Smiles of Chevy Chase - Dr. Despina Markogiannakis

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Smiles of Chevy Chase - Dr. Despina Markogiannakis Dr. Despina Markogiannakis, DDS
🦷 General, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry
🥇 Named Best Dentist by Washingtonian, DC, and Potomac Magazine

10/16/2026

When you hear “BOTOX,” you probably think of wrinkles. But it can have a therapeutic use in dentistry, too.
For some patients, treating overactive jaw muscles may help with muscle related discomfort. The first step is figuring out why your jaw hurts and whether this treatment makes sense for you.
There are no wrinkles in your jaw. 😉

10/13/2026

Mouthwash can freshen your breath and reduce bacteria, but it's not a substitute for brushing and flossing.
The key to good oral hygiene is physically removing plaque and bacteria from the teeth and gums. Mouthwash can help support your routine, but it can't remove the buildup that brushing and flossing are designed to clear away.
Think of mouthwash as an addition, not the foundation. For a truly effective routine, brushing and flossing should always come first.
A healthy smile starts with the right daily habits. 🦷✨

10/07/2026

Skipping flossing doesn’t just mean a little extra plaque.

When bacteria sits between your teeth, it can lead to bleeding gums, cavities, bone loss and even damage to dental work you’ve already had done.

Your toothbrush simply can’t reach every area between your teeth. Flossing helps physically remove the bacteria from those spaces before it has the chance to create bigger problems.

A few minutes a day can make a huge difference for the long-term health of your smile. 🦷✨

10/06/2026

Whiter teeth don’t always mean a better smile.

Whitening can improve the shade of your teeth, but creating a natural, balanced smile means looking at the full picture: alignment, shape, gum health, bonding, stains, and overall harmony.

Think of whitening as one piece of the puzzle, not the entire solution.

10/02/2026

Do all wisdom teeth need to come out? No.

I look at where they’re positioned, whether they’re causing pain or infection, whether they’re affecting nearby teeth, and whether you can keep them clean.

If your wisdom teeth aren’t bothering you, that doesn’t automatically mean they need to go. It does mean they’re worth checking so we can make the right decision for your mouth.

09/30/2026

You don’t have to give up your morning coffee because you’re worried about your teeth. ☕️
Coffee and tea can both cause staining. What I’m especially mindful of is frequent exposure to acidic drinks, like soda, which can wear down enamel over time.
So enjoy your coffee, and pay attention to what you’re sipping throughout the rest of the day.

09/27/2026

A brighter smile isn't always just a whiter smile. ✨

Whitening can lift stains and improve the color of your teeth—but creating a truly beautiful, natural-looking smile means looking at the entire picture:

🦷 The shape and proportions of each tooth
🦷 How the teeth fit together
🦷 Their position and alignment
🦷 The health and appearance of the gums
🦷 The overall harmony of the smile

Dentistry is both art and science. The goal isn't to make every smile look the same—it's to enhance what's already uniquely yours and create a result that looks balanced, healthy, and natural.

Whitening may be one piece of the puzzle, but the best smile transformations begin with understanding the whole smile.

Ready to discover what could make the biggest difference for yours? Schedule a consultation with Smiles of Chevy Chase. 🤍

09/24/2026

A missing tooth doesn’t stay “just a space” forever. 🦷

Your mouth is constantly changing, and when a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth naturally begin moving into the open space. Neighboring teeth can tilt and drift, while the tooth above or below the gap may begin shifting outward.

Over time, this movement can lead to:

✨ Food getting trapped between teeth
✨ Bite misalignment
✨ Uneven pressure on surrounding teeth
✨ Jaw discomfort
✨ More complicated dental treatment later

You may feel completely fine without replacing the tooth—for now. But addressing it early can help protect the alignment, comfort, and long-term health of your entire smile.

09/21/2026

A missing tooth doesn’t just leave an empty space—it can affect the alignment and health of your entire smile. 🦷

Without a tooth filling that space, the neighboring teeth may begin to shift inward while the opposing tooth can move down or up into the gap. Over time, this can disrupt your bite and create additional dental concerns.

Depending on your specific needs, treatment options may include:

✨ A space maintainer to prevent shifting
✨ A single-tooth implant to restore appearance and function
✨ A three-unit bridge when an implant isn’t the right option

The best solution depends on factors like bone quality, previous infection, and your overall oral health. The important thing is not to ignore the space—even when it isn’t immediately visible.

Schedule a consultation to find the right long-term solution for your smile.

Address

5454 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 835
Chevy Chase, MD
20815

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 7:30am - 1pm

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