Aging occurs naturally over time, and we don’t have much control over it. Ultimately, your smile will begin showing its years. The good news is that with modern dental technology, there are numerous ways that you can expand the youth of your smile and keep your pearly whites looking healthy. After all, you want to feel confident when you’re sporting a grin. Continue reading to learn about the cosmetic dental issues that can occur as you age and some cosmetic treatments that can help.
What Dental Issues Occur as You Age?
As you get older, you are much more likely to experience certain dental issues. Here are some of the more common:
- Fragile teeth: Teeth become more brittle as you age, and you are ultimately more likely to end up with chips and cracks.
- Worn teeth: Eating multiple times a day every day over many years will eventually wear down the enamel of the teeth.
- Crooked teeth: Your teeth can shift over time, especially if you have gum recession or other oral health issues.
- Discoloration: The enamel wears away over time and reveals more of the yellow dentin beneath.
- Staining: When you consume lots of pigmented beverages, like coffee and red wine, your teeth will start to show it. Using tobacco products can also cause yellowing over time.
How Can Cosmetic Dentistry Reduce the Appearance of Aging?
Just because your smile has started to show its age doesn’t mean that it needs to stay that way. There are several cosmetic options out there to help you feel confident about your smile again. Here are a few of them:
- Veneers: These are thin shells of porcelain that are placed over the front surface of the teeth to correct imperfections. This includes anything from discoloration to gaps. If you’re looking for a complete smile makeover, this could be the perfect solution for you!
- Direct bonding: If you have minor imperfections in your smile, like small chips, cracks, or a slightly misaligned tooth, these can often be easily repaired with dental bonding. This noninvasive procedure can be completed in just one appointment and is very affordable!
- Teeth whitening: By opting for professional teeth whitening from your dentist, you can brighten your smile numerous shades either at the dental office or in the comfort of your own home with a whitening kit. This way, you can get obvious results without risking your oral health by using over-the-counter whitening treatments.
- Invisalign: You don’t need to sport a mouthful of metal brackets and wires to work towards a straighter smile. Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to shift your teeth into their rightful, perfectly aligned locations.
Your age doesn’t define how you feel! Talk to your dental team about your cosmetic options. This way, the perfect plan can be created just for you.
About the Author
Dr. Christina Papageorgiou earned her dental doctorate from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and is committed to continuing education to keep her knowledge and skills sharp. Currently, she is a proud member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Metropolitan District Dental Society, and Massachusetts Dental Society. For more information on cosmetic dentistry or to schedule a consultation at her office in Natick, visit her website or call (508) 545-1126.