It is perfectly natural for your smile to show the years that you’ve experienced. However, you don’t need to let this happen quite yet. With modern dental technology and techniques, there are all sorts of ways that you can preserve the youth of your smile and keep it looking as healthy as possible! Read on to learn about some of the cosmetic issues that can occur as you get older and how cosmetic dentistry can combat them.
What Dental Issues Can Occur as You Age?
As you get older, you are much more likely to face oral health issues. Here are just a handful of them:
- Fragile teeth: Teeth will become more brittle over time, so you will be more likely to end up with chips and cracks.
- Worn teeth: Eating several time a day for many years will eventually wear down the enamel of your teeth.
- Crooked teeth: Your teeth can shift around over time, especially if you have gum recession or another oral health issue.
- Discoloration: The enamel wears away over time. This will reveal more of the yellow dentin beneath.
- Staining: When you consume pigmented beverages, like coffee and red wine, your teeth will begin to show it. Using tobacco products can also cause yellowing.
How Does Cosmetic Dentistry Help?
Just because your smile has started showing your age doesn’t mean that it needs to stay that way. There are all sorts of cosmetic options out there to help you achieve your smile goals. Here are just a few of them:
- Dental veneers: These are thin shells of porcelain that are placed on the front surface of the teeth to mask imperfections. This includes anything from discoloration to small gaps. If you are looking for a complete smile makeover, this could be the solution for you!
- Direct bonding: If you have minor imperfections in your smile, like small chips, gaps, or stains, these can often easily be repaired with dental bonding. This is usually completed in a single appointment and is more affordable than other cosmetic options.
- Teeth Whitening: Take-home teeth whitening kits from your dentist can help you to achieve a brighter smile. This involves the use of custom whitening trays and a professional strength whitening gel.
- Invisalign: This treatment uses a series of clear aligners to slowly shift your teeth into their rightful locations. The best part is that they are practically invisible! No one will even be able to tell that you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment.
You don’t need to let your teeth show your age. They should appear as youthful as you feel! Talk to your dental team so you can create a plan to help you achieve the smile of your dreams.
About the Author
Dr. Tyler Aten earned his doctorate from the University of Connecticut and completed a General Practice Residency at St. Francis Hospital. Currently, he is a SPEAR Study Club Leader and has completed an extensive amount of advanced training. For more information on cosmetic dentistry or to schedule a consultation at his office in St. Albans City, visit his website or call (802) 524-4844.