[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Not taking care of your mouth can lead to more than bad breath and cavities. In fact, more extreme issues such as sensitivity, gum disease, and even tooth loss can occur from neglecting oral hygiene.

These issues can be easily preventable by simply adopting a few effective oral health habits into your lifestyle. Here are five active ways to improve your oral hygiene.

The right technique and the right product make all the difference

A proper brushing technique is crucial. Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward your gum line and gently move the bristles back and forth short strokes. Be sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth, and don’t forget your tongue!

Shopping for the right toothbrush can sometimes be difficult, but don’t let the seemingly millions of options and brands scare you from choosing the best one for your needs. Toothpaste comes in a variety of options that can suit every one of your oral hygiene needs, from bad breath to sensitivity. Mouthwash is a great additional step towards a healthy mouth with active ingredients that combat plaque and protect the teeth, but it is not a replacement for daily brushing or flossing. Talk to your dentist if you are unsure about which product is right for you.

Floss, Floss, Floss!

Every dentist will tell you that flossing is imperative to your oral health. Surely everyone has had a lecture on flossing and a how-to demonstration, but here’s a quick video on flossing just in case you need a refresh. Flossing is great because it reaches in places that a toothbrush and mouthwash can not, so floss at least once a day, preferably at night. Gum bleeding and soreness is possible if you don’t floss often, but don’t give up! It’s a sign that your gums are getting stronger. Check out these effective flossing tips for more ways to improve your flossing technique.

If you aren’t a fan of traditional flossing, a variety of tools exist to help aid in teeth cleaning, such as floss holders and water picks.

A great oral hygiene routine doesn’t happen overnight

Like all great things, good oral health takes time. Several small changes in your routine will gradually improve your oral hygiene, but the key to a white smile and a healthy mouth is to adopt these healthy habits and stick with the routine. Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two to three minutes at a time. Make sure you floss right after brushing, and finish your routine with mouthwash to keep your teeth and gums optimally healthy.

Start healthy habits early

Since great oral health is a gradual process, teach healthy oral hygiene habits to children while they are young. As soon as the baby teeth appear, they are at risk for cavities. Cavity-causing bacteria can easily develop in a baby’s mouth by simply sharing the same spoon as a parent, and can be just as painful as a cavity in your mouth, so look after your child’s teeth as if they were your own.

A baby’s teeth are extremely sensitive and fragile, so make sure you use age-appropriate dental products and techniques, such as soft-bristled toothbrushes. When your child has two teeth touching, it’s time to start daily flossing. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends using a ‘smear’ of fluoridated toothpaste for children three or younger, and a ‘pea-size’ amount for children ages three through six. Your child should see the dentist before their first birthday. Discuss any questions or concerns with your dentist or your child’s pediatrician.

Visit your dentist regularly

We are all guilty of pushing off dental check-ups, but in order to have a great oral health routine, actually visiting your local dentist is the most important habit to adopt. See your dentist twice a year for a professional cleaning and to prevent hidden problems that can lead to oral diseases.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Imparting wisdom to our children in order to give them the best lives possible is perhaps our greatest task as parents. We spend most of their formative years, teaching them things that will help them be happy, successful, and healthy throughout life. This may include education, manners, as well as healthy eating and exercise habits. And while parents may make their children brush their teeth and attend regular dental exams, there is still more to teach.

Good dental health is an important facet in our overall wellbeing. Poor oral health not only leads to painful cavities, unattractive smiles, and bad breath. It also can be tied to other health conditions, including problems heart and respiratory disease, as well as digestive problems. Brushing, rinsing, and visiting the dentist are all important, but these are just some of the positive dental care habits that you should be instilling in your young ones.

Brushing

Sure, you make your children brush their teeth. But are they doing it often enough or even correctly for that matter? As soon as baby’s teeth break the surface, it’s time to begin brushing. Teeth should be brushed twice daily, with fluoride toothpaste being used as soon as your child is old enough to spit it out on their own. Ensure that your child has the correct size, soft-bristled toothbrush, and show them how to clean teeth using small, circular motions.

