It is natural for your body to show the years that you have experienced, and that includes your smile. But fortunately, it’s possible to delay this for a while. With modern dental technology, there are all sorts of ways that you can expand the youth of your smile and keep it looking as healthy as possible. Continue reading to learn about some of the cosmetic issues that can occur as you age and what you can do to combat them.
What Dental Problems Can Happen as You Get Older?
As you age, you are much more likely to face oral health issues. Here are a handful of them:
- Fragile teeth: Teeth become more brittle as time goes on, 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 over time, especially if you have gum recession or other oral health issues.
- 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 Can 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 thin shells of porcelain 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 smile makeover, this could be the solution!
- 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 can be completed in a single appointment and is very affordable.
- 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.
Age is just a number, and your smile should agree! By working with your dental team, you can come up with a plan to help you achieve the pearly whites of your dreams!
About the Author
Dr. Michael C. Byars earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Missouri – Kansas City and is committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. Currently, he is a member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Dental Association and Missouri Dental Association. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Kansas City, visit his website or call (816) 781-8222.