
Benefits Of Aesthetic Dentistry
Benefits Of Cosmetic Dentistry
Common Treatments

Monroe, LA Dentists
Are you wondering if dental crowns are natural looking? If so, you’re not alone. Many people have questions about how a crown will look in their mouth and whether it’s worth the cost. The truth is that with today’s advanced technology, most dental crowns look incredibly realistic – but there is more to consider than just appearance when deciding on a dental procedure like this one. In this blog post we’ll explore what makes up a dental crown, and how long they last. Drs. Sanderson & Haynes of Apple Dental in Monroe, LA are available to answer your questions.
By investing in a dental crown, you can improve the appearance of your smile and restore its natural look. With proper upkeep, these crowns can remain in good condition for a long period of time. Now, let’s delve deeper into the aesthetic effects of dental crowns once they are placed in the mouth.
Dental crowns are a type of restoration used to repair and strengthen damaged teeth. Crowns can be fashioned from a variety of materials, including porcelain for an exact match to your natural teeth’s hue or metal if greater strength is required. Porcelain crowns are crafted to precisely match the hue of your existing teeth, providing a personalized fit. Metal crowns may also be used in certain cases where more durability is needed.
When it comes to natural-looking dental crowns, porcelain is usually the material of choice due to its ability to blend with other teeth in terms of shape and color. Porcelain crowns are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, utilizing superior ceramic materials that have been painstakingly calibrated for a precise match of hue and texture to your existing teeth, creating an effect that appears as natural as possible when placed.
Dental crowns can be utilized to enhance the look of a tooth that has been stained or misshapen. A dental crown is fashioned from either porcelain or metal and crafted to encase the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gum line.
The process for getting a dental crown typically begins with an examination by your dentist. During the assessment, your dentist will take x-rays and moulds of your mouth to decide if a crown is necessary and which kind would be most appropriate. If you do require one, then they will prepare your tooth by removing any decay or old fillings before taking another impression which will be sent off to have the custom-made crown created for you.
Once it arrives back at the office, your dentist will check its fit before permanently bonding it into place using special cementing materials. The whole process usually takes two visits: one for preparation and one for placement; however, some dentists offer same day services where both steps are completed during just one visit.
Dental crowns are an effective and natural-looking way to restore the strength, appearance, and function of your teeth. With proper attention, these restorations can endure for extended periods. Now let’s explore how long dental crowns typically last.
Dental crowns are a popular choice for restoring damaged teeth. They can be used to protect weak or cracked teeth, restore a broken tooth, cover discolored or misshapen teeth, and more. But how long do dental crowns last?
The longevity of your dental crown depends on several factors such as the type of material used in its construction and how well you take care of it. Generally, with appropriate care and upkeep, the majority of dental crowns will endure for a decade to fifteen years before requiring substitution.
The type of material used in constructing your dental crown is one factor that affects its lifespan. Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) is one common option which typically lasts up to 15 years while all-porcelain or ceramic options may need replacing after 10 years due to wear and tear from chewing hard foods like nuts or candy bars.
Apart from the materials employed in crafting your dental crown, how well you maintain it is also critical for its long-term durability. Brushing twice daily helps remove plaque buildup around the edges of the restoration which can cause decay if left unchecked over time. Flossing at least once per day also helps keep food particles from becoming trapped beneath the edge where they could lead to decay as well as bad breath caused by bacteria growth within these areas. Regular visits to Apple Dental for checkups and cleanings are also essential for maintaining good oral health and ensuring that any problems with your restoration are addressed quickly before they become worse over time leading to costly repairs down the road
To maximize the lifespan of your dental crown, it is important to avoid certain habits such as biting down on hard objects like pens or ice cubes. Doing so increases wear on both natural teeth and restorations alike, leading them towards premature failure if done too often over time.
Overall, when cared for properly, most types of dental crowns should last anywhere between 10-15 years depending upon their specific composition. While this isn’t necessarily permanent, regular brushing and flossing along with periodic checkups and cleanings will help ensure that yours lasts just about as long as possible.