Flossing

Just as it is an imperative part of adult oral hygiene, flossing is important for children as well. Teaching this habit early will increase the likelihood that your child will continue to floss in the future. By flossing, you can help gums stay healthy, and remove plaque buildup that occurs in places a toothbrush can’t reach.

Dentist Visits

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a pediatric dentist after getting their first tooth or by their first birthday, a timeline that most parents miss. Although you may take your son or daughter to the dentist for check-ups, it is important to make sure that you go early and often enough. Just like adults, it is recommended that kids see their dentist twice a year for routine exams and care.

Quit Thumb Sucking and Pacifiers

A lot of young children turn to pacifiers and thumb sucking as a soothing mechanism, and most will drop the habit on their own as they get a little older. However, some children may continue the habit beyond the age of three, at which time, it’s important to try and break it. Continuing can lead to misalignment of teeth, and introduce bacteria which may lead to illness and tooth decay.

Keeping your child healthy is certainly a top priority as a parent. Just as you may teach them how to bathe or tie their shoes, instructing them on proper dental habits is equally as important. Good habits begin in young age, and learning these early can help ensure a lifetime of proper oral health.

Affordable dentistry is of immense importance and The Smile Spa focuses on putting beautiful smiles on the faces of its patients at a very affordable price. Here are some facts that support this.

• Located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, The Smile Spa is included in the most affordable dentists list by YELP.com.
• Aside from dental services, they also offer other spa services such as botox.
• The Smile Spa has received so many positive testimonials from its many visitors. Customers have described the dental practice as ‘extremely nice & helpful’
• Its founder, Dr. Aime Russo-Mounger, DDS, is a member of several dental associations including: The American, Louisiana,and Greater Baton Rouge associations as well as the American Academy of Facial Esthetics.

Choosing the right dentist is always a crucial consideration – but even more important is choosing a high-quality affordable dentist near you. This makes your life easier in many ways, as it allows you to extend care to family members and close friends. This will also ease the stress of attending dental checkups, examinations and follow-ups. 

How Can You Make Dental Care More Affordable To You?

There are a few things to take into consideration when trying to make dental care affordable for you and your family. 

1. Focus on dental care that is preventive, rather than curative. The best way to lessen dental costs is prevention. Simple measures such as brushing at least twice a day, and flossing once a day can go a long way.
2. Compare service costs between different dental practices. Also compare the value for the services between dental practices.
3. Make thorough inquiries about payment options that are flexible.
4. If there are some government-sponsored programs available, consider them.

During your initial consultation, find out what payment plans are available. There is usually one to fit every budget. Also gauge whether your dentist is an In-Network or Out-of-Network provider. Most dentists are In-Network for the larger dental insurance providers. 

Places To Look for An Affordable Dentist

1. Qualified Federal Health Centers also provide basic and comprehensive dental care. 
2. Most local dental schools provide lower-cost dental care.This is usually delivered at high-standards as the teaching facilities require patients to enable the dental students to gain practical experience. Your consultation will always be done under the watchful eye of licensed and experienced dentists.
3. There are quite a number of charitable organizations that offer either free or heavily-subsidized dental care opportunities

Why Is Most Dental Care Expensive?

Several factors account for this. Among them are:

• Lack of complete health insurance
• Most dental insurance only has skimpy coverage.
• The cost of dental care has been steadily increasing in recent years.

The story is not all gloomy, though. In many parts of the country such as Baton Rouge, Louisiana, affordable dentist services exist with The Smile Spa as the perfect example. 

So, if you live in or near Baton Rouge and you’re in need of an affordable dentist, then do not hesitate to call The Smile Spa – better still, pop in and say hello, you’ll be glad you did!

National Sunscreen Day is celebrated every year on May 27th and is designed to raise awareness of the dangers that can come from getting too much sun, especially without the protection of sunscreen. But how exactly does this apply to your teeth, and why is your dentist in Baton Rouge talking about it? The truth is, sunshine can both benefit and damage oral health. 

