Now that You’re a Non-Smoker, Want to Erase the Smoker’s Yellow Smile?

If you’ve recently quit smoking, congratulations. You’ve done a great thing for your heart, your lungs, your whole health, and you’ve done an amazing thing for your family — increased the chances that you’ll have more time to enjoy life with them. Now that you’ve given yourself this important gift of better health, why not consider giving yourself a second gift — the smile of a non-smoker.

 

Many smokers comment that soon after they stop smoking they can’t get over the stench of the tobacco.

I can’t believe I smelled like that!

They also can’t get over the difference in their mouth. That mucky feeling goes away. Food tastes better. Your tongue starts looking better. And of course…your breath improves dramatically.

Erase Yellow from Your Teeth

Smoking does some negative things to the look of your teeth. Smoker’s yellow isn’t a pretty tooth shade.  Many patients come to the Atlanta Dental Spa for teeth whitening and are ecstatic about the results. Some smokers see us regularly and we’re happy to help but we’re especially happy to hear when non-smokers come in for a chance to erase the look of being a smoker.

We offer several teeth whitening options, such as:

• 1-Hr Boost Teeth Whitening
• Take home trays for you to do whitening at home
• Professional-grade whitening strips that are way stronger that what you’ll find in the toothpaste isle at the supermarket
• Tooth whitening pens
• We regularly look at the best options for our patients

You’ve erased smoking from your day, isn’t it time to erase the remnants of it from your appearance? Contact us for a teeth whitening appointment. We’ll help you explore the best options to restore your teeth’s color to something you’ll be proud of.

Gummy Smile Correction: An Atlanta Dental Spa Service

The continually evolving world of dental science has helped people with a number of issues and problems. Not everyone is aware that you can do something about a gummy smile but large gums that cover too much of the teeth can be corrected. Here at Atlanta Dental Spa, we strive to continually update our knowledge and skills so that we can offer patients the very best in proven dental health care. If you’d like to improve the look of your gums, we offer gum lift and contouring services  to many of our Atlanta  and area dental patients. Our gum contouring can help  improve the look of your smile and reduce an excessively gummy look. The improvement of self-confidence can make this sort of procedure very worthwhile and worth the cost.

A Bit About Gum Sculpting

Gum sculpting can make a big difference in your smile. A skilled cosmetic dentist can determine the amount of gums you ideally need and can use a laser to remove excess gum tissue. It’s a bit like artistic sculpting. Just like with tooth bonding, the dentist works  to improve symmetry, shape, and so on.  But the cosmetic dentist doesn’t work on artist, elements alone. He or she needs to  sculpt to ensure the ideal look without compromising your oral wellness. The right skill isn’t just about improving the look of the smile; it’s also about leaving enough gum so that you’ll heal rapidly, too.

Does Gum Contouring Hurt?

A local numbing agent is generally all that’s needed. The laser doesn’t only trim the excess gum away but it also seals the area so that the gums heal rapidly. Most people experience minimal discomfort as a result of gum contouring.

What do contoured gums look like?

Here at Atlanta Dental Spa, we do computerized smile imaging to show you the sort of results you could expect from various procedures like a gum lift and other aesthetic dental procedures. Check out our smile gallery for many before and after photos of aesthetic dental procedures and contact us if you’d like to discuss your specific situation.

February: Raising Awareness for Children’s Dental Health

The American Dental Association has named the month of February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. It’s a time when many agencies and clinics strive to illustrate the importance of proactive dental health care for kids. Unfortunately, many parents take their little ones to the dentist for the first time when there’s already a sign of a problem. Proactive oral care is essential, especially with babies and toddlers.   It’s never really too early to get your kids acquainted with the dentist. Early visits will help your kids develop great oral health habits and will result in your child feeling comfortable with his or her dentist and hygienist.

Avoiding Fears of Dentists

Many adults with dental fears have fears because they stem from childhood. Today’s dental offices are often much more child-friendly with dentists who  go above and beyond to make sure children are as comfortable as possible with dental procedures.  Because so many of us had our first experience having dental work done, it’s not always a pleasant memory. For some kids, their teeth are sore during their first visits so that’s not exactly conducive to developing a great relationship with a dental professional, either. If you haven’t yet brought your toddler to the dentist, consider doing it soon for a first check-up.

