Getting older affects your body in many unexpected ways, and your teeth are no exception. Years of everyday use eventually detract from your appearance, making you so self-conscious that you avoid spending time with others.
If you’re an older adult and are worried it’s too late to upgrade your grin, you’re in luck! Your dentist offers various cosmetic services to boost your confidence and improve your daily quality of life, regardless of age. Continue reading to learn about 3 ways getting older affects your teeth and how your provider can reverse the clock!
Change #1: Tinted Teeth
Have you noticed that your enamel gradually grew darker over the years? Frequent, repeated, and prolonged exposure to darkly pigmented foods can leave your pearly whites looking worse for wear. For instance, if you sip coffee every morning over an extended period, you’re likely to develop discoloration.
These extrinsic stains often respond well to topical teeth whitening treatments with your dentist. Whether you opt for in-office services for more immediate results or prefer a take-home kit with ultra-concentrated gels and custom-fitted applicator trays, this option can lighten your teeth to give you a younger-looking smile.
Change #2: Dental Drifting
Dental drifting is another common problem many seniors experience later in life. This can happen as you get older, as gravity’s pull starts impacting your facial muscles. As your skin and muscles grow slack and start to droop, it alters the pressure exerted on your teeth, which can shift them out of alignment.
If you’re concerned about minor gaps and overcrowding marring your grin, your dentist can provide porcelain veneers to create the appearance of perfectly even arches. However, they might also recommend orthodontics, like Invisalign, to gently shift them to their rightful places to avoid TMJ-related aches and issues.
Change #3: Weakened Enamel
Did you know that enamel is the strongest substance produced by the human body? Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean it’s completely invincible. Acids from bacteria in your mouth and the foods you consume can eventually thin this protective outer layer, which doesn’t regenerate. This increases the chances of chipping, cracking, or breaking your teeth as you age.
Your dentist can repair lost or damaged enamel with dental bonding. This involves placing tooth-colored composite resin in layers to rebuild your injured tooth, then hardening it with an ultraviolet curing light for a fix that can last 5 to 15+ years with the right care.
If you’re unhappy with the way your smile looks, it’s not too late to contact your dentist to schedule a cosmetic consultation!
About the Practice
At D’Andrea and Pantera Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, you benefit from a team of dentists eager to help improve your life by enhancing your oral health. They collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services to people of all ages, including cosmetic dentistry. Whether you want a brighter grin or to fix unsightly chips and cracks, they can tailor treatment plans to meet your unique needs. Then, they combine a caring approach with state-of-the-art equipment to improve your comfort while delivering accurate results intended to last. If you’re unsure of the best way to achieve your smile goals, you can request an appointment on the website or by calling (203) 288-0951.
