Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes, we are accepting new patients and you can schedule your first appointment by either giving us a call at (703) 522-8894, or, you can schedule online by clicking here. We treat people of all ages in our family-friendly dental office. We’re located in Arlington, VA, one block north of the Clarendon Metro Station. 

Some of the dental services we offer include:

• Family Dentistry
• Preventive Dentistry
• Cosmetic Dentistry
• Sleep Apnea Treatment
• Dentures and Partials
• Clear Aligners
• Crowns and Bridges
• Composite Bonding
• Teeth Whitening

Dr. Brigid Mooney leads our practice and has years of experience practicing dentistry in Virginia. We welcome people from Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, and throughout the DC metro area. Parking is available right behind our building for your convenience. 

Ready To Get Started?

We’ve proudly served this community since 1952 and remain committed to providing caring, personalized treatment. Every patient receives individualized care because we understand that each person’s dental needs are unique. Our team will treat you like family, making sure you’re comfortable during every visit.

No matter your need, routine cleanings, restorative work, or cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Mooney and her staff will create a treatment plan made just for you to help you achieve your smile goals.

At Clarendon Family Dentistry, we understand that not every patient has access to dental insurance. At the same time, we believe that quality dental care should be accessible to everyone. This is why we offer a range of in-house financing options to ensure that everyone receives the care they need.

In addition to working with Delta Dental Premier as a provider, we accept most dental insurance, cash, checks, and all major credit and debit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. We also accept Cherry Financing, which allows you to get the treatment you need in easy monthly installments.

What Is Cherry Financing?

Cherry Financing offers a range of monthly payment plans for patients looking to finance their dental care, with qualifying 0% APR options. Applying for Cherry Financing is simple and does not impact your credit score. If you're approved for financing, you can use your funds immediately and manage your payments using Cherry's user-friendly patient portal.

In short, at Clarendon Family Dentistry, we're committed to making dental care accessible and affordable for every patient!

Making Quality Dental Care in Arlington, VA, Accessible!

If you live in Arlington and want to learn about your insurance and financing options, including Cherry Financing, contact Dr. Brigid B. Mooney and the helpful and knowledgeable Clarendon Family Dentistry team to schedule a consultation!

Because crowns, veneers, and fillings are stain-resistant and maintain their color over time, traditional teeth whitening treatments do not work on them. These restorations are made from materials like porcelain or composite resin, so they won’t respond to whitening agents the way natural tooth enamel does.

If you attempt to whiten your teeth with over-the-counter products or professional treatments, you may notice that your natural teeth become lighter, while your crowns, veneers, or fillings stay the same color. This can lead to uneven results, making dental work more noticeable instead of blending in naturally.

If you’re concerned about the color of your dental restorations, please give us a call at Clarendon Family Dentistry. Our cosmetic dentists in Arlington, VA, will be happy to talk with you about your smile goals. We can replace older or discolored crowns, veneers, and fillings to give you a brighter, more uniform grin. Your dentist can also guide you on the best way to whiten your natural teeth while keeping your overall appearance balanced.

Call Our Cosmetic Dentist in Arlington, VA 

For the best long-term results, it's a good idea to whiten your natural teeth before getting any crowns, veneers, or fillings placed. That way, your dentist can match the restoration to your ideal shade. If you have questions or want to explore your options, we’re here to help you achieve a bright, seamless smile you’ll love to show off.

Call us today to learn more or book your consultation! 

Dental bonding might be the perfect solution if you’ve ever wished for a quick and easy way to fix a chipped tooth, close a small gap, or brighten your smile. This simple, painless procedure can transform your smile in just one visit so that you can get instant confidence without the need for extensive dental work.

What Is Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding is a fast, minimally invasive treatment that involves applying a tooth-colored composite resin to the tooth’s surface. We then sculpt, shape, and polish the tooth to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. 

How Can Composite Bonding Enhance My Smile?

• Fixes chips and cracks – Say goodbye to uneven or damaged teeth! Dental bonding smooths out imperfections and restores your tooth’s natural shape.
• Closing small gaps – Dental bonding offers a quick fix if you have minor spaces between teeth but don’t want braces.
• Brightens discolored teeth – Dental bonding can cover stubborn stains and give you a whiter, more uniform smile.
• Reshapes teeth – Dental bonding can create a more balanced look if a tooth is too short or oddly shaped.