Putting Kids at Ease in the Dentist’s Chair

Dentists can often put kids at ease in the chair as they look in their mouth and count their teeth. The Atlanta Dental Spa has televisions on the walls and on the ceilings to help keep kids occupied and make the entire experience as friendly as possible. Not only is the environment friendly for kids but the staff is well-versed in putting kids at ease in the chair, too.

Putting Parents at Ease, Too

We know that parents often stress about their kids having dental work done, stress about the child becoming upset or being in pain, and being exposed to potentially harmful material. Relax. Your kids are in good hands here. Your positive attitude will help them get through this new experience, too.

Our approach is gentle and safer than many other dental offices. We use mercury-free fillings, digital X-Rays that reduce radiation exposure by up to 90% and we strive to be lifelong partners for your whole family in oral health areas. Contact us to set up an appointment. We offer general dentistry for the whole family and a wide variety of cosmetic dentistry services, too. Take an online tour of our office or give us a call.

 

What if my Insurance Doesn’t Cover my Dental Work?

Cost is often a reason why a large percentage of the population neglects to get important dental work done. It’s also a big reason why some are afraid to seek out cosmetic dentistry or teeth straightening services that could make life better.  Read on for some advice for ensuring that you can take good care of your oral health and keep dental costs in check:

Prioritizing Dental Needs vs. Your Coverage

Don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist about financial concerns. If you have limited insurance coverage and don’t want to go too far above that coverage ceiling, your dentist can prioritize your dental work so that it fits your budget and your dental coverage. If you’ve got a limit per year, your dentist can schedule your needs based on that limit and could suggest the most cost effective treatments possible. (For example: if you want smile improvements but can’t afford porcelain veneers, your dentist might suggest tooth bonding or a Snap-on smile.)

Dental Financing

If some or all of the services you want won’t be fully covered by your insurance policy, ask about dental financing. Atlanta Dental Spa offers dental options including interest-free financing, reducing the burden by giving you a small monthly payment to make instead of a large lump sum (and instead of meaning you have to wait to get work done that you want done now).

Talk to Your Dental Insurance Company

Before having extensive work done, consider approaching your insurance company with your quote for dental work to find out exactly how much will be covered. There may be areas you’re not sure of and your insurance company can confirm, for certain, how much they will cover. This way, you won’t be left with any unpleasant surprises.

Invest in Your Smile

Yes, certain dental services aren’t covered by basic dental insurance but the difference they could make to your smile and your confidence levels could result in an amazing return on your investment. Certain dental procedures might even cost less than you expect. Why not set up a consultation with us at the Atlanta Dental Spa and find out what your options are?

Are Porcelain Crowns Necessary After a Root Canal?

If you’ve had a root canal, your dentist has likely recommended a porcelain crown. This is something that’s typically not covered 100% by your dental insurance and it can be pricey so you might be wondering,

“Do I really need a porcelain crown?”

Maybe you’re getting ready for root canal treatment and are trying to determine dental costs. And you probably wonder if the extra expense and extra appointments involved with porcelain crowns are worthwhile.  In summary, yes, a porcelain crown is worthwhile.

A root canal is an alternative to a tooth extraction that typically requires two or three appointments and involves removal of the deal pulp inside the tooth. Sealing then occurs. Because the balance of the tooth tends to be a very thin shell, you are at increased risk of tooth fracturing or breakage. A porcelain crown is a cap that fits on top of your tooth and is a protective shell. It looks natural and can blend well to match your natural teeth. It also does not aggravate your gums like metal crowns do.

The sooner you have a porcelain crown put in, the better the longevity of you tooth. If cost is a concern, Atlanta Dental Spa offers dental financing. You can split payments over several months or longer, easing the financial burden without sacrificing your teeth.

What if I don’t get a crown?

If you opt not to have a crown put on and there are problems with your tooth, talk to your dentist about repairs. If a fracture occurs, dental bonding could be a good solution. Some people who have extensive damage from broken teeth consider veneers or dental implants.

Caring for porcelain crowns:

Take care of your porcelain crown the same way you would your natural teeth. If you have any issues or problems, speak to your dentist. Have regular check-ups and dental cleanings to maximize the life of your crown.

If you want to review your options for root canals or porcelain crowns, contact the Atlanta Dental Spa. We’d be happy to discuss treatment options with you.

