You know that your appearance will change as you age. While you’re prepared to see a few gray hairs and wrinkles, you might not have expected your smile to change too. The aging process can affect your dental health in many ways, which can make your smile look unhealthy or aged. Your pearly whites don’t have to give away your age. Here’s how you can treat the most common age-related issues with cosmetic dentistry.
How Teeth Change with Age
Your teeth are supposed to last you for a lifetime, which means they are going to experience a lot of wear and tear over time. Not to mention, they are exposed to dark drinks, cavity-causing bacteria, and other factors that can take a toll on the way they look. Here are a few common concerns you can experience with age:
- Enamel Loss: Your enamel will get thinner over the years, which can lead to tooth sensitivity. It can also increase your risk of cavities. Your teeth may also appear darker as more of your yellowish dentin becomes visible through your enamel.
- Tooth Discoloration: Besides thin enamel, teeth can also change color from consuming dark foods and drinks.
- Wear and Tear: Years of grinding and chewing food can cause enamel erosion, chips, and fractures.
- Teeth Grinding: Grinding and clenching your teeth can weaken them over time, increasing your risk of breaks and cracks.
- Gum Disease: 50% of adults over the age of 35 have a form of gum disease, an infection caused by poor oral hygiene.
How to Reveal a Youthful Smile
You have many options to improve various cosmetic problems caused by aging. Your cosmetic dentist will examine your mouth and learn more about your goals to create a personalized treatment plan, like:
- Porcelain Veneers: Bonding veneers to the front surfaces of your teeth that show when you smile can correct many issues at once, like stains, chips, and gaps. They can also reduce sensitivity for patients with enamel loss.
- Metal-Free Restorations: Old metal restorations stick out like a sore thumb. All-ceramic crowns blend in with natural teeth to give them an added layer of protection.
- Invisalign: Clear aligners are worn over your teeth to fix bite and alignment issues.
- Dental Bonding: A composite resin can treat cavities, chips, and other minor problems quickly.
- Teeth Whitening: Your teeth can get up to 8 shades whiter using a professional whitening system.
- Gum Recontouring: A soft tissue laser can treat gum disease and resculpt the gum line.
You can refresh your appearance without scalpels and sutures. Your cosmetic dentist can give you a stunning smile to be proud of.
About Dr. Sean Bannan
Dr. Bannan is a second-generation dentist. He achieved his dental degree at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and has regularly continued his training to provide the latest solutions in dentistry. He is a proud member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and many other professional organizations. Request an appointment through his website or call his office at (386) 267-6463.