As you age, you expect to see a few gray hairs and wrinkles, but you might not have expected the appearance of your smile to change. Years of use can affect your pearly whites. Thankfully, cosmetic dentistry can turn back the clock. Here’s how you can take years off your appearance by treating age-related dental concerns.
Age-Related Dental Problems
Age can take a toll on your smile for various reasons. Here are just a few of the ways age can affect your teeth:
- Tooth Decay: Your enamel is regularly exposed to cavity-causing bacteria, which can weaken it over time. As your enamel gets thinner with age, your risk of cavities increases.
- Gum Disease: 68% of adults over 65 have a form of gum disease. The infection can cause gum recession, tooth loss, and many other complications.
- Wear and Tear: Years of wear and tear can break down your teeth, which can lead to chips and fractures.
- Discoloration: Your yellowish dentin will be more visible through your enamel as it thins. This can make your teeth look yellow and aged. Not to mention, years of drinking coffee, smoking, or poor oral hygiene can cause discoloration.
- Shifting Teeth: Teeth can shift for various reasons, like gum disease, orthodontic regression, or tooth loss.
- Tooth Loss: 120 million adults are missing at least 1 tooth. Replacing missing teeth can take 10 years off your appearance.
Options to Revamp Your Smile
You have more options than ever before to refresh your smile. Your cosmetic dentist will examine your mouth and learn more about your goals to determine which procedures are right for you, like:
- Veneers: Veneers can fix multiple issues at once, like stains, chips, and gaps. They can also treat tooth sensitivity caused by thin enamel. The procedure is minimally invasive, and your results can last for over a decade.
- Metal-Free Restorations: All-ceramic materials are used to create natural-looking restorations to repair damaged teeth. You won’t have to worry about a metal crown giving away your age.
- Cosmetic Dental Bonding: A composite resin can treat cavities, exposed tooth roots, chips, cracks, and much more. The material matches the color of your enamel to blend in with your teeth.
- Teeth Whitening: Professional teeth whitening can get your smile up to 8 shades whiter. You’ll look years younger quickly.
- Laser Gum Therapy: A soft tissue laser can fix an uneven gum line, but it can also treat gum disease. You can have a healthy, attractive gum line using a minimally invasive treatment.
- Clear Aligners: Clear aligners can correct bite and alignment concerns using a discreet method. It’s never too late to invest in a straight, healthy smile.
You don’t have to see a plastic surgeon to look younger. Cosmetic dentistry is a great solution to revitalize your appearance.
About Dr. Vincent Lam
Dr. Lam achieved his dental degree at Temple University in Philadelphia. He is a lifelong learner and has regularly continued his training in various specialties, like CEREC, dental implants, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lam strives to help each patient achieve their best smile. Request an appointment through his website or call (206) 350-8794.