Book Your Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation Today 

At Clarendon Family Dentistry, we love helping our patients achieve confident, beautiful smiles. Book a consultation today to see if dental bonding in Arlington suits you.

Because crowns, veneers, and fillings are stain-resistant and maintain their color over time, traditional teeth whitening treatments do not work on them. These restorations are made from materials like porcelain or composite resin, so they won’t respond to whitening agents the way natural tooth enamel does.

If you attempt to whiten your teeth with over-the-counter products or professional treatments, you may notice that your natural teeth become lighter, while your crowns, veneers, or fillings stay the same color. This can lead to uneven results, making dental work more noticeable instead of blending in naturally.

If you’re concerned about the color of your dental restorations, please give us a call at Clarendon Family Dentistry. Our cosmetic dentists in Arlington, VA, will be happy to talk with you about your smile goals. We can replace older or discolored crowns, veneers, and fillings to give you a brighter, more uniform grin. Your dentist can also guide you on the best way to whiten your natural teeth while keeping your overall appearance balanced.

Call Our Cosmetic Dentist in Arlington, VA 

For the best long-term results, it's a good idea to whiten your natural teeth before getting any crowns, veneers, or fillings placed. That way, your dentist can match the restoration to your ideal shade. If you have questions or want to explore your options, we’re here to help you achieve a bright, seamless smile you’ll love to show off.

Call us today to learn more or book your consultation! 

The good news is that your dental crown can serve you well for 10 to 15 years, or even longer with proper care. 

What Affects a Dental Crown’s Lifespan?

While crowns are designed to be durable, their longevity depends on a few key factors:

• Materials – Crowns made from porcelain, ceramic, metal, or zirconia all have different lifespans. Porcelain and ceramic look the most natural, while metal and zirconia tend to last the longest.
• Oral Hygiene Habits – Just like natural teeth, crowns need daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups to stay in top shape.
• Grinding and Chewing Habits – If you grind your teeth at night or chew on hard objects, your crown may wear down faster. However, a custom nightguard can help protect it. 
• The Crown's Location – Crowns on molars, which handle more pressure from chewing, may wear down quicker than those on front teeth.

Making Your Dental Crown Last

To keep your crown in great shape, we recommend:

• Practicing good oral hygiene
• Avoiding biting into hard foods like nuts or ice
• Visiting your dentist for regular checkups

If you notice any discomfort or looseness, let us know. We’re here to help!

Call Us Today for Dental Crowns in Arlington, VA

Need a new crown or have questions? Book an appointment at Clarendon Family Dentistry today.

We can usually design and place a dental crown in just two appointments. Let’s review the process to see what these visits involve.

First Dental Crown Appointment

During the first appointment, our dentist in Arlington, VA, will take the following steps:

• Examination and X-Rays — We will perform an exam and take x-rays of the tooth to determine the problem and whether a dental crown is the right treatment for your needs.
• Tooth Preparation — The next step is to numb the tooth to ensure your comfort. Then, we prepare the tooth by reshaping it so the crown will fit perfectly and look natural.
• Impressions and Temporary — We take comfortable, mess-free impressions of the tooth using a high-tech digital scanner that produces a 3-D virtual model of your teeth. Our dentist uses this model to create a temporary crown, and a trusted dental lab uses it to custom-craft your final piece.

Second Crown Appointment

The lab takes about two weeks to prepare your restoration, after which we will schedule a second appointment. Our dental team will carefully check your crown for quality and fit it on the tooth. Next, we will make adjustments to ensure the crown sits comfortably on the tooth and doesn’t interfere with your dental bite. The final step is securing the crown to your tooth with a long-lasting cement.

Do You Need a Dental Crown?

If you have a decayed or broken tooth and think you might need a crown, please call our Arlington, VA, dental office at (703) 522-8894 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mooney. 

We are pleased to offer beautiful, realistic-looking dentures for our Arlington, VA, patients. Dr. Brigid Mooney takes great care to ensure your replacement teeth look natural and complement your smile.

