Aging is part of the human experience and it’s something that we will all do eventually. Despite this, we strive to hold onto our youthful appearance for as long as possible. There is no shortage of anti-aging products and treatments available today to slow the effects of aging. While many people tend to focus on decreasing the prevalence of wrinkles, did you know that your smile is another important indicator of age?
As we age, our smile can change in various ways. For starters, our teeth may be worn down, damaged, or uneven due to years of wear and tear. This is further compounded if you grind or clench your teeth. Our teeth also are likely to appear more yellowish as a result of the dentin layer showing through as the enamel becomes thinner.
Depending on your oral health, you may also notice undesirable changes in your gums, such as redness, swelling, or bleeding caused by gum disease. Some people can also have loose teeth or teeth that are missing altogether. In cases where missing teeth are not replaced soon enough, the face can even change shape as a result of lost bone mass.
Just as these changes can make you appear older, restoring your smile can make you appear younger. Let’s take a look at some of the ways that cosmetic dentistry makes you look younger:
Eliminates Gum Recession
Gum recession is when the gums pull away from your teeth, creating deep pockets that make your teeth look very large. This is a common symptom of gum disease, but can also be caused by things like brushing too hard. Gum recession is also a common phenomenon associated with aging since people over 60 are especially prone to gum disease. For severe cases of gum recession, your cosmetic dentist is likely to recommend a gum graft to promote healthy tissue growth. Not only will this improve the condition of your gums, but it will improve the contour of your gum line and the size of your teeth.
Eliminates Stains
After a lifetime of eating and drinking a variety of foods and beverages, you can expect your teeth to not be as bright as they once were. Combine this with the natural yellowing that happens with enamel thinning, and your teeth may appear quite dingy. Cosmetic dental treatments such as crowns or veneers are two popular ways to conceal stained teeth and give you a whiter smile. Teeth whitening may also be able to be used, however it may not always be effective for certain types of stains, therefore your cosmetic dentist can help you decide which treatment would work best for you. Brightening the color of your smile is one easy way to make your smile appear more youthful and vibrant.
Eliminates Damage
As you age, it is not uncommon for your teeth to appear worn down or oddly shaped due to uneven wear. In some cases, you may even have minor chips and cracks. Whatever the extent of damage is, cosmetic dental treatments such as crowns, cosmetic bonding, and veneers can be used to eliminate the damage. This gives your teeth a fresh and lively look. Even cases with one or more missing teeth can be remedied by a dental bridge.
Eliminates Bone Loss
If, however, you do have one or more missing teeth, the best option is to have dental implants placed. Dental implants provide enough stimulation to the jawbone to maintain the proper amount of bone mass. Without adequate stimulation, the jawbone will deteriorate when one or more teeth are missing. Eventually, this causes a change in facial structure and can make you look years older than you actually are. Having dental implants placed not only replaces missing teeth, but it also preserves your youthful facial structure.
Overall, cosmetic dentistry can make you look younger by targeting the changes in our smile associated with aging. In addressing these changes, your cosmetic dentist can reduce the look of aging by designing your smile to have a more youthful appearance. Not only that, but cosmetic dentistry can also improve your oral health and improve the function of your teeth. If you are considering cosmetic dentistry, don’t wait any longer. After all, you’re not getting any younger.