Oral Health Benefits of Sunshine

The sun has one of the most important things teeth need to stay strong and healthy – vitamin D. Vitamin D is what allows the body to absorb calcium, and you need to get the right amount of both to get the benefits. Getting some sun, along with eating foods high in vitamin D and calcium, can help. However, too many Americans don’t get enough vitamin D. Around 42% of U.S. adults are vitamin D deficienct. Without enough vitamin D, the body and teeth could be in trouble. Vitamin D deficiency can cause or contribute to: 

• Cavities
• Gum Disease
• Weak or Underdeveloped Teeth
• Increased Risk for Depression
• Weakened Bones

Even though we can get vitamin D by eating foods such as fatty fish, eggs, and fortified food like dairy, juice, and plant milk, the best way to get vitamin D is through the sun. Just always make sure to wear sunscreen on your skin and reapply often. 

Oral Health Dangers of Sunshine

Luckily, the teeth aren’t often directly at risk for damage from the sun, although it’s still possible. But other areas of the mouth are more likely to sustain negative effects from too much sunshine. 

• Dry Mouth

Heat makes us sweat. Sweat makes our bodies lose water. Losing water causes dehydration. Dehydration is certainly a serious problem that affects overall health, but it’s also a concern for your dentist in Baton Rouge. Dehydration can cause something called dry mouth. Dry mouth isn’t only uncomfortable, but it will also allow bacteria that are usually rinsed away by saliva to build up, increasing the risk of cavities of gum disease. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you’re spending time getting sun. 

• Lip Cancer

While the risk of too much sun exposure damaging teeth is low, the lips are another story. Lip skin is sensitive and can easily burn, and they’re often bypassed while applying sunscreen. Giving your lips some love with a lip balm with an SPF of 15 higher before heading outdoors, and several times during, can lower the risk of lip, skin, or oral cancer. 

The best way to celebrate National Sunscreen Day and protect your oral and overall health is to pledge to wear sunscreen every time you’ll be outside, even when it’s not necessarily sunny. When it comes to oral health specifically, make sure to see your dentist in Baton Rouge at least twice a year for regular checkups. These visits can help monitor overall oral health and catch any potential problems such as lip or oral cancer early when they’re easy to treat, often successfully. 

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Botox is a great alternative to surgically sculpting the shape of your face. The extremely tiny needle injects the Botox serum wherever facial muscles should be relaxed (think: around the mouth, across the forehead and between the eyebrows). The Botox trend is a growing sensation nowadays, but not in the ways you might think.

Botox offers numerous benefits with very limited side effects. It’s one of the safest and most common cosmetic treatments for eliminating wrinkles. But it’s more than just cosmetic. Botox injections contain a variety of medicinal properties that can relieve certain health-related issues, too.

Here are a few interesting facts about Botox that could benefit you!

Treats excessive sweating

If you’re one of the millions of people who suffer from excessive sweating, consider Botox for a potentially permanent solution. A simple injection into the sweat glands under your skin can temporarily block the chemical signals that cause excessive perspiration for about 6-8 months. Talk to your dermatologist to see if this is the right treatment for you.

Cures migraines

In 2010, the FDA approved Botox as a treatment for chronic migraine headaches. However, it’s unclear as to why Botox actually cures the chronic pain. Multiple injections are given at intervals of about 12 weeks, but can relieve migraine symptoms for up to three months. Those who experience chronic migraine headaches over 15 days a month are likely candidates for Botox treatment, but should first consult with a headache specialist.

Prevents new wrinkles from forming

More people in their late 20’s and early 30’s are using Botox even though they are still wrinkle free. Botox is a preventative measure when getting injections while the skin is unfrowned. Studies show that when used as a preventative measure, patients can see a significant increase in wrinkle prevention and can also avoid future forehead lines.

Not just for women

When Botox was initially offered as a cosmetic treatment, majority of the customers were women. According to a new study in the Cosmetic Journal, there’s been a dramatic increase (about 250%!) in the last decade in the number of men who are now enjoying the benefits of Botox. The study states that rise is because of the diminishing stigma associated with cosmetic produces.

