What are porcelain veneers?

A porcelain veneer is also called a laminate, and is used to improve the look of previously uneven, chipped, or discolored teeth.  It is a very thin porcelain sheet that fits over the tooth giving it a smooth, polished, beautiful finish.

Many people opt for veneers to improve their smiles for the various advantages including:

• Porcelain veneers are stain resistant.
• Gum tissue tolerates porcelain well.
• Veneers look very natural.
• Veneers whiten smiles.
• Veneers don’t require as much in-depth pre-work to the teeth as crowns.
• Veneers can create what some call a “movie-star smile”

Some of the disadvantages include:

• Veneers can be more costly than bonding.
• Tooth sensitivity may increase, but increase is minimal if at all.
• Like teeth, veneers can chip or crack and so must be taken care of.

Learn more.

If you are interested in learning more about veneers and if they’re right for you, call 678-319-0123, or email Dr. Sarah Roberts of Alpharetta.

Choose Your Cosmetic Dentist Wisely.

For some people, choosing a dentist is an afterthought.  They all clean your teeth, right?

Wrong.  Choosing the right dentist is very important to your health, well-being, enjoyment of checkups, appearance of your smile, and finances.  According to the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, over 25% of Americans yearly cosmetic dentistry expenditures is spent correcting poor work from previous visits.

Here are a few of the consequences of choosing the wrong dentist.

1. Expensive.  Often, the cosmetic dentists who charge less initially are general dentists who have not put in the necessary years of experience and continuing education.  But even though you may pay less for a procedure at the onset, you will pay for it later as you try to correct what was not done properly to begin with.  In fact, corrections of poor cosmetic dental work are often much costlier than the original procedure! Re-dos are not uncommon; they happen every day.  In the case of cosmetic dentistry, you truly get what you pay for.

2. Time.  Cosmetic procedures typically require several appointments, and can sometimes take hours.  They require you to schedule ahead and take time off work.  The time you invest is well worth the results, if you have a good dentist.

3. Tooth Loss and Other Health Problems.  Each tooth must be completely clear of any signs of decay before inserting a crown or veneer.  Otherwise, your crowns or veneers will eventually have to be redone.  Inserting a crown of veneer over a tooth that isn’t meticulously clear can also destroy the tooth’s structure or cause you to lose the tooth altogether.  This health problem is only one of many you may experience if you chose an inexperienced dentist.

When choosing a dentist, do your research, get recommendations, and follow your intuition upon meeting your dentist for an initial appointment.  Choosing the right dentist directly affects your wallet, your health, and your smile!

If you're in the Atlanta, Cumming, Roswell or Alpharetta areas, and wish to make an appointment with Dr. Sarah Roberts, please feel free to contact us!

How does sedation dentistry work… and is it for me?

At Crabapple Dental, we are certified in sedation dentistry.  The benefit of sedation dentistry is that there are many patients who experience anxiety upon visiting the dentist, and sedation dentistry provides relief for those patients.  Rather than avoid important checkups with their dentist, these patients can have a relaxing, anxiety-free visit.

Here’s how it works.  Sedation dentistry is available for both general and cosmetic dental procedures, from simple cleanings to root canals to complete smile makeovers.

First, upon determining your procedure, your dentist decides which prescription will work best for your particular needs and treatment.

The day of the procedure, you take your medicine before the appointment – the dentist will tell you exactly what time to take it.  A friend or family member will drive you to and from your appointment, as you will feel relaxed, and possibly drowsy.  Your appointment will go smoothly, quickly, and comfortably.

The following day, you will feel completely back to normal – only with a healthier, more beautiful smile.

If you experience anxiety upon going to the dentist to the point where you avoid checkups, you should talk to your dentist about sedation dentistry, or if you’re in the Atlanta, Roswell, Alpharetta or Cumming Georgia areas, feel free to contact Dr. Roberts for an appointment.

Professional Teeth Whitening, Professional Results.

