Lafayette Archives - A Blog with a Bite...

Surprising Health Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry

Posted on December 20, 2016 by Roz Walker.

When we hear the words “cosmetic” the first thoughts that usually come to mind are of doing something for looks. However, cosmetic dentistry isn’t always about appearance. It’s also about improving the health of your teeth, gums—and even your overall health.

We all know that a healthy, beautiful smile can make a great and lasting impression. This is one of the reasons why we specialize in transforming smiles. What you may not realize is that some dental issues that appear to be purely cosmetic in nature can actually have a lasting impact on your overall oral health.

If you’re wondering just how correcting your smile can improve your health, here are some surprising benefits of cosmetic dentistry.

Woman in dental chair for cosmetic dentistry

Correcting your smile can result in some surprising health benefits.

Decrease the risk of periodontal disease

Chipped, cracked or damaged teeth lead to tooth decay if left untreated. This exposes your teeth to more serious problems such as periodontal disease. Fixing problem teeth improves your oral health and reduces the risk of gum disease and other oral health concerns.

Relieve nagging headaches

Headaches are often caused by stress situations, dehydration and other underlying medical conditions. However, there are other sources of headaches that can be just as debilitating. Teeth that are not aligned properly prevent your jaw joints, muscles and teeth from working together in harmony. This results in jaw and muscle tension which cause facial pain and headaches.

Depending on the underlying cause, cosmetic dentistry or a dental appliance can correct the problem and relieve you of those nagging headaches.

Restoring teeth to a healthy condition increases the variety of healthy foods you’re able to enjoy.

Restore a healthy appetite

Teeth that are in poor condition are often painful. As a result, you may find it necessary to choose softer, less nutritious foods to eat. By fixing teeth that are cracked, decayed or missing, eating becomes easier and more pleasurable. And it increases the variety of healthy foods you’re able to enjoy.

Lower stress

A recent survey found that 55 percent of Americans feel a nice smile is “very important” in being attractive to others. So when your smile is less than ideal, it can make you self-conscious about your appearance. You may shy away from interactions with others, causing stress when faced with social situations.

By improving your smile, you increase your confidence and reduce your overall stress. Just remember, if you need help in transforming your smile, we specialize in smile design.

This short video from the American Dental Association further shares the health benefits of having a healthy smile.

Dr. Mike Malone and his team practice expert cosmetic dentistry in Lafayette, LA. Dr. Malone is the former president and accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is also the official Cosmetic Dentist of the Miss Louisiana USA and Miss Louisiana Teen USA pageants.

Anti-Aging Tips for a Younger Smile

Posted on November 18, 2016 by Roz Walker.

Your smile is often the first thing people notice when meeting you. It makes a lasting impression, so you want to be sure it’s your best one.

Studies have determined that smiling faces are more attractive and youthful looking, with some people looking three years younger as a result of their smile.

What do you do if you don’t have that magazine-ready smile?

You’ve had years of chewing, grinding, snacking and coffee drinking. And now your grin reflects stains, receding gum lines, and yellowing teeth – the ingredients of an aging smile.

No need to fear. There are plenty of steps you can take to achieve the younger smile you desire.

Healthy teen mouth with beautiful white teeth

Get rid of stains for a younger smile.

Banish stains

Stained, discolored teeth instantly age you. Coffee, dark teas, some carbonated drinks and red wine can cause stains to the surface of our teeth.

To gain back your youthful look, try switching to green or herbal teas which are less likely to stain. Also, resist the urge to brush your teeth immediately after consuming these drinks. It’s best to simply rinse with water and then wait at least 30 minutes before brushing to protect your tooth’s enamel.

Limit snacking to healthy choices that won’t harm your tooth’s enamel.

Limit snacking

Snacking can not only threaten your waistline, it’s not so great for your oral health either. Frequently munching on chips, sweets and other processed foods can increase acid levels in your mouth and keep them elevated for an extended time as you snack throughout the day.

These acids contribute to the breakdown of your tooth’s enamel. Not a good move for maintaining a youthful smile.

If you feel the need to snack, switch to healthy alternatives like carrots, celery or cucumber slices which won’t stick around on your teeth.

Whiten and brighten

Over time, our teeth get darker. The internal part of our teeth begin to shrink, while the amount of the yellowish dentin in our teeth increases. As our tooth’s enamel wears thin over time, this yellow tint shines through more and more.

