Are Porcelain Veneers Right for You?

Depending upon what you want out of your smile transformation, one of several cosmetic treatments may be right for you. However, if you are looking to completely alter your smile fast, your Mansfield TX dentists, Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris, may suggest porcelain veneers. Thin, translucent shells of porcelain, veneers will transform any smile simply by attaching to the front surfaces of teeth. Thus, veneers may improve gaps, misalignment, damage, and even staining. In addition, porcelain veneers have achieved remarkable levels of realism, meaning that your new smile will look both natural and beautiful. (more…)

Mansfield TX Dentists Brighten Smiles with Teeth Whitening Treatment

How often do you show off your teeth? If you have discolored and stained teeth, you probably go to great lengths to avoid smiling. Unfortunately, refusing to smile will affect your outlook over a prolonged period of time, accentuating negative feelings and muting positive ones, which simply isn’t right. You deserve to have a smile that can light up room, one that will elevate your mood. Thus, your Mansfield TX dentists, Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris, offer two teeth whitening treatments that can erase stains and brighten teeth multiple shades. (more…)

Mansfield TX Dentists Discuss Gum Disease Prevention

The Threat of Gum Disease

How familiar are you with the consequences that can result from gum disease? Did you know, for instance, that gum disease increases the risk of heart disease? The link between these two diseases is growing clearer, with scientists discovering that the same bacteria are present in both diseases. However, the risks associated with gum disease do not end with heart disease. People who have gum disease are also more likely to develop diabetes and certain types of cancer, and these problems are only the ones that occur beyond the scope of the mouth.

According to your Mansfield TX dentists, Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris, within the mouth, gum disease can create lingering bad breath, bleeding gums, and even tooth loss. Gum disease also has no definitive cure, but can only be treated to prevent the disease from progressing. Prevention, therefore, is very important to your oral health. (more…)

Mansfield TX Dentists Examine Tooth Decay and Dental Fillings

Tooth decay is a serious matter. If untreated, a tooth can be severely damaged and even die as a result of the decay. Before that unhappy conclusion, however, a dental filling can be placed to repair the tooth and prevent further decay. Your Mansfield TX dentists, Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris, utilize the latest technology to offer their patients metal-free fillings. Made of a composite resin material that is tooth-colored, these white fillings are great for patients with mercury sensitivities, as traditional amalgam fillings contain small amounts of mercury and white fillings do not. White fillings also offer superior cosmetic results, blending in rather than standing out, yet they are still very strong, enabling them to protect teeth from harm. (more…)

Mansfield TX Dentists Quiz You on TMD

TMD, or a temporomandibular joint disorder, refers to a condition that occurs in the jaw joints (temporomandibular joints, or TMJs). These joints are used numerous times throughout the day in chewing, speaking, drinking, and even breathing. However, even though they are very active, the TMJs are rather delicate, responding poorly to stress. But just how much do you know about the stresses that can contribute to TMD? To find out, take the following quiz from your Mansfield TX dentists, Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris, and check your answers below. (more…)

Mansfield Dentists Offer a One Visit Whitening Quiz

Do you want a brighter smile? A beautiful smile can boost your confidence and help you make a great first impression. At Mansfield Dental Associates, we can erase teeth stains and improve your smile in just one visit. In today’s blog, your Mansfield dentists, Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris, use a fun and informative quiz to discuss the benefits of our teeth whitening techniques.

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Mansfield TX Dentists Offer Convenient Teeth Whitening Treatment

Are your teeth the color you want them to be? If not, whitening them may not be as difficult as you may think. Today’s whitening treatments are surprisingly fast and convenient. To learn more about the teeth whitening treatments offered by your Mansfield TX dentists, Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris, continue reading below. (more…)

Mansfield, TX Dentist Discusses Dental Implants for Teenagers

Would you like to know about dental implants and teen oral health? Then take care to read today’s blog post. Here, Dr. S. Blair Jones, your Mansfield, TX dentist, discusses how some teenagers may qualify for a dental implants.

Can Teenagers Receive Dental Implants?

When an older patient endures tooth loss, they often turn to dental implants to serves as their tooth replacement method. After all, implants provide the most security and longevity over any other tooth loss solution. However, dental implants can replace virtually any patient’s missing teeth. In fact, patients who have endured dental trauma frequently choose dental implants to restore their smile’s uniformity and functionality.

Oftentimes, due to sports-related injuries, teenagers choose implantation surgery to recover their knocked out teeth. While implants have been deemed unsuitable for children, by the age of 17, boys’ finish the jaw growth stage of development; for girls, the age is 15.

Qualifications the Patient Must Meet

Just like any other implant patient, teens must meet certain criteria to allow them to qualify for this tooth replacement. During the comprehensive dental exam, your Mansfield, TX dentist checks the patient to ensure their mouths can withstand an implant procedure. These points include:

  • Adequate bone mass. While most teens won’t have an issue with this, the dentist checks just for good measure. Without sufficient jaw bone mass, the implant won’t fuse with bone and the surgery would prove unsuccessful.
  • Sound oral health. Teens with poor oral health habits must repair those issues first before proceeding with the surgery. For example, if the presence of tooth decay or gum disease is found, the patient must undergo the proper treatment to eliminate the dental ailment. Once their mouths have recovered, the implant process can continue.