Botox at the dentist

Banish wrinkles while having your teeth cleaned? Yes please! Many dentists are now offering Botox to their patients alongside their existing dental services. Botox can also treat TMJ by relaxing the master muscles. It can even be used as a treatment for bladders at the urologist.

While this sounds odd, dentists are experts on the entire facial layout, as well as the muscle and nerve systems. Not to mention, dentists are especially good at giving tiny, precise numbing injections.

Dr. Russo is very well known for her Botox results and has many happy female and male patients that she sees every 3 months to keep them looking young. She also does private parties for small groups of people at a discounted unit rate. Don’t forget to check the web specials for upcoming parties and deals.

The Smile Spa offers a variety of dental and spa services. For more information or to make an appointment, click here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]

So much more goes into maintaining a healthy smile besides brushing and flossing your teeth and seeing your dentist in Baton Rouge, although those are certainly important. Everything from what we eat and drink to our everyday habits can impact oral health. In fact, there are many habits that are bad for teeth, and some of them you may not even realize you’re doing or know could negatively affect oral health. 

• Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard

Many people may equate brushing their teeth to them needing a good scrubbing. But the truth is, there is no need to brush so hard. In fact, using too much pressure or brushing vigorously can cause damage. Brushing roughly can wear down tooth enamel, increasing the risk of tooth sensitivity and making teeth more susceptible to decay. Additionally, brushing too hard can irritate the gums and cause them to recede. You should always brush using gentle strokes at a 45-degree angle with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

• Using Teeth for Things Other Than Chewing

Using your teeth for things other than chewing and speaking could mean an emergency trip to your dentist in Baton Rouge. Using your teeth as a third hand to help hold onto something or as a pair of scissors to help open a package can easily damage your teeth. Broken restorations or broken or chipped natural teeth are two of the most common problems linked to using your teeth as tools. Instead, it is always worth taking your time and finding an appropriate tool.

• Crunching Ice

Crunching on cold, hard ice may seem harmless, and could even be rewarding. But doing so can also break restorations or teeth. Additionally, chronically crunching ice can create small cracks in the teeth. Over time, these cracks can become bigger and bigger, causing problems. 

• Nail Biting

One of the most common habits that are bad for teeth is nail biting. Even though tooth enamel is hard, nails are also hard, and chronically biting them can cause tooth damage such as chipping a tooth. Nail biting can also cause teeth to move, making them appear crooked, overcrowded, or overlapped. Besides that, habitually biting your nails can even make you place your jaw in an unnatural position, which could lead to jaw pain and TMJ.

• Using Tobacco

All types of tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco, are bad for both overall and oral health. Not only can this habit increase the risk of cancer throughout the body, but it can also increase the risk of developing oral cancer. Additionally, tobacco use can stain teeth, cause decay, gum disease, and tooth loss.

• Clenching Your Teeth

Clenching or grinding your teeth could be one of those habits that you may not even realize you’re doing. Often done subconsciously or even during sleep, constantly clenching or grinding teeth could wear down teeth and make them appear short, easily cause chips or cracks, or lead to jaw pain.

Habits are called habits for a reason – they’re part of our lives and they’re hard to break. But there are ways to break them, and we believe that you can. In the meantime, make sure to talk to your dentist in Baton Rouge about any habits you have so that they can be on the lookout for any common problems associated with them and offer some tips to quit. 

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Giving a gift that is both useful and thoughtful is more difficult than it sounds. When it comes to your closest loved ones, you undoubtedly want to give something that is special and well-received, but that’s a narrow category and one that gets even smaller after taking into account the recipient’s likes, interests, and your own budget. Perhaps you find yourself falling back into the same old gift ideas each year, and now you are looking for a way to mix things up. In any case, cosmetic treatments could be just the option you need and what almost everyone secretly wants.

Why do Cosmetic Treatments Make Good Gifts?

