Just like the rest of your body, your teeth can be expected to change over time. Unfortunately, many of these changes are not for the better, as they can leave your grin looking dull and worn down. Luckily, such issues can often be addressed with the right type of cosmetic dentistry. Below are some of the ways your smile may change with age – as well as examples of treatments that can take some of those years off.
How Will Your Teeth Change as You Get Older?
When you’re in your late 30s or early 40s, you’re likely to start noticing the following signs of aging in your smile:
- Shifting Teeth: The ligaments and tissues that hold your teeth in place will start to weaken as you get older. Consequently, your teeth are more likely to shift out of their proper place.
- Damage Due to Weakened Enamel: The enamel protecting your teeth will become slowly weakened over time due to the pressures of chewing. Weaker enamel is more susceptible to damage, meaning you could start seeing chips and cracks.
- Discolored Teeth: Drinking coffee and other dark-colored beverages every day can leave stains on your grin. Furthermore, your teeth may naturally start to look yellower as time passes. This is a result of the yellow dentin layer becoming more visible due to thinning enamel.
What Cosmetic Treatments Can Help Your Smile Look Younger?
Just because you’ve gotten older doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy a dazzling smile. There are several cosmetic dental treatments that can help you look significantly younger, such as:
- Veneers: Surprisingly, many cosmetic issues can be dealt with at the same time thanks to veneers. These thin porcelain coverings completely hide the fronts of your teeth, concealing cracks, discoloration, and other imperfections from view. Your veneers can be custom-shaded so that they look the same as your natural enamel.
- Metal-Free Crowns: You might need to get crowns to repair any teeth that have been damaged over the years. Traditional metal crowns can age your smile, but you can opt for restorations made out of natural-looking ceramic instead.
- Teeth Whitening: It goes without saying that whiter teeth are younger-looking teeth. In many cases, stains that have been left on your enamel over the years can be removed with professional whitening.
- Clear Aligners: Minor misalignment can sometimes be corrected with clear aligners. Said aligners are very discreet when worn, so you won’t have to feel embarrassed about wearing them in public; meanwhile, you’ll be able to see your grin slowly improve over time as your teeth are gradually repositioned.
Do you feel like your smile is aging your appearance a bit too much? Talk to your dentist today to see what kind of cosmetic solutions are available.
Meet the Author
Dr. Edward J. Dooley has been a dentist for nearly 40 years, and he’s honored to have been able to make a positive difference in so many people’s lives. He can help patients make their smiles more beautiful with veneers, teeth whitening, and other cosmetic treatments. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Dooley at Dooley Dental in Spring Lake, visit his website or call (732) 974-2288.