Types of Dentures

Let’s look at the two main types of dentures: 

1. Full or Complete Dentures — This is the solution you need if you are missing all or most of your teeth in your upper arch, lower arch, or both arches.
2. Partial Dentures — Dr. Mooney recommends partials for patients who have most of their teeth but want to fill in missing tooth gaps. The partials are designed with the same care as full dentures but are held in place with metal or acrylic clasps attached to adjacent teeth.

Realistic Modern Dentures 

Whether you need a full set of dentures to complete your smile or a partial to fill in missing tooth gaps, we will customize your prosthetic. If you’re considering dentures, it’s important to know they look nothing like their older counterparts. The base of modern dentures is a lighter, more flexible material, and the replacement teeth are individually crafted with the latest materials to replicate the appearance of natural teeth. 

Want to Learn More about Dentures?

If you’re ready to get started with dentures or want more information, please call our Arlington, VA, dental office at (703) 522-8894 to schedule an appointment. We also serve patients from surrounding areas, including Alexandria, Falls Church, and Annandale.

The choice between full and partial dentures depends mostly on how many teeth you’re missing and the health of you’re remaining teeth. This is something that you and your dentist will talk through after they’ve completed a thorough evaluation of your teeth and oral health.

Full dentures are generally used in cases where someone has lost all or most of their teeth in one or both arches. They are a good option in such cases because they replace all of your teeth on one or both arches.

Partial dentures work a bit differently. They are used to replace a few missing teeth while you still have remaining healthy teeth. Partial dentures are anchored to your existing teeth using metal clasps or other types of precision attachments. You’re a candidate for partial dentures if you still have strong, healthy teeth that can support the appliance.

At Clarendon Family Dentistry, we also offer implant-supported dentures for people who need replacements for full arches of missing teeth or for people with a few missing teeth. Implant-supported dentures provide excellent stability and comfort by securing your dentures with dental implants. These types of dentures are anchored to your jawbone and won’t move when you are eating or talking.

Schedule Your Denture Consultation

During your consultation, Dr. Mooney will examine your mouth and discuss your specific needs. She’ll evaluate the condition of your remaining teeth, your jawbone structure, and your lifestyle to figure out the best solution for you. If you are ready, give us a call at (703) 522-8894 to discuss your tooth replacement options.

Regular (every 6 months) dental exams are vital to long-term oral health. During these visits, your dentist has an opportunity to thoroughly clean your teeth while also identifying and preemptively addressing risk factors before they become major issues.

What Should You Expect From Dental Checkup?

Wishing you had a breakdown of what to expect from your next dental cleaning and checkup? We’ve got you covered!

• Your appointment begins with a thorough examination of your jawbone and neck to ensure that the joints, muscles, and lymph nodes in your jaw are functioning properly.
• Next, your dentist will take full oral x-rays, to get a comprehensive picture of your dental health.
• Next comes a full examination of your mouth, checking for cavities, dental fractures, and the initial signs of gum disease or oral cancer.
• Finally, it’s time for the actual cleaning, during which your dentist uses specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth and along your gumline. Oftentimes, a cleaning is followed by a treatment to prevent plaque and tartar buildup in the future.

After the cleaning, your dentist will discuss any potential issues that require attention, recommend improvements to your at-home oral care routine, and schedule any necessary treatments.

Finding the Best Family and Preventive Dentistry in Arlington, VA

If you’re in Arlington and looking for a top-quality dental practice for your next dental cleaning and oral exam, contact Dr. Brigid B. Mooney and the caring and helpful Clarendon Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment!

Clarendon Family Dentistry welcomes patients of all ages, from infants to seniors. Dr. Brigid Mooney treats our youngest patients with the same care she would expect for her children and is committed to giving them the most positive start possible with dental care.

Your Child’s First Dental Visit

The standard recommendation is that children see the dentist when their first baby tooth arrives and no later than their first birthday. It’s crucial to keep baby teeth healthy to ensure that permanent teeth can emerge properly. 