When we look our best, we feel our best, and for many that means fighting back lines and wrinkles or combating problem areas such as thin lips or sagging facial skin. In years past, addressing such concerns meant undergoing surgical procedures such as facelifts or liposuction or putting faith in unproven products. Thankfully, that is no longer the case. Today, looking one’s best is often just an FDA-approved injection away. Fillers and relaxers have taken over as not only a simpler, more affordable option for maintaining youthful glowing skin, but they deliver more natural looking results as well. For the special someone on your list this holiday season, consider the following three popular treatment options:

Botox as a Holiday Gift

Botox has become the gold standard among cosmetic injectables. Although smoothing lines and wrinkles may not have been the intended purpose initially, this relaxer has made a name for itself as a safe and incredibly effective treatment option. When injected in the right areas and in the proper amounts by a professional such as a dentist, the results are smooth, beautiful, glowing, wrinkle-free, skin that lasts for months at a time.

Juvederm as a Holiday Gift

Juvederm has a collection of fillers with each formulation serving a different purpose. Whether it’s lines and wrinkles, hollowing cheeks, or thin lips that are the source of dissatisfaction, Juvederm offers an FDA-approved product to help. Results are reliable and natural in both look and feel. These products can last from a year to two depending on the location and product. Even better, patients who are seeking lip fillers needn’t worry about permanence should they not like the results. Because Juvederm is composed of hyaluronic acid, it is easily “erased” with an enzyme injection.

Microneedling as a Holiday Gift

Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure designed to thicken the skin and reduce common signs of aging by promoting the production of collagen and elastin. Microneedling is performed with the use of a tool or pen with 11 tiny needles at the tip. These needles are used to create micro-punctures in the skin’s surface. In response, the body treats these punctures as wounds and ramps up cell turnover, collagen, and elastin in an effort to heal them. With a series of 4-6 microneedling treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart, most patients can achieve optimal results with noticeable improvement in skin’s elasticity and smoothness. This is just one of many services that can be purchased for a gift of beauty at Kelly’s Laser Aesthetics. You can view all available services and purchase gift cards on line at www.kellyslaseraesthetics.com

So, are you ready to step up your gift-giving game this year? If so, click below to contact The Smile Spa, and inquire about the services above, and be prepared to give your most useful and appreciated holiday gift yet![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]On most lists of places people hate to go, you’ll find the dentist’s office right up there with the DMV. While both places can cause stress, only the dentist’s office had a WebMD page dedicated to dealing with the fear of a visit. To combat that fear, the idea of spa dentistry was created. The Smile Spa was created to implement this concept in Baton Rouge. But to understand why it’s effective, one needs to understand the differences between spa dentistry and traditional dentistry.

A traditional dentist’s office gives off a feeling of being cold and clinical. When people think of going to the dentist, they often instinctively fear bright lights in their eyes, instruments intruding in their mouth, the sounds and smells those instruments make, poking, prodding, invading your personal space in a very sensitive area, and an overall sense of the whole experience being a necessary evil. It’s no wonder that research estimates roughly 75 percent of people have some level of dental fear. For years, this was accepted as the way things were done.

At a dental spa, like The Smile Spa, this concept has been challenged and changed. From the moment you walk through the front door, you are greeted by a friendly staff and the relaxing sound of trickling water from a fountain. The walls of the lobby are adorned with paintings of other clients displaying the results of the beautiful smiles and wonderful treatment they’ve received in the office.

During the visit, The Smile Spa goes to great lengths to put the patient at ease. Realizing that four of the five senses can help the patient’s state of mind, multiple amenities are utilized to help the patient relax. What you see, what you hear, what you smell, and what you feel are all directed towards a more relaxing experience with your comfort in mind.

What you see is a digital television. Every office is equipped with one. The time seems to pass by faster when the mind is allowed to focus on something else. In this case, that something else is a program on TV. If you don’t want to watch TV, you can opt for an herbal eye mask. Aside from blocking the visual world around you, an herbal eye mask can reduce or eliminate a tension headache, and open up the sinuses, allowing your breathing to be more natural and relaxed. Adding to that; we live in a screen dominated world. Think about how many hours of the day your eyes are focused on a computer, tablet, or smart phone. An herbal eye mask relieves the irritation and burning in the eyes caused by this exposure, relaxing your eyes, the muscles around them, and your mind as well.