Mansfield Dental Associates Can Complete Implantation Procedures

If your teen is need of dental implants and you would like more information about the procedure, talk to Dr. Jones. He can provide a detailed description of the procedure and explain proper aftercare protocol. To schedule an appointment with our Mansfield, TX dental practice at (817) 259-1357. Also, visit our website for services, patient information, and to read more about our team. We proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.

Mansfield, TX Dentist Explains the Cost of Dental Fillings

When you’re talking about restorative dental procedures, getting a cavity filled is a rather mild ailment. In fact, most Americans have at least one filled cavity and depending upon their age, the filling material may vary. Today, composite resin is the most popular dental filling material due to it’s color-matching abilities. However, about 30 years ago, silver fillings dominated the market.

In the following article, your Mansfield, TX dentist, Dr. S. Blair Jones, shares the varying costs of dental filling materials.

What Will a Filling Cost You?

  • Amalgam. Before the silver versus white filling debate began, dentists chose amalgam dental fillings to correct cavities. This material is durable and helps the tooth regain its strength and integrity with ease.
    On average, a silver filling costs between $50 and $150 for one or two dental surfaces. However, the price increases to the $120 to $300 range, if three or more surfaces require a filling. The good news is that dental insurance covers a majority of the cost since a filling is considered a necessary procedure.
  • Composite resin. Using tooth colored fillings is by far the most popular method for filling cavities nowadays. With composite resin, patients can disguise how many fillings they’ve actually had.
    As per the price tag, patients can expect to pay $90 to $250 for up-to two surfaces; three or more surfaces can cost as much as $450. Though white fillings usually classify as cosmetic, many dental insurance companies have started to pay for a portion of white fillings. In some cases, in some insurance covers as much as 80% of composite fillings. To learn what your insurance pays, your
    Mansfield, TX dentist can inform you during the appointment.
  • Inlays and onlays. For cavities that were a bit too deep to withstand just dental filling, a dentist places an inlay or an onlay. These tend to cost most because they require specialized manufacturing. Porcelain or cast-gold inlays and onlays cost about the same—roughly $250 up-to $4,500 depending upon the needs of the patient. As with the composite resin fillings, though, insurance covers up-to 80% of the cost.

Mansfield Dental Associates Offer Restorative Dentistry

If you’re in need of a dental filling and would like more information about the varying types of materials, talk to Dr. Jones. He can explain which fillings prove the most beneficial and why. To schedule an appointment, call our Mansfield, TX dental office at (817) 259-1357. You can also schedule appointments through our website, and review the additional services we offer. We proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.

Dental Mouthguard Care Tips from Your Mansfield, TX Dentist

If you use a dental mouthguardregularly, then this article may provide some helpful insight on proper mouthguard care. Your Mansfield, TX dentist, Dr. S. Blair Jones shares these care tips to increase the durability of a dental mouthguard.

Why is a Dental Mouthguard Important?

Though teeth contain the hardest substance in your body (the enamel), they’re not impervious to injury and participating in contact sports and rigorous activities can allow dental injuries. Cracks, chips, severe breaks, and knock-outs could happen to your teeth if they’re not properly protected by a dental mouthguard. If you partake in any of the following activities, your Mansfield, TX dentist advises the use of mouthguard:

  • Football
  • Hockey
  • Rugby
  • Soccer
  • Rock climbing
  • Martial Arts

Patients can choose from three different mouthguard varieties: boil-and-bite, stock, and custom-fitted. Almost any sporting goods store sells stock and boil-and-bite mouthguards at an affordable price. However, a custom-made mouthguard is only available through a dentist.

Correct Mouthguard Care

To ensure that you mouthguard doesn’t endure any damage, take care to following these instructions. Proper care prolongs the life of a dental mouthguard.

  1. Rinse and clean the mouthguard with a toothbrush and toothpaste before and after every use. Then, from time-to-time, soak the mouthguard in a solution of cool, soapy water. After a couple of minutes, rinse the mouth piece.
  2. Always carry the mouthguard in the vented carrying case, when not in use. Also, don’t clean the mouthguard in hot water or leave it in sun. This could melt the rubbery material.
  3. According to your Mansfield, TX dentist, it’s important to check the mouthguard periodically for wear and tear. If the mouth piece looks worn, take care to replace it as soon as possible.

For a Custom-Made Mouthguard, Visit Mansfield Dental Associates

For more information on dental mouthguards, consult with Dr. Jones. He can begin the process to outfit you with a custom-made mouthguard, should you need one. To schedule an appointment with our Mansfield, TX dental practice at (817) 259-1357. Also, visit our website to view services and learn more about our team. We proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.