Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
In Hedgesville, Serving Martinsburg, Hagerstown, Frederick, And Surrounding Areas

Learn more about our procedures by clicking on any of the links below.
- Porcelain Veneers
- Neuromuscular TMJ/TMD
- Teeth Whitening
- Porcelain Crowns
- Dentures and Partials
- Laser Dentistry
- Tooth Bonding
- Dental Implants
- Sedation Dentistry
Porcelain Veneers
- How can porcelain veneers improve my smile?
- Why choose porcelain veneers over teeth whitening?
Porcelain veneers correct the appearance of crooked teeth, gaps, cracks, chips, discoloration, broken teeth, and worn teeth. They can be used to improve one tooth or many teeth, and can address several of these problems at once.
If your teeth are stained or discolored whitening may be the right procedure for you. However, porcelain veneers can correct the appearance of discolored teeth that are resistant to whitening procedures.
Learn more about by reading our porcelain veneers questions page.
Neuromuscular TMJ/TMD
- What causes TMJ/TMD?
- Trauma - whiplash, blows to the head or neck, sports injuries, auto accidents, etc.
- Oral habits - nail biting, wide yawning, pencil chewing, etc.
- Diseases - fibromyalgia, arthritis, mitral valve prolapse, etc.
- Health care procedures - intubation during surgery, some dental procedures
- Poor posture
- Is TMJ/TMD fatal?
TMJ/TMD can occur with no known cause, however there are several common causes including:
Not in itself. TMJ/TMD symptoms such as pain and limited range of motion can lead to headaches, poor nutrition, sleep deprivation, and depression.
Learn more about TMJ/TMD by reading our TMJ/TMD questions page.
Teeth Whitening
- What causes tooth discoloration?
- Coffee, tea, and other staining foods
- Tobacco use
- Certain medications
- Excessive fluoride
- Dental trauma
- Old filings
- Aging
- Genetics
- What type of teeth whitening does Dr. Barney use?
Many factors can contribute to tooth discoloration including:
We use opalescence teeth whitening system, which combines a peroxide-based solution with laser or high intensity light to quickly and comfortably whiten your teeth. After your initial treatment in our office, you can continue treatments at home.
Learn more by reading our teeth whitening questions page.
Porcelain Crowns
- What is a crown?
- What will my crown look and feel like?
A porcelain crown covers all or a portion of your tooth while allowing you to keep as much natural tooth material as possible. They may be used to strengthen a weak tooth, cover large areas of decay, or correct the appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth.
Your porcelain crown will be perfectly matched to the shape and color of your original tooth. It will look and feel like your real teeth, and allow you to chew and speak normally.
Learn more by reading our porcelain crowns questions page.
Dentures and Partials
- What is the difference between dentures and partials?
- I have heard that dentures cause a lot of pain and discomfort. Is this true?
Dentures replace all of your teeth. Partials replace a group of teeth and rely on the surrounding teeth to hold them in place.
Dentures that do not fit properly can slip and are often painful. Using the Myotronics K7 Evaluation system, we take computer images of your teeth and mouth giving us a full understanding of your bite alignment and allowing us to achieve the perfect fit.
Learn more about dentures and partials by reading our dentures and partials questions page.
Laser Dentistry
- What types of procedures involve laser dentistry?
- What kind of laser do you use?
Laser dentistry is exceptional for gum reshaping, tooth whitening, and hard and soft tissue procedures, such as gingivitis treatments and root canals.
We use BioLase and WaterLase lasers. WaterLase combines laser energy with water in a process called HydroPhotonics.
Learn more by reading our laser dentistry questions page.
Tooth Bonding
- What is tooth bonding used for?
- Small areas of decay
- Misshapen or crooked teeth
- Chips
- Cracks
- Gaps
- Discoloration
- Will my teeth feel bulky after tooth bonding?
Tooth bonding is used to cover small dental imperfections such as:
No. The bonding material is smoothed and polished to feel like your natural teeth.
Learn more by reading our tooth bonding questions page.
Dental Implants
- What is a dental implant?
- What are the advantages of dental implants over dentures or partials?
- Preserves jaw bone tissue and gums
- Supports surrounding teeth
- Acts and feels like your natural teeth
- Convenient and easy to care for
- Lasts a lifetime
- Prevents other teeth from drifting out of position
A dental implant is a titanium rod inserted into your jawbone, which replaces the root of your tooth. A porcelain replacement tooth, created to match your natural tooth, is attached to this rod.
Dental implants have many advantages over dentures and partials including:
Learn more by reading our dental implants questions page.
Sedation Dentistry
- Is sedation dentistry safe?
- What is the difference between sedation dentistry and sleep dentistry?
Yes. Sedation dentistry involves the use of safe but effective oral sedatives, which produce a very relaxed state and can be combined with nitrous oxide for even deeper relaxation.
During sedation dentistry, although you may be so relaxed that you doze off, you will be conscious. Sleep dentistry involves much more powerful anesthesia and requires the attendance of an anesthesiologist.
Learn more by reading our sedation dentistry questions page.
KENNETH C. BARNEY, D.D.S.
PO Box 297, 101 N. Mary St.
Hedgesville, WV 25427-0297
(304) 754-8803
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