Are you looking for a place to get a dental crown in Monroe, LA? Look no further than Apple Dental. Our experienced dentists Dr. Matt Sanderson and Dr. Kevin Haynes are dedicated to providing personalized care with the latest technology available so that you can get the best results possible with your dental crowns.
At Apple Dental, we understand how important it is to have natural-looking teeth and that’s why our team of professionals takes extra care when crafting your new crown. We use advanced materials such as porcelain or ceramic which look just like real teeth and blend in perfectly with your smile. Plus, they’re strong enough to withstand daily wear and tear while still being comfortable enough for everyday activities like eating or talking without any discomfort or pain.
At Apple Dental in Monroe LA, we are committed to providing our patients with the highest level of customer service. We make sure that all individuals have a pleasant journey from the moment they begin their interaction with us, be it scheduling an appointment on our website or speaking to one of our accommodating personnel via telephone. Our ambition is to ensure that all our patients are provided with the same excellent care and consideration they merit.
Yes, permanent crowns look natural. They are made of porcelain or ceramic and can be color-matched to the surrounding teeth so that they blend in seamlessly. The material is also very durable and long-lasting, making it a great choice for those looking for a natural-looking smile that will last. With proper care and maintenance, your permanent crown should provide you with years of beautiful smiles.
The most natural looking dental crown is one that closely matches the color, shape, and size of your existing teeth. A custom-made crown crafted from porcelain or zirconia can be designed to fit perfectly in your mouth while providing a lifelike appearance. The latest technology also allows for more precise customization of the shade and texture of the crown to make it look even more realistic. With careful attention to detail by an experienced dentist, you can achieve a beautiful smile with a natural looking dental crown.
Yes, crowns for front teeth can look very natural. The materials used to make them are designed to match the color and shape of your existing teeth, so they blend in seamlessly with your smile. Additionally, modern dental techniques ensure that the fit is comfortable and secure, making it difficult to tell which tooth has been crowned. With proper care and maintenance, a crown on a front tooth can last many years while still looking great.
Porcelain crowns can look very natural. The material used to make them is a high-grade ceramic that mimics the color and texture of real teeth. Designed to match your existing teeth, porcelain crowns make it seem like you never had any dental work done. Porcelain crowns, when given the proper care and attention, can be a long-lasting solution for maintaining an attractive smile; their natural appearance remaining intact for years to come.
When it comes to getting a dental crown, you want something that looks natural and will last. Dental crowns are made of different materials depending on the situation, but all can provide a natural look with proper care. They usually last for many years if taken care of properly. If you’re in Monroe, LA and looking for a dentist who offers dental crowns, consider Apple Dental where Dr. Matt Sanderson and Dr. Kevin Haynes offer quality services that are sure to give you the results you desire when asking yourself “are dental crowns natural looking?”.
It is important for you to floss your teeth every day. You should get in the habit of either flossing in the morning when you wake up or flossing in the evening before you go to bed. Try to floss your teeth after you finish brushing. That way, any large food debris has already been removed from your teeth. When you open up that canister of floss, how can you make sure you get the most out of it? At Apple Dental, we are always available to help you, so learn more about how to floss your teeth properly.
Use a Long Enough String of Floss
One of the most common mistakes people make when flossing is not using a long enough string. If the string is too short, you will have a hard time getting in between your teeth at the back of your mouth. In general, you should use a string of loss that is approximately 18 inches long. This will give you plenty of slack to reach to the back of your mouth properly.
Get Your Fingers Wet
If you feel like the floss keeps slipping out of your fingers, make sure you get your fingers wet before you get started. When your fingers are wet, your floss will stick to your fingers, making it easier for you to control the string as you get in between your teeth. You do not need to get your fingers soaking wet, but you should splash them before you get started.
Wrap Around the Third Finger
For better control, try to wrap your dental floss around the third finger. If you wrap your dental floss around the third finger, you can use your index finger to push the floss up and down between your teeth. You have much more dexterity with your index finger than you do with your thumb or third finger, so make sure your index finger is free to maneuver the floss.
Slide Between Each Pair of Teeth Twice
Finally, make sure you slide the dental floss up and down each pair of teeth twice. The first time, you should stick close to the tooth on one side. Then, the next time you slide the dental floss down, stick close to the tooth on the other side. That way, you can make sure you do not leave anything behind. If you have questions about what this means, our team would be happy to assist you the next time you come for an appointment.