What you hear is very important. Even with a television, you need to be able to hear it over the work that is being done so your focus is not on dentistry (that’s our job). That is why we offer headphones so you can concentrate on the show you’re watching. If you prefer music over TV, we offer that as well through your headphones. Music is a great relaxant. Our bodies naturally entrain to rhythm, and study after study shows that it can bypass the front of your brain, allowing your subconscious to relax.

What you smell is equally important. No one wants to smell the work that’s being done by a dentist’s drill. We offer aromatherapy creams for this purpose. It’s one thing for a staff member to tell you to relax. It goes a lot further when it’s your nose doing the talking.

What you feel is what really sets the dental spa apart from the traditional dentist. Rather than gripping the arm rests of a dental chair, we offer paraffin wax with mitts. Not only does this help you relax, but it adds the benefits of improving your skin, increasing blood flow to your extremities, and relieve joint stiffness. Rather than having your feet dangling off the end of the chair, we offer foot massage slippers. Of course we all know that a foot massage can relieve stress, pain, and anxiety. But, they also improve blood circulation, reduce the symptoms of a cold, and for pregnant women, they’re great for alleviating edema. One of the things some patients experience during a visit is dry lips. While a traditional dentist may view this as a natural side effect of the work being done, we offer lip balm to solve the problem. What you’re wearing plays a role in what you feel as well. A traditional dentist offers what amounts to a paper towel on a necklace to protect your clothing. We offer our patients a robe. This not only protects your clothing, but leaves you much more comfortable, making it that much easier to relax.

While we’re covering what you feel, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention sedation. Sedation dentistry is very popular and effective. You can be given a prescription 30 minutes before your appointment that will leave you completely relaxed throughout. If you opt for this method, you will need to have someone who can drive you home after your appointment. If you prefer, nitrous oxide is available as an alternative. You inhale the gas at the beginning of your visit, and you will be flushed with 100% Oxygen at the end of the appointment. If you choose this option, you are able to drive to and from the appointment and continue with your regularly scheduled day. For any other minor pain or discomfort, we offer Tylenol or ibuprofen.

All of these services are offered to you at no extra charge. They are the way we serve our patients to insure that your visit doesn’t bring those traditional fears and anxieties to the fore front. They are how we set our selves apart so that, instead of something you dread, your trip to the dentist is one you can look forward to.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]

You may have heard your dentist in Baton Rouge talk to you about your bite. But what exactly are they talking about? What’s the difference between a good bite and a bad bite? Why does your bite even matter? Let’s take a look. 

All About Your Bite 

When your dentist in Baton Rouge talks to you about your bite, they’re referring to how your upper and lower teeth come together. When someone has a “bad bite,” also called malocclusion, it means the top and bottom teeth don’t fit together properly, or sometimes don’t meet together at all. A bad bite can lead to both developmental problems and increase the risk of certain dental conditions. 

Types of Bite Conditions

Several different types of bite conditions can affect both children and adults. While each one is unique, they can all contribute to various dental and overall health problems. Some bite problems can make it difficult to properly remove bacteria and plaque from teeth through brushing and flossing. Many bites are the result of genetics, but other factors can also create a bite condition.

• Underbite

An underbite occurs when the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth. This can appear as if the jaw is pushing forward. Untreated underbites can cause unnatural and unnecessary stress on the jaw and can increase the risk of tooth wear. In adulthood, dental injuries are one of the most common causes of a new underbite. In kids, thumbsucking and pacifier use can create an underbite. 

• Overbite

The opposite of an underbite is an overbite. Overbites occur when the top teeth stick out over the bottom teeth and are often recognized by their “buck teeth” appearance. These protruding teeth are more susceptible to breaking and can make it hard for the mouth to fully close. This could lead to dry mouth and, as a result, an increased risk of tooth decay and bad breath. An overbite can also be caused by thumbsucking and pacifier use as well as nail biting, tooth grinding, or when the tongue continually presses against the teeth. 

