As a new year has been ushered in, many of us find our thoughts being consumed with self-improvement, both on the inside and out. While focusing on physical beauty might sound like a shallow pursuit, there’s nothing wrong with looking good and feeling good. For some people, their greatest physical challenge is the way their teeth look. In fact, unattractive and/or damaged teeth might not be a mere matter of appearance. Focusing on your smile can lead to improved health and beauty. Your Houston dentist, Dr. Deborah Gennero, would like to quiz you on some dental procedures that might help you with all of the above.
Questions
Q1. True or false – People with attractive smiles make more money.
Q2. True or false – Porcelain veneers can smooth out cracks in teeth, but will appear whiter than existing teeth.
Q3. True or false – Those of us who have silver amalgam fillings from the past are simply out of luck, compared to people that get more attractive tooth-colored fillings in the modern day.
Answers
A1. TRUE – In fact, research by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and many other studies over the years, have focused on the importance of a nice smile in affecting quality of life. People with physically attractive smiles appear to be more friendly and successful than those who avoid smiling. Job candidates are more likely to be hired and earn a higher salary if they have their teeth whitened, according to a Kelton Research study.
A2. FALSE – Porcelain veneers are wafer thin, and designed to cover the surfaces of teeth that are damaged or discolored. The material can, in fact, be color-matched to your surrounding teeth, and shaped to look like a natural part of your mouth.
A3. FALSE – Replacing amalgam fillings with tooth-colored composite resin material has become a popular practice with dental patients. Many people are not happy with the potential mercury content in amalgam, though the trace elements in the metal have not conclusively proven to be responsible for health issues. That said, the aesthetics involved with composite resin versus metal are undeniable. If you would like to consider having amalgam fillings replaced with tooth-colored material, consult your dentist.
General and Cosmetic Dentistry in Houston
If you are interested in any cosmetic, restorative, or general dentistry needs, you can arrange a consultation with Dr. Gennero. Contact our Houston dentist office at (281)578-6200. We are proud to offer comprehensive dentistry to patients from Clear Lake to The Woodlands, including Katy, West Houston, Sugarland, the 77084 zip code, and surrounding neighborhoods.
