You might already expect your body to change as you get older. Your hearing and sight might not be what they used to, but did you know your smile will also be affected? It may not look as bright and aesthetic as it once did, but you might wonder what exactly you should expect. Here’s what flaws might develop and how you can get them fixed with your dentist’s help.
How Will My Smile Change as I Get Older?
One difference that happens to many people is staining. Your once bright grin may have a yellow tint to it from a wide range of things, like smoking or dark-colored foods and drinks. The pigments in them can linger in your enamel and give it a hue you don’t like.
Chipped or cracked teeth might also be a possibility due to eating hard things, accidents, or subconscious grinding and clenching. Since dental structures can’t regenerate like bones or fingernails, the damage will persist until it’s fixed. Tooth loss is another thing that many people face.
Your gums will also change as you get older. They may become thinner or start to recede. This can be trouble as they may be more prone to infection, which can make these soft tissues noticeably red or inflamed. These can affect the aesthetics of your smile.
What Can I Do to Get a Gorgeous Smile Once Again?
Since your grin’s appearance won’t stay the same as you get older, you might wonder what you can do to get back a confident look. These are just some cosmetic and restorative treatments you can consider:
- Professional teeth whitening is often recommended for stains, as it can give you up to an eight-shade difference. You can get it in-office with an hour-long visit or a two-week take-home kit.
- Veneers are great at correcting stains, chips, and minor gaps all at once; that way, you get dramatic results that can last for over a decade with proper care.
- Metal-free restorations may be best if you have more serious damage, as they look lifelike while also giving back the function of the dental structure.
- Tooth replacements can give you the full smile you miss while also helping you enjoy a wide range of foods.
- Orthodontics, like clear aligners, can be recommended if you have misalignment. You can get a more balanced look with them.
- BOTOX won’t change your teeth per se, but it can reduce fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth, which can boost your facial appearance in general.
While your smile might change as you get older, your dentist is here to help make sure it stays aesthetic. By talking to them, they can walk you through what flaws bother you and ways you can get them corrected toward a confident look.
About the Author
Dr. Prakash Gadhiya earned his dental degree from the NYU College of Dentistry. He has since undergone advanced training, allowing him to offer a wide range of cosmetic, restorative, and orthodontic treatments to the Frisco community. Through a consultation, Dr. Gadhiya will talk to you about your grin goals and create a plan to get you to them. If you have any flaws in your teeth, schedule an appointment or call his office at (214) 308-5359.