We aim to make your little one's first visit a fun and positive experience. As a parent, Dr. Mooney understands what children need to feel safe and secure. We also recommend bringing your child to one of your appointments to show them that if it's okay for mom or dad, it's okay for them, too. 

Dental Care as Your Child Grows

If you have an older child, we provide exams, teeth cleanings, fluoride, sealants, and any other treatment they need to maintain a healthy smile. We strongly recommend a custom-crafted mouthguard to protect your child’s teeth during sports activities.

Schedule an Appointment

With children’s dentistry at our Arlington, VA, dental office, we make it easy for everyone in your family to receive the quality care they need and deserve. Please call Clarendon Family Dentistry at (703) 522-8894 to schedule an appointment for your child.

Invisalign can correct mild cases of overbites or underbites. Severe jaw discrepancies may be better corrected with traditional braces. 

Clear aligners with Invisalign are ideal for closing gaps or spaces between teeth. Invisalign is also effective in moving crowded or rotated teeth into proper alignment. 

Is Invisalign in Arlington Right for Me?

The best way to determine if clear aligners are right for your needs is to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Mooney. She is a certified Invisalign provider, and during an initial assessment, she can help determine if Invisalign is the right treatment for your needs.  

She'll gather information about your smile during your assessment, which includes photos, x-rays, 3-D imaging, and a thorough examination. She uses this information to help you decide if Invisalign is right for you and create your treatment plan if you do move forward with clear aligners. She can even show you what your finished smile will look like!

If Invisalign is not a suitable treatment for your needs, she'll discuss other options with you. Our goal is to help you achieve your best smile and desired results. 

Contact your team at Clarendon Family Dentistry at (703) 522-8894 if you have questions about Invisalign in Arlington, VA, or would like to schedule an evaluation. 

Treatment times for Invisalign vary. Some patients see results in as little as six months, but the average treatment time is 12–15 months. It all depends on the issue, whether it’s a minor alignment issue or a bite correction, and your compliance with wearing the aligners.

How the Invisalign Process Works

The first step to a straighter smile is a comprehensive exam by our Invisalign dentist, Dr. Brigid Mooney. She takes x-rays, comfortable digital impressions, and photos of your smile to determine if Invisalign clear aligners are right for you.

Invisalign Treatment Planning

If you’re a good candidate, Dr. Mooney uses digital impressions to create a 3-D virtual model of your teeth to plan your treatment. She maps out how each tooth will move, stage by stage, throughout treatment. An Invisalign lab then customizes your aligners based on Dr. Mooney’s treatment plan.

How to Wear Clear Aligners

You will wear one set of aligners for about two weeks and then switch to the next. Your goal is to wear them for 22 hours daily and remove them only for meals and oral hygiene. The more you adhere to this schedule, the faster you will complete treatment and see beautiful results.

Schedule an Invisalign Appointment

If you’re ready to get started with Invisalign or need more information, we would love to help you. Call Clarendon Family Dentistry in Arlington, VA, at (703) 522-8894, and we'll help you schedule an appointment. We serve all surrounding communities, including Alexandria, Falls Church, and Annandale.

Because crowns, veneers, and fillings are stain-resistant and maintain their color over time, traditional teeth whitening treatments do not work on them. These restorations are made from materials like porcelain or composite resin, so they won’t respond to whitening agents the way natural tooth enamel does.

If you attempt to whiten your teeth with over-the-counter products or professional treatments, you may notice that your natural teeth become lighter, while your crowns, veneers, or fillings stay the same color. This can lead to uneven results, making dental work more noticeable instead of blending in naturally.

If you’re concerned about the color of your dental restorations, please give us a call at Clarendon Family Dentistry. Our cosmetic dentists in Arlington, VA, will be happy to talk with you about your smile goals. We can replace older or discolored crowns, veneers, and fillings to give you a brighter, more uniform grin. Your dentist can also guide you on the best way to whiten your natural teeth while keeping your overall appearance balanced.

Call Our Cosmetic Dentist in Arlington, VA 

For the best long-term results, it's a good idea to whiten your natural teeth before getting any crowns, veneers, or fillings placed. That way, your dentist can match the restoration to your ideal shade. If you have questions or want to explore your options, we’re here to help you achieve a bright, seamless smile you’ll love to show off.

