel seamless, transparent and stress-free. That’s why Dr. Matthew Cawley and Dr. Tanya Brown have gathered answers to our most frequently asked questions, helping you better understand our services, technology and patient-centered approach.
If you don’t see the information you’re looking for, we encourage you to contact our team at (757) 546-5262—we’re here to support you every step of the way.
FAQs About Your First Visit
You can expect your initial visit with us to last around 90 minutes.
You can be sure that your privacy is protected. NexHealth is a HIPAA compliant patient portal, which means that your personal and medical information is protected in a secure and confidential manner.
Of course! Dr. Cawley or Dr. Brown are happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have, and they will also go over your dental history with you.
Dr. Cawley, Dr. Brown and our dental team are committed to providing the highest quality care. Our team is compassionate and aims to listen to your goals and concerns and offer advanced technology and treatments. Additionally, we offer refreshments in our reception room, and during your visit, we even provide soft blankets and neck pillows to help you feel as comfortable as possible. To learn more about our VIP-level of care and what sets us apart, check out our Why Choose Us page!
Common Questions About Full Or Partial Dentures
There is a short adjustment period, but within a few weeks most patients adapt to speaking and eating comfortably. Starting with softer foods can make the transition easier, and soon your full or partial dentures will feel natural.
Rinse after meals, brush daily with a denture-safe cleanser and avoid abrasive toothpaste. When not in use, keep your full or partial dentures in water or a denture solution to protect their shape and fit.
Most full or partial dentures last five to ten years. Over time, natural changes in your mouth may affect their fit. Regular visits with Dr. Matthew Cawley or Dr. Tanya Brown help ensure your dentures remain comfortable and effective.
FAQs About Gum Disease/Periodontal Therapy
Anyone is at risk of developing gum disease, but especially those with poor oral hygiene or with certain risk factors such as smoking or diabetes.
Patients may find it slightly uncomfortable, but it should not be painful. If necessary, we are happy to use local anesthesia.
It depends on the severity of the disease, but some patients may notice improvements in their gum health within a few weeks.
You can maintain good oral and gum health by visiting us for regular dental appointments and cleanings, brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily, eating a balanced and nutritious diet and avoiding harmful habits such as smoking.
Coverage varies from plan to plan. We recommend checking with your insurance provider before treatment.
Commonly Asked Questions About Smile Makeovers
Your journey begins with a personalized consultation at The Center for Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry. We invite you to call our office at (757) 546-5262 or request an appointment with Dr. Matthew Cawley or Dr. Tanya Brown. During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to share your goals and concerns, discuss what matters most to you and collaborate with our team to create a customized treatment plan that brings your dream smile to life.
Coverage for smile makeovers varies depending on your dental benefits plan. While we can’t guarantee specific coverage, Dr. Matthew Cawley and Dr. Tanya Brown will help you make the most of your available benefits. Our team also partners with trusted financing providers to make your smile transformation fit comfortably within your lifestyle and budget.
With proper care and regular visits, your smile makeover can last for many years. Dr. Matthew Cawley and Dr. Tanya Brown will provide personalized guidance on how to maintain your results, helping you preserve your radiant, confident smile well into the future.
Common Questions About Porcelain Veneers
With proper care, porcelain veneers can last ten to fifteen years or longer. At our practice, we design each veneer with longevity in mind so you can enjoy your confident smile for years to come.
Absolutely! Each veneer is carefully customized in shape, size and shade to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. The result is a smile that looks polished, elegant and completely your own.
Most patients experience little to no discomfort. Thanks to advanced techniques and a gentle approach, placing veneers is a smooth, comfortable process from start to finish.
If you’d like to address chips, cracks, discoloration, unevenness or gaps, veneers may be an excellent solution. During your consultation, Dr. Matthew Cawley or Dr. Tanya Brown will help determine if veneers are the best fit for your goals and overall oral health.
With regular brushing, flossing and routine dental visits, your veneers will remain strong and beautiful. Many patients find that veneers even motivate them to take better care of their smile.
