Is your smile not as dazzling as it used to be? It’s a sad fact that the appearance of your teeth can change as you grow older, and many of these changes can leave you feeling rather self-conscious. If you’re concerned about maintaining a smile that you can show off with confidence in any situation, it’s worth learning more about how aging can affect the way your teeth look – as well as the solutions that cosmetic dentistry can provide.
How Your Teeth May Change as You Age
As the years go by, the appearance of your teeth may change in the following ways:
- Stains and Discolored Spots: Drinking coffee and other dark-colored beverages on a regular basis can ultimately leave you with a noticeably duller smile.
- A Yellower Look: The enamel layer protecting your teeth will become worn down over time. Consequently, the yellower dentin layer will become more visible.
- Misalignment: Due to a number of factors such as changes in your jawbone, your teeth may start to shift as you grow older, leaving you with a more crooked-looking smile.
- Visible Damage: If you get hit in the mouth or bite down on especially hard foods such as peppermints, you may end up with chipped or cracked teeth. Even if the damage is minor, it can still leave the teeth in question looking less than their best.
How Cosmetic Dentistry Can Help Your Smile Look Younger
Luckily, cosmetic dentistry offers several options for addressing the imperfections on your teeth so that you can enjoy a more youthful-looking smile again. Here are a few examples of cosmetic dental services that your dentist may recommend depending on the changes you want to make:
- Veneers: Veneers can be attached to the front of your teeth in order to hide all kinds of aesthetic flaws. Stubborn dental stains, damaged enamel, and crooked teeth are all examples of cosmetic dental problems that veneers can potentially be used to correct.
- Metal-Free Dental Crowns: Instead of repairing your cracked tooth with a highly visible metal crown, you can instead get one made out of aesthetically pleasing ceramic materials.
- Teeth Whitening: The stains that have appeared on your smile over the years can often be removed with professional teeth whitening. Depending on your preferences, you can have an in-office whitening procedure performed, or you can get a customized take-home whitening kit from your dentist.
If you’re bothered by the way your teeth have changed over the years, give your dentist a call; once you explain the changes you want to make, they can help you figure out which cosmetic dentistry options can help you achieve the more youthful smile that you’ve been wishing for.
About the Author
Dr. Jay Lopez went to the University of Colorado Health Science Center School of Dentistry. He has completed postdoctoral training in aesthetic treatments and many other topics. He’s proud to offer a wide range of cosmetic dentistry options, including veneers and teeth whitening. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Lopez at his practice in Tucson, visit his website or call (520) 886-8090.