Contact Apple Dental To Make an Appointment
If you follow these tips, you should get the most out of your flossing. At Apple Dental, our top priority is to help you take care of your teeth. You should come to our office at least twice per year for regular cleanings, but we also want to give you the information you need to take care of your teeth in-between visits. Give us a call today to make an appointment. We are always available to help you.
If you go to the dentist regularly, you probably understand the importance of taking care of your teeth. At the same time, this means taking care of your gums as well. Your gums play a critical role in the health of your teeth because they provide a firm surface for the roots of your teeth while also protecting the underlying structure of your mouth and jaw. Therefore, if you have gum disease, you need to see a dentist who can help you address it. At Apple Dental, we would be happy to help you do exactly that. What are a few of the most common signs of gum disease?
Your Gums Look Swollen and Puffy
One of the first signs that you might be suffering from gum disease is that your gums look a bit swollen and puffy. When you brush your teeth in the morning, take a look at your gums. Make sure you track their appearance over time. If you notice that your gums look a bit swollen, consider touching them lightly with your toothbrush. Do they feel puffy? If so, this could be a sign of gum disease.
Your Gums Bleed Easily
One of the most common signs that you might have gum disease, such as gingivitis, is if your gums bleed easily. When you brush your teeth, you need to angle the bristles upward to knock food debris away from your gums. When you do this, you might notice that your gums start to bleed. Or, when you floss in between your teeth, you might notice that your gums start to bleed as well. Your gums need to be strong enough to stand up to this type of cleaning. If they bleed easily, this is a sign that they are a bit weak and unhealthy. You need to reach out to us at Apple Dental so that we can take a look at your gums and make recommendations about how to care for them properly.
You Notice Spots on Your Gums
Finally, if you notice black or brown spots on your gums, they could be a sign of serious gum disease. Your gums should be uniform in color. They need to look full, healthy, and vibrant. It is difficult to see where and how these spots developed without taking a closer look at them, so be sure to reach out to our team to make an appointment if you see spots on your gums that don’t quite fit with the rest of your mouth.
Reach Out to Apple Dental for Help With Gum Disease
These are just a few of the most common signs that could indicate that you have issues with your gums. At Apple Dental, we consistently put the needs of our patients first. We demonstrate this by always helping you take care of the entirety of your oral health, including your gums. If you have questions or concerns about your gums, reach out to us to make an appointment. Contact us today!
One evening a young mother was helping her beautiful four-year-old daughter brush her teeth as part of their regular nighttime routine. The mother noticed four dark spots on her daughter’s teeth, one in the same place on each of her four canines. She then commandeered control of the toothbrush and set to scrub away the spots, but the spots weren’t going anywhere. Upon closer inspection, they appeared to be spots of decay…could they be cavities?
The next day, their pediatric dentist confirmed her fears; these spots were indeed cavities. The young mother was horrified. How on earth had she let that happen? Was she a terrible mother? To her surprise, the dentist told her that these were not formed by her neglect and in fact, those teeth had formed in the gums during pregnancy. The fact that the spots formed on all four canines told him that the fetus had gone through some type of trauma while these teeth were forming enamel in utero. In such instances, the fetus stops developing and throws all its energy into surviving. Had she been sick or taken any medicines while pregnant? She then remembered she had had a pretty bad case of the flu about midway through her pregnancy with a high fever. The dentist said that could have caused it, but there was no way to be sure. There was no real harm done. He filled the cavities and was able to save the baby teeth.
The young mother was dumbfounded. Although she had never really given it any thought, she assumed the baby teeth formed in the gums after birth. After a little research, she was amazed to find that by the sixth week after conception, the baby teeth are beginning to form and by eight weeks, the tooth buds of all of the primary (baby) teeth can be seen. Even more amazing is the fact that by twenty weeks, the tooth buds of permanent teeth start to develop.
