As someone ages, they may imagine their hearing and sight will change in some ways. These are often expected by many people, but did you know that your smile can also look different over time? Your once-perfect grin may not look so aesthetic anymore. You may wonder why this happens and what you can do about it, so here’s everything you need to know to get back to a gorgeous set of teeth.
What May Happen to My Smile as I Get Older?
One flaw that often develops in many smiles is discoloration. Your diet and lifestyle habits, like smoking, can stain teeth if you aren’t careful. You may also notice some wear and tear that comes from eating and other things, like teeth grinding or clenching. All these may make you more self-conscious about your grin than you were before.
Your gums may also be affected as they can recede or become thinner. If this happens, then you may put yourself at a higher risk of periodontal disease. This condition can make the soft tissues in your mouth become inflamed or look noticeably red.
Life might’ve also thrown a curveball at you, causing an accident or injury that led to a chip, crack, or even tooth loss in some cases. These not only bring down the aesthetics of your smile but also increase your risk of other dental problems like infections or jawbone loss.
How Can I Get Back to an Aesthetic Smile?
With your smile changing a lot as you get older, you may wonder what you can do to help get back to a perfect set of teeth you feel confident in once again. Thankfully, your dentist offers a multitude of treatments that fix a wide range of imperfections. These are popular choices patients often pick:
- Professional teeth whitening can get rid of stains to give you up to a 10-shade difference. It uses a high-quality bleaching gel that breaks down dark particles on and within your enamel in just about an hour-long visit.
- Veneers are thin shells that are made from a high-quality material. They are bonded to the front-facing surfaces of your teeth, hiding flaws behind them in one go.
- Direct bonding is effective at fixing minor chips, as it’s a tooth-colored composite resin your dentist uses to fill in the damage.
- Dental implants aren’t necessarily a cosmetic treatment, but they can help get you to a full smile once again. Not everyone is a good candidate for them right away, so talking to your dentist can help you know what it takes.
In the end, your grin will change as you age. While you may be insecure about this happening, there are many options, like the ones above and beyond, to help you get it back to a gorgeous look.
About the Author
Dr. Lance Anderson earned his dental degree from The University of Louisville. He is happy to help the Lovell community get the perfect teeth they want with a wide range of cosmetic, restorative, and orthodontic services. By tailoring a plan to your goals, Dr. Anderson can find the right fit for you. If you want to turn back the clock on your smile, schedule an appointment or call his office at (307) 548-7654.