Common Questions About Porcelain Crowns And Bridges
When crafted with precision and cared for properly, they can last for many years—often well over a decade. Our restorations are designed not only for strength and function, but also for enduring beauty.
Your comfort is at the heart of everything we do. With today’s advanced techniques and technology, the process is remarkably gentle. Most patients experience little to no discomfort, and any sensitivity afterward is typically mild and temporary.
Porcelain restorations are both elegant and durable. While they are crafted to withstand the forces of everyday chewing and smiling, they should be treated with the same care you give your natural teeth. With proper habits and regular dental visits, they provide strength and confidence for many years.
If you have weakened, damaged or missing teeth, porcelain crowns or bridges may be an excellent solution. During your consultation, Dr. Matthew Cawley or Dr. Tanya Brown will evaluate your smile and recommend a personalized treatment plan to restore both strength and natural beauty.
Common Questions About Cosmetic Bonding
No, it is not painful! You may feel some slight discomfort afterwards, but it should be manageable with over-the-counter pain medication and resolve within a few days.
Maintaining bonding is a breeze. Simply brush twice a day, floss daily and keep up with your professional cleanings and checkups. With proper care, your bonded teeth will stay healthy and beautiful for years to come.
Yes! It is designed to be strong and reliable, but longevity also depends on your daily habits. To keep bonded teeth looking their best, it’s important to limit tobacco use and dark-colored drinks like coffee, tea or red wine, which can cause staining. You’ll also want to avoid biting into hard foods or objects, as this may lead to chips. With mindful care, they can remain both durable and beautiful for many years.
Your Invisalign® Questions, Answered
Every smile is unique, so treatment time with clear aligners varies from patient to patient. On average, most cases are completed in about 12 to 36 months. During your consultation, Dr. Brown or Dr. Cawley will design a personalized treatment plan and give you a clear estimate of how long it will take to achieve your best smile.
It’s normal to feel a little pressure or mild discomfort when you switch to a new set of aligners. This is simply a sign that your teeth are gently shifting into place. Most patients describe the feeling as minimal and easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers if needed. Overall, Invisalign® is known for being one of the most comfortable orthodontic options available.
Some patients notice a slight change in their speech when first adjusting to clear aligners. This is usually temporary, and most people adapt within just a few days to a couple of weeks. Once you’ve adjusted, your speech will sound completely natural—most people won’t even realize you’re wearing aligners.
Clear aligners are often an excellent choice for patients with mild to moderate alignment needs, but the best way to know for sure is through a personal consultation. Dr. Brown or Dr. Cawley will take the time to understand your goals, evaluate your smile, and design a comprehensive treatment plan tailored just for you.
FAQs About Teeth Whitening
No! When using a trusted whitening brand such as Opalescence through your dentist, whitening is a completely safe way to elevate your smile. It does not cause any permanent damage to your enamel or tooth structure.
We strive to make teeth whitening a generally comfortable experience. While some patients experience mild sensitivity, it will be temporary and go away quickly.
Results can last for several months to years, with the proper care. Practicing good oral hygiene, limiting food and beverages such as wine, coffee and tea that stain, avoiding smoking and visiting us for regular cleanings and touch ups will help preserve your results and make sure your smile stays bright. The good news is that even if staining occurs, our dentists can generally remove the stains at your cleaning appointments.
Common Questions About Tooth-Colored Restorations
With the right care and attention, your tooth-colored fillings can maintain their strength and beauty for many years. Dr. Matthew Cawley and Dr. Tanya Brown will provide you with personalized aftercare guidance to help ensure your results remain as flawless as the day they were placed.
Tooth-colored fillings offer both beauty and strength. Unlike traditional metal fillings, they bond seamlessly to your natural tooth structure, enhancing durability while preserving more of your healthy enamel. The result is a restoration that’s not only strong and secure, but also radiant and indistinguishable from your natural smile.
Absolutely. If you’re seeking a more seamless, elevated smile, outdated metal fillings don’t have to hold you back. Dr. Matthew Cawley and Dr. Tanya Brown can safely replace them with beautiful, tooth-colored fillings, enhancing both the health and aesthetics of your smile with results that look and feel completely natural.
