You’ve probably heard of people getting cosmetic work done to address changes in their appearance, like getting injections to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. But did you know that growing older can also impact your smile?
Age can affect your body in many ways and your teeth are no exception. Thankfully, your dentist can provide one or several cosmetic services to give you back a more youthful-looking grin. Continue reading to learn about 3 changes that can occur over time and how your provider can help reverse the effects!
Age-Related Issue #1: Discoloration
Have you ever enjoyed a particularly strong cup of coffee or glass of red wine only to notice that your teeth look much darker afterward? That’s because these darkly-tinted beverages contain tannins, naturally pigmented particles responsible for giving many plants their bitter flavor. They bind with proteins in your mouth to cling to plaque buildup on your enamel to stain it. After repeated or prolonged exposure over time, your once-pearly-whites can take on a yellow or brownish hue.
Fortunately, your dentist can provide take-home whitening kits that can remove years’ worth of stains in as few as two weeks. These include professional-grade gels and custom-fitted application trays to maximize results, all from the comfort of your home.
Age-Related Issue #2: Thinning Enamel
Although enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, that doesn’t mean it’s completely invincible. Bacteria living in your mouth work in tandem with acids from the foods you eat to slowly erode the protective outer layer of your teeth. That means they are less protected in your later years, making you more vulnerable to chips, cracks, and other minor injuries.
If you’re tired of seeing unsightly imperfections in your reflection, you might benefit from porcelain veneers. These thin restorations are made of resilient ceramic that’s customized to be just the right size, shape, and shade to match your natural teeth. Then, they’re bonded over the front surface to simultaneously mask one or several flaws. Your dentist can place them to hide aesthetic issues that leave you looking older than you feel.
Age-Related Issue #3: Dental Drifting
Many people think of their teeth as solidly planted structures in their mouths, but the truth is that they’re attached by connective tissues, muscles, and ligaments that have a natural capacity for movement. Ongoing pressure from everyday use can eventually push your pearly whites out of their proper alignments. As a result, even those who enjoyed perfectly straight teeth all their life can eventually have crooked, overcrowded, or gapped ones later on.
Although braces could shift them back into their rightful positions, you probably aren’t eager to have metal brackets bonded to your teeth in your golden years. If you’re looking for a more discreet method, ask your dentist about Invisalign. This clear alternative to traditional orthodontics uses clear trays that fit snuggly over your teeth to shift them gently.
As you can see, there are many ways your dentist can reverse the clock and give you a younger-looking smile!
About the Author
Dr. Vy Tran has 8+ years of experience helping patients improve their lives by enhancing their oral health. She earned her dental doctorate at the University of Maryland at Baltimore, and is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Clear Aligners. She takes the time to get to know your unique goals and concerns so she can create personalized treatment plans to meet them. Then, she utilizes advanced technology to deliver accurate results intended to last. If you’d like to upgrade your grin, you can request a consultation on the website or call (401) 729-9090.