As you continue to grow older, you’re likely to notice several changes in multiple aspects of your appearance – and your teeth are no exception. These changes can leave you feeling less than confident about your smile, but luckily, your dentist can often help you reclaim a more youthful look with the right form of cosmetic dentistry. Below is a brief overview of 3 ways that your teeth can change as you age, as well as some possible solutions.
1. Noticeable Stains on the Teeth
The longer you live, the more likely stains are to appear on your teeth. This is especially the case if you’re in the habit of drinking coffee, red wine, or black tea. These beverages contain tannins, which allow discoloration-causing pigments to stick to the teeth more easily, resulting in the formation of stains.
Your dentist can help you get rid of stains on your teeth with a professional teeth whitening procedure. The treatment involves a powerful gel that can penetrate the enamel and break up stain-causing molecules, leaving you with a brighter smile.
2. Yellowed Teeth
The enamel protecting your teeth is very durable; in fact, it’s even stronger than your bones. However, it can still become worn down over time as a consequence of teeth grinding, exposure to acidic foods, or even just daily wear and tear. As the enamel layer gets thinner, the underlying dentin layer becomes more visible, which can result in the teeth looking yellower than before.
There’s more than one way to address yellowed teeth. Sometimes teeth whitening can help, but if it doesn’t work, your dentist may suggest having veneers or Lumineers placed instead. These thin shells can cover your teeth in order to make all kinds of improvements, and that includes giving you a brighter smile.
3. Damaged Teeth
Even if you practice good oral habits like brushing your teeth every day, accidents can happen at any time as the years go by. A tooth might become chipped or cracked if you bite down on something hard or suffer a blow to the mouth. The severity of this type of dental damage can vary, but even a slight crack can have a negative impact on the appearance of your smile.
Minor damage can often be hidden with veneers or Lumineers. For more severe cracks, you might require a dental crown. If you get a crown made out of zirconia or porcelain, it can be customized to blend in with the rest of your smile, resulting in a more natural look.
About the Author
Dr. Ray Bollin studied dentistry at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, and he has been regularly named as one of America’s Top Dentists in the fields of cosmetic and general dentistry. His Springdale practice, Sunset Avenue Dental, offers many smile-enhancing services, including teeth whitening, veneers, and Lumineers. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Bollin, visit his website or call (479) 419-9991.