Benefit from Using an Atlanta Dentist that Believes in Biological Dentistry Philosophies

Seeing the dentist regularly and practicing good oral care has many benefits. There is a definite connection between the health of the mouth and the health of the rest of the body. Biological dentistry involves many facets of an overall philosophy of wellness in dentistry and here at the Atlanta Dental Spa, we believe in this philosophy. Here are some of the ways we illustrate this:

• Mercury free dentistry
• An eco-friendly atmosphere
• Striving to put the patient’s comfort first, making dentistry as stress free as possible
• Continuous education
• Digital X-Rays

Mercury Free Dentistry

There are definite dangers of amalgam fillings. Here at the Atlanta Dental Spa, we don’t use mercury in our fillings and if you’re one of the many people that has a mouth full of them, talk to us about our ability to carefully remove those fillings and replace them for you.

Eco-Friendly & Patient Friendly

Not only do we do our best to make going to the dentist a stress-free event for patients with our spa-like setting but we also do our best to practice environmentally friendly office practices in our Buckhead and Roswell/Alpharetta offices. We appreciate that so many of our patients see us as a top Atlanta dental office.

Digital X-Rays

X-Rays are important but typical x-rays expose people to radiation. At the Atlanta Dental Spa, we use digital x-rays, which are another illustration of our commitment to holistic health. This imaging method results in 90% less radiation than traditional dental imaging techniques. This is an important area and we have made this investment so we can better serve our patients, minimize their risk, and provide the best service possible.

Continuous Education

Our team believes in continuously educating ourselves so that we can thrive in the dental industry and bring the latest techniques and technology to our patients. We continually educate on the latest in general family and cosmetic dentistry areas.

Preventative Oral Health Care

We offer oral DNA testing to help you avoid periodontal disease and tooth decay and oral Cancer screening as well. We believe that the mouth does impact the health and wellness of the whole body and that it has a definite impact on how you feel as well.

Our philosophy includes putting the needs and well-being of you, the patient, first. We hope you’ll consider making an appointment with Atlanta Dental Spa to discuss your oral health care needs. Whether you want teeth cleaning, tooth whitening, need a filling, are interested in cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign teeth straightening, or another area, we’d be happy to discuss your needs and to show you why we are different from many other Atlanta dentists.

 

Dangers of Having Mercury Fillings in Your Mouth

There are significant benefits of mercury free dentistry versus having amalgam fillings in your mouth. Are you aware that there are some big dangers to having amalgam fillings in your mouth? Amalgam fillings contain about 50% Mercury — a highly toxic and dangerous substance.

Mercury in your mouth’s amalgam fillings can cause poisoning over time and many experts say that they can cause or contribute to many serious health risks and problems. Mercury is often linked to problems such as Alzheimer’s Disease, can impact pregnancy and breastfeeding, can be linked to causing Autism in some cases, causes heart or cardiovascular problems, can cause problems with vital organs, can impact mood and mental capacity, and has a laundry list of potential problems and side-effects. The act of chewing can release the vapours into your system and the mere presence of it could mean that it’s regularly entering into your bloodstream.

Choose a Mercury-Free Dentist

It’s wise to choose a dentist that offers Mercury free fillings and who is well trained in safely removing old amalgam fillings and replacing them with safer material.

In many places, removed mercury fillings have to be treated as hazardous material. What does that tell you about the perceived danger of mercury? It speaks volumes! Some countries have already banned amalgam fillings.

The Atlanta Dental Spa firmly believes that we shouldn’t take toxic material and fill our teeth with it. We are well-qualified to offer new mercury-free fillings as well as to help you get rid of a mouth of toxic matter. We’ll gently and safely replace those fillings with ones that look better and that won’t harm you.

Contact us for a consultation. Do you want to have your Mercury fillings removed? We can help with family dental care and cosmetic dentistry and we firmly believe in the oral systemic connection. We will treat your mouth in a way that benefits your overall health.

Dentures can be Cosmetic – They Don’t have to Look Like False Teeth

When some people think of cosmetic dentistry, they think about getting porcelain veneers and looking like they’ve got a million dollar smile (kind of like a movie star). Conversely, when most people think about getting dentures, they think of false-looking teeth that don’t stay in the mouth very well.

Natural-Looking Cosmetic Dentures

But today, there are cosmetic dentures that can look incredibly natural-looking and that are made of high quality material and with better attention to detail so that they truly fit the mouth of the individual wearing them.

Working with Atlanta Dental Spa can leave you with a great looking smile and it can also leave you feeling much better about your dentures. Whether you’ve got dentures now that you want improved or you believe that you need dentures, we can help. Many of our dentures patients are astonished at the before and after results of dentures.