So if you’re pregnant or think you may be pregnant, the earlier you start to take care of yourself the better. Developing teeth need certain nutrients to grow properly; if you don’t get them through your diet, your baby won’t receive them either. Discuss your diet with your obstetrician to make sure you are getting enough calcium, phosphorous, vitamin D, and folic acid. Likewise, you’ll have to watch your intake of substances that could harm your teeth in utero, such as certain antibiotics.
Also during pregnancy, you need more than ever to pay attention to your own dental care. If you find that you need a dentist during this time, give Apple Dental a call. We know exactly what we can and cannot do to keep your precious cargo safe and healthy. Give us a call, and we will give you all the TC and pampering we can!
Temporomandibular refers to the joint that essentially is a hinge that connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull in front of each ear. This joint lets you move your jaw up and down and side to side, so you can talk, chew, and yawn. We call him TMJ for short. If you have problems with your jaw and the muscles in your face that control it, then your dentist may diagnose you with temporomandibular disorders (TMD), but you may hear it wrongly called TMJ, after the joint.
So how do you know if you have TMD? Common symptoms include:
In other words, TMD symptoms can be very vague and generic. To figure out what’s causing yours, the dentist will ask about your health history and conduct a physical exam. He’ll check your jaw joints for pain or tenderness and listen for clicks, pops, or grating sounds when you move them. He’ll also make sure your jaw works like it should and doesn’t lock when you open or close your mouth. Also, he’ll test your bite and check for problems with your facial muscles. He’ll probably take X-rays to rule out other problems and in rare cases may even order a CT or an MRI to aid is his diagnosis.
What causes TMD? Who knows? Injury to your jaw, the joint, or the muscles of your head and neck — like from a heavy blow or whiplash — can lead to TMD. Other causes include grinding or clenching your teeth, arthritis, and stress.
Is TMD really that big a deal? Actually, it can be. TMD can lead to other medical conditions. First, the pain itself can be crippling for some individuals and can lead to chemical dependencies. This constant pain, combined with the tendency of some people with TMD to grind their teeth in their sleep, can lead to a pattern of sleep disturbance and insomnia as well. TMD symptoms may also contribute to depression. Not treating your TMD could also lead to malnutrition or even eating disorders, as patients attempt to avoid the problem by eating only soft foods, liquids, or not eating altogether. Many TMD patients show signs of premature wear and tear from grinding or clenching their teeth, often without knowledge. This can lead to fractured teeth and worn down enamel. The tendency of sufferers is to favor one side of the jaw over the other which can create swelling on one side of the face and unsymmetrical muscle growth over time. This can give the patient a lopsided appearance. Since the joint in question is located directly underneath the ears, many TMD sufferers contend with pain in their ears. Eventually, TMD disorder may lead to tinnitus or even permanently compromised hearing. Inner ear problems can also produce difficulties with balance and recurring dizziness (Vertigo). Similarly, even vision can be compromised by untreated TMD symptoms. TMD can also lead to serious jaw problems. For instance, the jaw may become permanently “stuck” open (locked jaw) requiring a trip to the emergency room to forcibly open or close the mouth. In addition, the breakdown of the cartilage in the jaw over time not only leads to pain and unpleasant grinding sounds – it can also result in the dislocation of the jaw.
No one should have to suffer in silence, particularly since TMD can be treated permanently through safe, non-surgical means. If you think you may have TMD, don’t wait for it to escalate – contact us at Apple Dental today. We are skilled diagnosticians and very well equipped to treat your TMD at any stage.
Just a few weeks ago, a 26-year- old truck driver and father of two preschoolers left home to make a routine cross-country haul. Before he left, he was complaining about a slight toothache. By the time, he got to Oklahoma, he sought out a dentist who treated the tooth and gave him antibiotics with an assurance that this should give him some relief until he could have it taken care of at home. Instead, it continued to get worse. When he got to New York, his face had swollen and he was feeling too weak to drive the rig back home. His brother came to the rescue and they headed west, but when they got to Utah, it was clear that the young father needed some help. He checked into a Utah hospital and four days later he was dead. The Cause of death? Total organ failure due to a common abscessed tooth. Before antibiotics, “teeth” was listed as the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. Even today, around 10,000 people are treated for common tooth infections, and of that number about 10 dies. Doctors say that today that number is on the rise because of antibiotic resistant super-bugs like MRSA. But most these deaths can be prevented with just routine dental care.
