Most of us are familiar with the natural changes that occur when you get older, like gray hair and wrinkles. Did you know, though, that your teeth can also betray your age? Over time, your teeth go through subtle changes that may not make you feel confident about flashing your grin. Luckily, it doesn’t have to stay that way! Thanks to cosmetic dentistry, it’s easier than ever to enjoy a youthful smile no matter how old you actually are. Keep reading to learn how your smile changes with age and how your cosmetic dentist can help!
Dental Problems That Can Develop as You Age
Over the years, you’re more likely to face certain aesthetic dental issues. These include:
- Crookedness – It’s fairly common for teeth to shift over time, especially if you wore braces when you were young but have since stopped wearing a retainer.
- Chipped and cracked teeth – Decades of pressure from biting and chewing can wear down your enamel, leaving them more susceptible to fractures.
- Dull or yellowed teeth – As the enamel is worn away, more of the underlying yellowish layer of the teeth, called dentin, is revealed.
- Staining – Dark foods and beverages can discolor your teeth over time, as can tobacco use.
On the bright side, cosmetic dentistry can address each of these issues – something at the same time!
Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments That Can Rejuvenate Your Smile
No matter which changes you’d like to make in your smile, your cosmetic dentist can make them happen. Here are some of the most common ways they can take years off of your smile:
- Veneers – These thin porcelain shells essentially act as little “masks” that cover up the entire front surfaces of your teeth. Once placed, veneers can instantly conceal any imperfection, from chips to small gaps and more. They’re the perfect way to give your smile a complete makeover!
- Cosmetic dental bonding – If you only have a minor crack or stain that has still been bothering you for years, then bonding is a quick and affordable fix. Your dentist simply sculpts tooth-colored composite resin over the flaw, making it practically vanish.
- Teeth whitening – Over-the-counter whitening products almost never produce the desired results, but professional teeth whitening works to remove years’ worth of stubborn stains.
- Invisalign – Like the name implies, Invisalign straightens crooked teeth using aligner trays that are practically unnoticeable. They’re a much more image-friendly alternative to metal braces.
There shouldn’t be an age limit on feeling proud of your grin. If your insecurities about your teeth have kept you from living life to the fullest, reach out to your cosmetic dentist today. They’d be more than happy to make your dream smile a reality!
About the Author
As a cosmetic dentist in Naples, FL, Dr. Jeffrey Skupny offers multiple options for helping patients achieve youthful, confident smiles. In fact, he maintains an active membership with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry to stay on top of the most up-to-day techniques. If you’re interested in looking younger with cosmetic dentistry, schedule a consultation with Dr. Skupny by contacting the Island Coast Dentistry team at 239-261-5566.