Tooth-colored restorations are beautifully crafted to resist staining and maintain their natural brilliance. However, consistent exposure to dark-colored beverages like coffee, tea or red wine may cause slight discoloration over time. Dr. Matthew Cawley and Dr. Tanya Brown recommend maintaining your regular dental cleanings and at-home care routine to preserve your restoration’s luminous, polished appearance.
Your comfort is always our top priority. Before treatment begins, a gentle local anesthetic is administered to ensure you remain completely comfortable throughout the procedure. Most patients experience little to no discomfort and are able to return to their normal activities immediately after their appointment.
FAQs About Dental Implants
Unfortunately, not everyone is a good fit. Patients must have healthy gums and enough bone density to support the implants. Dr. Cawley and Dr. Brown will thoroughly examine your mouth and review your medical history in order to determine if they are a good choice for you.
When performed by experienced implant specialists like our dentists, implants are considered safe. They boast a 97% success rate at 10 years post-procedure, according to the Journal for Oral Medicine and Oral Surgery.
Yes! They are made from biocompatible titanium and they are able to safely integrate with the jaw bone through osseointegration.
For your comfort, we perform the implant procedure under general anesthesia. After your surgery, you can manage pain and discomfort with pain medication.
It takes several months, beginning with your consultation and including the implant placement procedure, healing time and the attachment of your new artificial teeth. We believe the results are worth it. Once completed, you will be able to use your dental implant as if it were your own natural tooth or teeth.
Cost can vary widely based on the type of dental implants that you need and your insurance plan. Some plans cover a portion of the cost. We are happy to work with you to figure out how much your plan will cover.
While you are healing, stick to soft foods and avoid chewing directly on the implants. As soon as you can comfortably, you should return to a regular, balanced diet.
Implants are incredibly durable. With the proper care, your new smile will last for a lifetime!
Common Questions About Extractions And Bone Grafts
Dr. Matthew Cawley and Dr. Tanya Brown use advanced techniques and modern anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable throughout the entire procedure. Most patients describe feeling only gentle pressure, not pain. After treatment, any mild discomfort can typically be managed with over-the-counter medication and detailed care instructions provided by our team.
Recovery times vary depending on the complexity of your procedure, but most patients begin feeling back to normal within just a few days. Our team will provide personalized post-treatment guidance to support optimal healing and minimize downtime, ensuring your comfort every step of the way.
In some cases, yes. When bone quality and overall oral health allow, Dr. Matthew Cawley or Dr. Tanya Brown can place a dental implant immediately after extraction. However, if you first need additional healing or bone grafting, we will create a tailored timeline that promotes the best long-term success for your implant and overall oral health.
Common Questions About Sedation Dentistry
Absolutely. Sedation is carefully administered by our highly trained dental professionals, ensuring your comfort and safety every step of the way. Throughout your visit, our team will continuously monitor you. You’ll never be left unattended. You’ll remain conscious and able to respond, yet deeply relaxed, as if you’re peacefully resting through your treatment.
The effects of sedation typically wears off within ten to fifteen minutes, though this can vary patient to patient. Because sedation can influence coordination and alertness, Dr. Matthew Cawley or Dr. Tanya Brown will provide personalized guidance on when it’s safe to resume regular activities, including driving.
Not at all. Nitrous oxide is delivered gently through a soft nasal mask, allowing you to breathe normally while it takes effect.
Request An Appointment
With The Center for Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry
At The Center for Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry in Chesapeake, VA, Dr. Matthew Cawley, Dr. Tanya Brown, and our team provide personalized dental care that blends advanced science with artistic precision. Whether it’s a routine cleaning or a full smile restoration, we focus on delivering results that protect and enhance your natural smile in a comfortable, boutique-style setting. Fill out the appointment request form, and our team will reach out to schedule your visit.
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ADDRESS
129 Hanbury Road West,
Suite 101, Chesapeake, VA 23322
PHONE
(757) 546-5262
HOURS
Mon – Wed: 8 AM – 5 PM
Thurs: 8 AM – 2 PM
Fri: 7:30 AM – 3 PM