It’s perfectly natural for your smile to show all of the wonderful years that you’ve experienced. However, you don’t need to let this happen yet. With modern dental techniques and technology, there are numerous 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 Cosmetic Dental Issues 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 times a day for many years will eventually begin to show on your enamel.
- 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.
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:
- Veneers: These thin shells of porcelain are placed over the front-facing surfaces 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: Professional teeth whitening from your dentist can help you to achieve a brighter smile. You can choose to have your teeth whitened in-office or from the comfort of your own home!
- 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 are undergoing orthodontic treatment.
You don’t need to let your teeth show your age. They should appear as youthful as you feel. By scheduling a consultation with your dentist, you can create a plan to achieve a smile that makes you feel confident!
About the Author
Dr. George A. Hoop earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Emory University School of Dentistry and has pursued additional training through several of the world’s leading institutions, including the Pikos Institute, the Misch International Implant Institute, the Dawson Academy, and the Pankey Institute. For more information on cosmetic dentistry or to schedule a consultation at his office in Fort Myers, visit his website or call (239) 939-7299.