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The name might seem to imply that it’s all about the looks, but cosmetic dentistry is about so much more than simply looking good. Cosmetic dental procedures such as teeth whitening, cosmetic bonding, porcelain veneers, and even composite fillings can make you look younger, more attractive, more successful, and can even be the edge you need in a competitive work environment. Best of all, improving the appearance of your smile can make you feel like smiling more, which in turn will help you enjoy a healthier, happier outlook on life. Today, Mansfield cosmetic dentists, Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris, answer some of the most frequently asked questions they field from patients.   

Why do my teeth look yellow even though I don’t smoke?

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. However, dark-colored foods and drinks can leave trace stains embedded in its surface layer. Over the years, those stains compound and give your teeth a yellowish or even brownish color. While you already know that smoking and chewing tobacco products will make these stains accumulate faster, regular eating and drinking habits will will still discolor teeth even if you don’t use tobacco products. A professional teeth whitening treatment from your cosmetic dentist will effectively remove most if not all of these stains, making your smile look healthier and younger.

I’ve tried teeth whitening kits and they haven’t worked. Are there alternatives for deeply-set tooth stains?

Certain types of tooth stains originate from inside the teeth. The most common causes of intrinsic stains include medications like tetracycline, a traumatic tooth injury that resulted in bleeding within the tooth (the dried blood is visible through the translucent enamel), or you’ve undergone certain types of endodontic procedures (like a root canal).  Teeth whitening systems cannot address these types of stains, although other procedures, such as cosmetic bonding and porcelain veneers can mask severely stained teeth.

Are porcelain veneers permanent?

Porcelain veneers are a permanent treatment option for correcting a wide range of cosmetic imperfections including chipped teeth, severe stains, crooked teeth, teeth with gaps, or teeth that simply have an odd shape, texture, or coloring. Before placing veneers, your cosmetic dentist will remove a thin layer of enamel from the front surface of the teeth before bonding the veneers permanently into place using dental cement. Porcelain veneers are durable and, with proper care, can last up to 20 years. If you like the idea of completely changing the appearance of a tooth but want a solution that’s not so permanent, your cosmetic dentist will happily develop a treatment plan better suited to your needs.

ABOUT YOUR MANSFIELD DENTISTS:

Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris of Mansfield Dental Associates rely upon their years of experience, training, and cutting-edge technology to offer patients expert dental care at each and every visit. They listen to each patient’s concerns and offer gentle, informative guidance about future treatments. If you would like to schedule a consultation, call (817) 473-6227. Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.