If you’re considering having your teeth professionally whitened, you’re in luck.  Professional teeth whitening has improved over the years to become a safe and highly effective means of improving your smile.  Professional whitening means professional results.

A good dentist has access to the latest, state-of-the-art treatment options, as well as the most current information on which products and procedures work best, and just as importantly, which ones to avoid.

Your dentist also understands the nuances of what make teeth whitening safe and effective.  For example, if your teeth have areas of decay or restoration, they could require special treatment or they may not whiten like healthy teeth.  Your dentist can examine your teeth and find these problem areas before your teeth are whitened, so your results aren’t a surprise to you.

Your dentist should guide you through the ins and outs of achieving maximum results.  During the bleaching process, it is crucial to stay away from any foods or drinks that stain your teeth.  This is important because while the whitening agent opens your dental tubules in order to remove stains, it also allows stains to set in easier.  You should continue to avoid these staining foods hours after your appointment, as well.  Other things to avoid during the whitening process are smoking and mouth wash.

If you want a professionally whitened smile, consult with a good dentist, and follow his or her advice throughout the process.  You’ll absolutely love your results!

Teeth Whitening: Think coffee is the biggest stain culprit? Think again.

Coffee can stain your teeth, but it isn’t the biggest offender!  Here are some of the foods and drinks most likely to stain or erode your tooth enamel.

1. Soda (cola).  This acidic beverage opens your tooth’s “pores” allowing the dark color to really penetrate and stain.  Stay away from this drink if possible, and if you indulge every so often, or you’re a die-hard fan, use a straw and rinse with water afterwards.

2. Sports drinks and fitness “water.” Sports drinks, despite their seemingly harmless clear-ish color, contain additives and acids that erode tooth enamel, and break down calcium. Drink water instead if possible.

3. Tea. Particularly dark varieties, like black tea.  Black tea’s tannins promote stains, making it more potent than coffee, which doesn’t contain as many tannins.  Go for a lighter variety, like a green or rooibos tea.

4. Red wine.  If it stains your shirt, mouth, or carpet, there’s a good chance it stains your teeth.  Red wine is rich with tannins and chromogens, both of which stain your teeth.

5. Lemonade.  The combination of acid and sugar with the bacteria in your mouth is a formula for cavities and enamel erosion.

5. Berries and beets (and other deeply colored plants).  See above. Their rich color indicates staining potential.  These foods are so good for you that their benefits outweigh any effects on the color of your teeth.  Brush your teeth after eating them, and just don’t soak your teeth in beet juice. J

6. Rich-colored sauces such as turmeric-seasoned curries, marinara, and other sauces. They’re delicious and healthy, so we won’t dare tell you to abstain – just floss and brush.

7. Sweets.  Again, the combination of sugar and artificial colorings (like that lollipop that stains your tongue) are not good for your teeth.

Next post… why it’s important to visit your dentist before whitening your teeth.

What does a smile do?

A smile let others know you’re happy.  It produces a chemical reaction in your body that actually makes you happier.

A smile lets others know you’re friendly.  It puts complete strangers at ease, and causes them to smile too! A smile is contagious.

A smile shows love.  We smile to let others know it’s okay, we smile at our babies and children, we smile our forgiveness, approval, and love for people we care for.

A smile shows savvy.  People who smile often and whose teeth are white and aligned are perceived as smart, confident, and financially secure.

A smile belongs to a youthful spirit.  Babies smile freely because they’re uninhibited, and people playing with babies wear wide, joyful smiles because we feel an intimate freedom in our souls during those interactions.

A smile is universal.  No matter your age, race, gender, or culture, we all smile, and we all interpret a smile to be a positive sign.  We gravitate towards those who smile, and others gravitate towards us if we smile.

A smile can change!  Just as our bodies, minds, and hearts are continuous works in progress, so can be our smiles.  They can become straighter, whiter, and healthier. We then become more inclined to show them off.

Are you ready to more fully experience the power of your smile?  Make an appointment with your dentist, and you’ll have taken the first step towards your most beautiful, powerful smile.