• Crossbite

One of the more complicated bite conditions is a crossbite. A crossbite is noticeable when one top tooth or a group of top teeth falls inside the lower teeth. This can happen to front teeth or back teeth and is caused by misalignment of the teeth or bone. A crossbite can shift the jaw so that more pressure is placed on one site. This can result in jaw pain. Crossbites can also increase the risk of enamel erosion.

• Open Bite

When you bite down on your back teeth and front teeth don’t touch or overlap is known as an open bite. This can happen when a child sucks their thumb or uses a pacifier for too long, when someone pushes their tongue against their front teeth repeatedly over time, or if they breathe out of their mouth. An overbite could cause speech problems as well as difficulty swallowing. 

Most bite conditions will not correct themselves on their own, and many tend to get worse over time. So if your dentist in Baton Rouge has expressed concern over your bite, talk to them about your treatment options. Once a bite is corrected and the teeth line up the way they should, it can make taking care of teeth easier, relieve or prevent jaw problems, and allow for proper speech and chewing.

Are you unhappy with your smile because of crooked teeth? Our Invisalign treatment at The Smile Spa is a great way to straighten teeth without metal wires or brackets. Plus, there are no food restrictions and no need to brush after every meal! Dr. Aimee Russo-Mounger and Dr. Alexis Russo are your Invisalign dentists in Baton Rouge, LA. Schedule a free consultation with The Smile Spa today to see if Invisalign is right for you!

The Benefits of Invisalign

Invisalign is an increasingly popular alternative to traditional metal braces for people who want to straighten their teeth. Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners that are virtually invisible when you wear them. You can eat and drink what you want while wearing Invisalign, and no one will even know that you’re straightening your teeth! Plus, brushing and flossing are no problem with Invisalign.

If you’re considering straightening your teeth but don’t want to deal with the hassle of metal braces, Invisalign might be right for you. Here’s why:

Invisible Aligners

One of the best things about Invisalign is that the aligners are practically invisible when you wear them. Their invisibility is a massive benefit if you’re self-conscious about your appearance or don’t want people to know that you’re straightening your teeth. With Invisalign, only you will know that you’re wearing aligners.

Removable Aligners

Another great benefit of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. Being removable means taking them out to eat and drink what you want. You also won’t have to worry about food getting stuck in your braces and causing cavities. Plus, brushing and flossing are no problem with Invisalign because you can remove the aligners and brush your teeth like normal. 

Comfortable Aligners

Invisalign aligners are made from a comfortable, smooth material that won’t irritate your gums or cause mouth sores like metal braces. The aligners are also custom-made for your mouth, so they will fit well and won’t slip around like some over-the-counter mouthguards. 

Invisalign For A Great Smile

Invisalign is an excellent option for people who want to straighten their teeth but don’t want to wear metal braces. Invisalign is also a good option for people with minor dental problems, such as crowding or gaps in their teeth. We don’t recommend Invisalign for people with severe dental problems, such as an overbite or underbite.

The Invisalign process starts with a free consultation. We will take x-rays, photos, and impressions of your teeth to create a custom treatment plan. We will then give you a set of aligners to wear. You will need to wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily and change them every two weeks.

You will need to come in for regular appointments so that we can check your progress and give you new aligners. The entire Invisalign treatment process takes about 9 to 18 months, depending on the severity of your case.

Caring for your aligners is easy. Just brush them with a toothbrush and water when you brush your teeth. You can also use mild soap. Avoid using hot water, which can warp the aligners. You should also avoid eating or drinking anything other than water while wearing the aligners.

Invisalign Dentist in Baton Rouge, LA

You deserve to love the way your teeth look. Invisalign offers a great alternative to traditional braces. With Invisalign, you can have the confidence to show off your smile – whether you’re at work, out with friends, or on a date. Because the aligners are practically invisible, nobody will even know you’re wearing them!