How does a tooth become infected in the first place? The human body has natural defenses that protect itself from invading bacteria. Those defenses are breached when a tooth is damaged by a trauma or most often by a common cavity. The bacteria make a nice little nest at the base of the root, and it’s game on. Like any infection, pus is produced. If the pus can find a way to vent, you may never know you have an abscess unless your dentist spots it in a regular check-up. If not, the pus will collect in a pocket and the building pressure will cause intense pain.
Once a patient is diagnosed with an abscess, he is usually treated with an oral antibiotic and pain medications until the infection is gone. The tooth may then be treated with a root canal and a crown or it may be pulled. Crisis averted. Here is a list of common symptoms of a dental abscess:
See your dentist promptly if you have any signs or symptoms of a tooth abscess. If you have a fever and swelling in your face and you can’t reach your dentist, go to an emergency room. Also, go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing or swallowing. These symptoms may indicate that the infection has spread deeper into your jaw and surrounding tissue or even to other areas of your body.
If you don’t have a regular dentist, we at Apple Dentistry are here for you. We don’t like to see anybody in pain. We treat abscesses like emergencies and will make your condition a priority. Of all the dentists you could choose in the Monroe, West Monroe, Sterlington area, we hope that you will give us an opportunity to serve you.
It’s normal for gums to bleed from time to time, right? Well, is it normal for your eyes to bleed when you rub them? Is it normal for your fingers to bleed when you tap your fingernails? No, healthy skin does not bleed….anywhere and gums should not bleed with normal brushing and flossing.
Bleeding gums are evidence of a bigger hazard than most of us give them credit for. They don’t just signal problems that will ruin your gum line, give you bad breath, and cause you to lose your teeth, they can also allow germs to enter the main blood stream and cause problems with your liver and heart. So if bleeding gums are a symptom and not a cause, then what causes gums to bleed? Meet plaque and tartar.
Plaque is a natural biofilm that forms on teeth daily. It is a mixture of dissolved food and bacteria. Plaque is mostly removed every day by brushing and flossing, but even the most conscientious brusher/flosser can’t get it all. It’s this leftover plaque that forms the most dangerous offender, tartar. Unchecked plaque soon hardens into tartar, the main culprit that causes gum disease which in turn causes gums to bleed. Tartar is a hard substance that can only be removed by a professional tooth cleaning
Tartar needs to be removed because your body sees it as a foreign invader. As with any other foreign invader, like a flu bug or an infection, your body “sends in the troops” using the immune system to fight off the infection. There is a battle in your mouth at all times, and the war is never over. Teeth cleanings level the playing field by keeping things in check.
The skin of your gums shares the jobs of skin all over your body. If the skin of your gums is compromised by disease, it can allow harmful bacteria in your bloodstream. Although it has not been clinically proven, studies suggest that’s why preventing gum disease reduces risk of stroke, heart disease, and dementia.
Dental cleaning is part of oral hygiene and involves the removal of dental plaque from teeth with the intention of preventing cavities (dental caries), gingivitis, and periodontal disease. People routinely clean their own teeth by brushing and interdental flossing, and dental hygienists can remove hardened deposits (tartar) not removed by routine cleaning.
Most dental hygienists recommend having the teeth professionally cleaned every six months. More frequent cleaning and examination may be necessary during treatment of dental and other oral disorders. Routine examination of the teeth is recommended at least every year. This may include yearly, select dental X-rays.
Our dental hygienists here at Apple Dental are among the most trained and skillful that you will find anywhere in north Louisiana. Along with their welcoming smiles and genuine care for our patients, they make a team that you won’t find anywhere else. Call us today and set up a cleaning. We are waiting to hear from you.
Watch Out for these Culprits.
It’s the modern ideal—a smile full of perfectly spaced, straight, sparkling white teeth. Advertisements and toothpaste aisles are full of solutions to help you get back that brilliant smile. But what is staining them in the first place? Is there anything you can do to prevent it?
Obviously, you can’t be expected to not eat anything that contains chromogens, tannins and acids. So, how do you combat their effects?