Thankfully, there are several teeth whitening products which can get your teeth shades lighter. While there are over-the-counter solutions, a trip to the dentist is the safest route.

We can fit you with custom-made whitening trays which usually have more potent whitening power. If you’d rather not do it yourself, we also offer in-office Zoom whitening services.

Replace metal fillings

Nothing ages your smile more than silver fillings and metal crowns. Talk with your dentist about replacing these out-dated materials with newer, tooth-colored options.

Veneers are another option for turning back the clock. These thin pieces of porcelain are bonded to your original tooth, correcting problems with shape, size, crowding, color and position.

The right lip color can frame your smile perfectly.

Frame your smile perfectly

Sometimes achieving a younger smile is as simple as choosing the right lip color. Selecting a lip color that offsets stains or yellowing can give you a more youthful grin.

Avoid colors that are dark or have yellow undertones. These can actually make stains stand out more. Opt instead for lipsticks with cool undertones that blend well with your skin tone to enhance the brightness of your smile.

Dr. Mike Malone’s Holiday Promotions!

Posted on December 3, 2013 by Infinity Dental Web.

It’s the season of giving, which is why Dr. Mike Malone and Associates is running two big holiday promotions! The first of which is a Holiday Whitening Special! We’re giving 35% of the Zoom Whitening treatment which brings down the cost to $395 from the usual $600. To get this offer, visit our Facebook page and look for this post:

The offer is good through January 31st, 2014.

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Now for our second offer, we’re giving away an iPad! All you have to do is subscribe to our blog through December 20th to win a free iPad Air!

Must be 18 & older to win. Local entrants only. Winner must pick up prize at the office of Mike Malone D.D.S. and agree to sign a release form to be feature on Dr. Malone’s social media pages. Call for more details.

Mike Malone, DDS and Associates

300 Doucet Rd.

Lafayette, LA, 70503

Phone: 337-989-1268

Dr. Mike Malone and his team practice expert cosmetic dentistry in Lafayette, LA. Dr. Malone is the former president and current accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is also the official Cosmetic Dentist of the Miss Louisiana USA and Miss Louisiana Teen USA pageants. Check out his website for more information.

Someone Won Our iPad Giveaway!

Posted on June 26, 2013 by Infinity Dental Web.

Congratulations to our patient Tara Yergeau for winning our Spring into Summer iPad Giveaway! Tara was thrilled when we called her on the phone with the exciting news, and she came into our office yesterday to pick up her Apple prize. We took a celebratory photo of Tara with her new iPad; above she is pictured with Dr. Foreman on the left and Dr. Malone on the right.

We wanted feedback from Tara about how she felt about winning our iPad giveaway. Here is a brief interview:

1) How long have you been a patient of Dr. Malone’s?

Over two fabulous years.

2) What’s your favorite part of coming in to the office?

Knowing that when I walk out I will have something new to smile about. That maybe from the work being done or the fantastic people I get to meet. The absolute best thing about coming in is ‘coming in!’

3) What was your first reaction when you found out you won the iPad?

Amazed…I never win anything. I feel so fortunate to have received such a cool prize. I immediately started thinking about how and when I would use the iPad.

We hope you enjoy hours of fun on your new iPad Tara! We also want to thank all of our patients and friends who entered and subscribed to our blog. Remember, you could be the winner of our next contest!

Lafayette Makes Top Ten List!

Posted on March 5, 2013 by Infinity Dental Web.

Welcome to the first full week of March. Typically at this point in the year parents begin stressing (if they haven’t already) about what to do with the kids for the fast approaching Easter vacation. Well, guess what? Our very own Lafayette has made Away.com’s list of 2013’s top 10 spring break destinations for families.

Spring in Lafayette is the best time of year to visit. The summer heat and humidity isn’t nearly overwhelming enough to force everyone into confined spaces with air conditioning. There are plenty of hotels, restaurants, and more kid-friendly activities here than you would think. Here is my suggested Lafayette itinerary gathered from various travel websites:

The Atchafalaya Experience

Among family activities in Lafayette, gator watching is a must-do. The Atchafalaya Basin Swamp Tour will show you the best of the Atchafalaya, one of Louisiana’s largest river swamps. You can’t get more up close and personal with alligators and up to 38 species of birds, otters, deer, mink, and beaver. Tours are led by an experienced father-son team and leave twice daily.