Call us today to learn more or book your consultation! 

The answer to this question varies significantly for each person, as it depends mainly on how they care for their porcelain veneers. 

The easy answer is that porcelain veneers typically last for 10 to 15 years with the proper care. The good news is that caring for porcelain veneers is relatively simple and straightforward because you can brush and floss around them just like you are used to. 

Here are some additional tips to help you make the most of your porcelain veneers. 

Caring for Porcelain Veneers 101

Daily brushing and flossing are essential because while veneers can resist cavities, the natural tooth underneath could become decayed without proper home care. Avoid whitening toothpaste as it can be abrasive and scratch the surface of your veneers. 

Never use your teeth as tools to open or carry things, as this could cause a veneer to chip or pop off. 

Visiting your dentist every six months for professional teeth cleanings and exams will also protect the health of your veneers. Your dentist can alert you to potential issues early on, allowing you to take proactive steps to protect your smile. 

Contact Your Arlington Dentist

Would you like to learn more about porcelain veneers or other cosmetic treatment options for your smile? Contact Clarendon Family Dentistry at (703) 522-8894 for more information.

Because crowns, veneers, and fillings are stain-resistant and maintain their color over time, traditional teeth whitening treatments do not work on them. These restorations are made from materials like porcelain or composite resin, so they won’t respond to whitening agents the way natural tooth enamel does.

If you attempt to whiten your teeth with over-the-counter products or professional treatments, you may notice that your natural teeth become lighter, while your crowns, veneers, or fillings stay the same color. This can lead to uneven results, making dental work more noticeable instead of blending in naturally.

If you’re concerned about the color of your dental restorations, please give us a call at Clarendon Family Dentistry. Our cosmetic dentists in Arlington, VA, will be happy to talk with you about your smile goals. We can replace older or discolored crowns, veneers, and fillings to give you a brighter, more uniform grin. Your dentist can also guide you on the best way to whiten your natural teeth while keeping your overall appearance balanced.

Call Our Cosmetic Dentist in Arlington, VA 

For the best long-term results, it's a good idea to whiten your natural teeth before getting any crowns, veneers, or fillings placed. That way, your dentist can match the restoration to your ideal shade. If you have questions or want to explore your options, we’re here to help you achieve a bright, seamless smile you’ll love to show off.

Call us today to learn more or book your consultation! 

If you've chipped or broken a tooth, Clarendon Family Dentistry offers multiple solutions to restore its function and appearance.

For minor tooth chips and cracks:

• Dental bonding can repair small chips in just one visit. We apply a tooth-colored composite resin to the damaged area, shape it to match your natural tooth, and then harden it with a special light. This affordable solution works well for front teeth and small defects.

For moderate tooth damage:

• Dental veneers are thin porcelain shells custom-made to cover the front surface of damaged teeth. They're an excellent option for visible teeth with moderate chips or cracks and provide a natural-looking, long-lasting solution.
• Dental inlays or onlays may be a solution for back teeth with moderate damage. These custom-made restorations are more extensive than fillings but less invasive than crowns.

For more severe tooth breaks or fractures:

• Dental crowns are necessary when a significant portion of your tooth is damaged. These "caps" cover the entire visible portion of the tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance.
• Root canal therapy might be needed if the break extends into the tooth's pulp filled with nerves and blood vessels. After removing the infected pulp, we typically place a crown to protect the tooth.

Remember—even minor chips can worsen without treatment, so it’s always best to contact your cosmetic dentist in Arlington, VA, right away. Call Clarendon Family Dentistry so we can help you find the chipped tooth solution that fits your needs.

Visiting your Arlington dentist regularly is one of the best things you can do to maintain a healthy, confident smile. For most people, a dental checkup every six months is ideal. These twice-yearly visits allow your dentist to monitor your oral health, perform a thorough cleaning, and catch any issues before they turn into more serious concerns. 

However, some people may need to visit more frequently. If you have a history of gum disease, frequent cavities, are undergoing orthodontic treatment, or have certain medical conditions like diabetes, your dentist might recommend coming in every three to four months instead. These more frequent visits help manage ongoing concerns and keep your teeth and gums healthy. 