 

Correcting dental problems can give you an enhanced confidence level  that is often life-changing. Not only will your smile look better but your overall oral health contributes to overall wellness, too. The right denturist will strive to help you feel great about the results, whether you need top and bottom dentures or help with a few missing teeth.

Atlanta Dental Spa – Cosmetic Dentures

The Atlanta Dental Spa strives to provide an experience that makes it much more pleasant to go to the dentist than people expect. A welcoming office, great staff, televisions on the ceiling, and other personal touches help people with dental anxieties and make it a much more pleasant experience overall. Whether you need help with replacement or new cosmetic dentures or want assistance with another oral health area, contact us for a consultation. We’d be happy to discuss your oral health and wellness needs.

Perio Protect Benefits

Gum disease is a serious problem that can lead to tooth loss. If you think it doesn’t apply to you, you might be wrong. Up to 85% of the US adult population has some form of gum disease and not everyone has bleeding gums as a sign of gum disease. Perio Protect Trays can be a big help in overcoming challenges of treating the bacteria that causes or exacerbates gum disease .

The oral health and body connection illustrates, more than ever, the importance of good oral health and the need to swiftly address any oral health issues you may have. Read on for information about the benefits of Perio Protect and to find out a bit about how Perio Protect can help you effectively treat gum disease, which isn’t always the easiest problem to treat and can lead to many other problems, including Halitosis.

Difficulty Treating Gum Bacteria

Scaling and root planing common treatment methods and they do help but bacteria can be a problem as it can breed faster than your dentist can deal with it. Medication can be easily washed away. While medication that fights bacteria can be administered, it’s often a frustrating cycle because increased crevicular fluid flow due to the bacteria can make it difficult for the medication to stay in place long enough to make a difference.  Perio Protect trays benefit you by providing a custom tray that is designed for your mouth. This tray can help keep medication in place, preventing it from flowing away too soon. This method of medicating eases frustration for dentists and for patients because treatment methods can be much more effective. The trays are comfortable, too.

How can I buy Perio Protect Trays?

Here at the Atlanta Dental Spa, we can meet with you to assess the health of your gums. If Perio Protect trays appear to be the right treatment route to take, we can fit you for your own customized trays and work with you to ensure that you take care of the health of your gums.  Take care of your gums and they will help take care of your oral health!

Looking for Atlanta gum disease treatment?

Contact Atlanta Dental Spa  at 770-998-3838 to book an appointment.

Veneers in Alpharetta: Achieve the Smile of Your Dreams

One of the most common services we provide is placing high-quality veneers. In this post, our Alpharetta cosmetic dentists answer some of the most common questions about veneers.

Am I a good candidate for veneers?

While most people will be able to benefit from one of the types of veneers we offer, not everyone is a good candidate for veneers.

• If you have advanced periodontal disease or an unstable bite, veneers will not address your problems.
• For those people with teeth that are “flared out,” the veneers could add too much bulk to the tooth, causing it to look even more flared.
• On the other hand, patients with teeth that incline slightly toward the tongue are the best candidates for veneers, since they won’t look as bulky when the veneers are placed.

Why do my teeth need to be reduced before placing veneers?

Veneers truly are paper thin – sometimes as thin as 0.1mm. However, adding even such a small amount of width to the tooth can sometimes make it look bulky. In such cases, we might recommend to our Alpharetta patients that the tooth be reduced or contoured prior to the placement of the veneer. Our trained cosmetic dentists take a very conservative approach, and will only recommend tooth preparation when it is in your best interests, and the best interests of your smile.

But I don’t want you to grind down my teeth!

Don’t worry. We know that fear of the dentist is one of the most common fears today. That’s why we’ve designed our Alpharetta office with our patient’s comfort in mind, and we offer multiple sedation dentistry options to completely erase your anxiety and fear.

How do you make me comfortable during my visit?

Just like our name says, visiting our Alpharetta office truly is like a day at the spa! From the moment you enter our doors, you are welcomed by the sound of soothing waterfalls. And during your treatment, you will relax in our Tempurpedic® chairs, while blocking out all noise with our Bose® noise-cancelling headphones.

Wow! That actually sounds nice!

At Atlanta Dental Spa, everything we do is about helping you achieve the smile of your dreams while enjoying the process. Call our Alpharetta office today to schedule your veneers consultation.