Vermilionville

For older kids, visit the Vermilionville Living History Museum & Folklife Park where actors, interpreters, and craft demonstrators work to provide visitors the opportunity to view life in Lafayette from 1765 to 1890. Fun fact: Vermillionville is the largest physical representation of Creole and Acadian culture in the world.

Avery Island

The Tabasco Pepper Sauce Factory calls Avery Island home. You can take a tour Monday through Thursday entirely for free and learn now Tabasco sauce is aged, bottled, packaged, and shipped worldwide. After your tour, visit the Tabasco Country Store and choose your souvenirs from a wide array of sauces, condiments, collectibles, and other gourmet gifts. Make the most of your visit to the island and stop by the Jungle Gardens and Bird City—170 acres of wildlife and exotic plant species including azaleas, camellias, and bamboo. You might spot a few alligators here as well!

Randol’s Restaurant et Salle de Danse

Though Randol’s might be a bit touristy, it represents the true spirit of Lafayette. Come eat authentic Cajun and Creole dishes like gumbo, shrimp pasta, crab fluffs, and crawfish étouffé. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the deep-fried alligator bites. The local dancers (and sometimes tourists) stepping along to the Zydeco and Cajun music create an atmosphere that is quintessential of the Deep South.

Downtown Alive

If you definitely will be visiting Lafayette this spring, try to come over a weekend so you can experience Downtown Alive, a family-oriented music festival held ever Friday evening downtown. Here is the music lineup for this spring.

People flock in herds to New Orleans, but Lafayette is just as linked to Cajun and Creole cultures as the Big Easy and provides more kid-friendly activities. Do you agree? Would you take your family to Lafayette or New Orleans?

Extreme Smile Makeover Challenge

Posted on January 17, 2013 by Infinity Dental Web.

Dawn was selected to be the recipient of my Extreme Smile Makeover!

Lafayette: The Capitol of Cajun Cookery

Posted on October 26, 2012 by Infinity Dental Web.

We are proud to have our dental practice located in Lafayette, Louisiana, right in the heart of Cajun country. Undoubtedly, the best thing about living here is the food and one of my greatest weekend pleasures is cruising the back roads searching for the best boudin and shrimp gumbo. Until recently, you had to travel outside of Lafayette to ensure a great Cajun meal because despite the fact that Lafayette is in the heart of Cajun country, the restaurants in town left much to be desired. Until recently, Lafayette was a town known more for its night life than artistic culinary skills. As one resident stated, “it’s a Chili’s kind of town.”

Thankfully, that’s all changing. Over the past few years, chefs and entrepreneurs have been returning home and spicing things up.

Case in point: Leah Simon. Simon returned to her hometown Lafayette after spending two decades in NY and LA. Upon hearing that locals were driving all the way to Baton Rouge for sushi, she enlisted the help of her sister to open Tsunami Sushi downtown. Tsunami offers everything from sushi rolls to duck and has become so popular that the sisters opened a second location in Baton Rouge.

There’s also Justin and Margaret Girouard. After spending some time in France and New Orleans, the Girourads decided to return to their roots by opening the wildly popular French Press restaurant in an abandoned printing press downtown. Bon Appetit described the place;

“…on a weekend morning, it seems as though the entire city is gathered there for brunch. Hungover bearded types mingle with church families, both eager for dishes like the Sweet Baby Breesus… Girouard taps into his fine-dining roots on Friday and Saturday nights, when the white tablecloths come out and the dishes reflect the creativity you’d expect from his highfalutin education”.

From Cajun Benedict and chicken and waffles to roasted gulf escolar, The French Press has something for just about everyone.

But perhaps the most high-profile homecoming is that of Donald Link, and his business partner and fellow James Beard Award winner, Stephen Stryjewski, who franchised their famous New Orleans restaurant Cochon. Located in Lafayette’s south end, the menu features dishes like the oyster-and-bacon sandwiches, rabbit dumplings, and eggplant and shrimp dressing (drooling).

Being somewhat of a chef myself, the pleasure of living in such a quaint foodopolis counts doubly for me. So before you burn a tank of gas traveling through Cajun country in search of good eats, you may want to consider lingering in our very own downtown. Lafayette is quickly becoming a choice spot for both local and traveling foodies and we couldn’t be more excited (and hungry!).

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