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]

[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!

Are you unhappy with your teeth and smile? At The Smile Spa, we offer Invisalign treatment in Baton Rouge to help straighten your teeth and give you a smile you will love. Our discreet treatment is virtually invisible, so no one will know you’re wearing them. And best of all, you can remove them for eating and drinking. So if you are in Baton Rouge, Invisalign might be right for you!

As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth gradually move into the desired position. The entire process is overseen by our experienced team, who will ensure that your treatment is proceeding as planned.

The best candidates for treatment are typically adults or adolescents with relatively minor dental issues. If you have more severe dental problems, such as an extreme overbite or underbite, Invisalign may not suit you. To find out if you are a good candidate for Invisalign, schedule an appointment with The Smile Spa.

Taking care of your teeth and aligners during the treatment process is essential. Here are a few tips for keeping your smile healthy:

• Brush and floss your teeth twice a day.
• Rinse your aligners with soap and water daily.
• Clean your aligners with Invisalign’s Cleaning Kit every week.
• Avoid eating hard, chewy, or sticky foods.
• Wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day.

These simple tips will help you maintain good oral hygiene during treatment and avoid potential issues. And if you have any questions about caring for your teeth or aligners, ask your dentist.

Call today for a free consultation with Dr. Aimee Russo-Mounger & Dr. Alexis Russo to see if Invisalign is right for you!

Why Invisalign is the Right Choice for You

When choosing the proper orthodontic treatment, there are many factors to consider. Do you want braces that are discreet or that make a statement? How long are you willing to wear them? How much are you ready to spend? These are all critical questions to ask yourself before making a decision. However, if you’re looking for the best of all worlds—discreet, removable braces that will give you the smile of your dreams—Invisalign is the way to go. Here’s why:

Invisalign is Discreet

One of the most significant advantages of Invisalign over traditional braces is that they are much more discreet. If you’re worried about metal brackets and wires being visible when you smile, Invisalign is an excellent option. The aligners are made from transparent plastic and are virtually invisible when worn. Being discreet means, you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing—unless you want them to!

Invisalign is Removable

Another great thing about Invisalign is that they are removable. You can take them out for special occasions, like weddings or job interviews, and put them back in when you’re done. With traditional braces, once they’re on, they’re on for the duration of treatment (which can be up to two years). With Invisalign, you have the flexibility to remove them when necessary.

Invisalign is Comfortable

In addition to being discreet and removable, Invisalign is much more comfortable than traditional braces. No metal brackets or wires are rubbing against your gums and cheeks. The aligners are made from a smooth plastic that is gentle on your gums and will not cause irritation.

Baton Rouge Invisalign

If you’re looking for an orthodontic treatment that is discreet, removable, and comfortable, Invisalign is the right choice for you. With Invisalign, you can finally get the straight teeth you’ve always wanted without anyone knowing you’re wearing them. And because they’re removable, you can eat and drink whatever you want without worrying about them.

At our office in Baton Rouge, LA, we offer Invisalign treatment at an affordable price. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!

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