It’s important to remember that regular dental checkups aren’t just about cleaning your teeth. They also involve checking for early signs of problems like:

• Oral cancer
• Jaw issues, like TMJ 
• Signs of systemic health problems

Your dentist can also give you personalized advice on brushing, flossing, diet, and lifestyle habits that impact your oral health.

Is It Time to Book Your Dental Checkup?

If it’s been a while since your last visit to Clarendon Family Dentistry, don’t stress. It’s never too late to get your smile back on track! Give us a call to book your next dental visit with us. 

At Clarendon Family Dentistry, we work with primary care doctors and sleep physicians to provide safe, effective sleep apnea treatment tailored to your needs.

What Does Sleep Apnea Treatment Involve?

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

A standard treatment involves using a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) mask that introduces a pressurized stream of air to help you breathe freely. However, many patients find the mask uncomfortable and dislike the sound of the machine. As a result, they don’t use their CPAP mask, putting their health at risk.

Sleep Apnea Mouthguard

If you struggle to wear your CPAP or have mild to moderate sleep apnea, we can help you by customizing a simple dental appliance. It's crucial to see your primary doctor or sleep physician first, who will evaluate your needs and recommend the safest, most effective treatment. We will be happy to refer you if needed. 

Next, Dr. Mooney will take impressions of your teeth to customize your sleep apnea device. This appliance fits over your teeth like a mouthguard but positions your lower jaw slightly forward to keep your airway open and allow you to breathe freely.

Need a Sleep Apnea Dentist in Arlington, VA?

Untreated sleep apnea can put your health at risk and rob you of restful sleep. Call Clarendon Family Dentistry today at (703) 522-8894 to learn how we can help you.

Because crowns, veneers, and fillings are stain-resistant and maintain their color over time, traditional teeth whitening treatments do not work on them. These restorations are made from materials like porcelain or composite resin, so they won’t respond to whitening agents the way natural tooth enamel does.

If you attempt to whiten your teeth with over-the-counter products or professional treatments, you may notice that your natural teeth become lighter, while your crowns, veneers, or fillings stay the same color. This can lead to uneven results, making dental work more noticeable instead of blending in naturally.

If you’re concerned about the color of your dental restorations, please give us a call at Clarendon Family Dentistry. Our cosmetic dentists in Arlington, VA, will be happy to talk with you about your smile goals. We can replace older or discolored crowns, veneers, and fillings to give you a brighter, more uniform grin. Your dentist can also guide you on the best way to whiten your natural teeth while keeping your overall appearance balanced.

Call Our Cosmetic Dentist in Arlington, VA 

For the best long-term results, it's a good idea to whiten your natural teeth before getting any crowns, veneers, or fillings placed. That way, your dentist can match the restoration to your ideal shade. If you have questions or want to explore your options, we’re here to help you achieve a bright, seamless smile you’ll love to show off.

Call us today to learn more or book your consultation! 

How quickly you see results depends on your needs and which treatment you choose. At Clarendon Family Dentistry in Arlington, VA, we offer in-office treatment with Opalescence and custom take-home whitening kits.

In-Office Teeth Whitening Steps

We recommend an in-office whitening treatment for immediate results. This is the perfect approach if you have a tight timeline for a wedding, reunion, job interview, or other big event.

The process involves placing a protective gel on your gums, then applying the bleaching solution to your teeth and letting it sit for 15 minutes. We repeat these steps as necessary until we obtain the desired results, which typically takes about an hour.

Custom Take-Home Whitening Kits

If you want a more convenient option that you can use at your pace, we recommend take-home whitening. You place the gel in the trays and wear them for about 30 minutes (or as recommended) daily for two weeks or until you see the desired level of whiteness.

The advantage is that you have control over how bright your smile is, and you can continue to use leftover gel and your trays for monthly touchups.

Which Type of Teeth Whitening Is for You?

Regardless of which type you choose, we always recommend starting with a teeth cleaning before whitening for the best results, Call our Arlington, VA, dental office today at (703) 522-8894 to get started!