The signs of growing older manifest in many ways – hair, skin, energy levels, and even teeth. Over time, smiles can become yellowed, stained, and damaged because of daily wear and tear. Many patients assume it is normal for these changes to occur; however, although it is impossible to turn back the clock, there are options for recapturing a more youthful appearance. Keep reading to discover how cosmetic dentistry can be the solution for an aging smile.
What Kind of Dental Problems Are Common with Age?
More mature patients may struggle with oral health issues that are less common during childhood or early adulthood. It might be that as skin and other areas of the body begin to sag, so do one’s teeth. This leads to shifting that can require orthodontic treatment to fix.
Other common issues older adults suffer from include:
- Worn-down tooth enamel
- Gum recession
- Yellowed or stained teeth
- Reduced sensitivity to pain (This might appear as a positive aspect; however, tooth damage and/or decay may go unnoticed, which can lead to more invasive restorative treatment.)
What Can Older Patients Do to Improve Their Smile?
One of the most popular ways to recapture a more youthful grin is with cosmetic dentistry. An umbrella term used to describe services that primarily focus on enhancing a person’s smile aesthetics, many dental professionals provide an array of options for patients to choose from.
Older adults may find it beneficial to pursue one of the following forms of treatment, especially if they want to address staining, worn-down tooth enamel, and gum recession:
- Veneers – Multiple problem areas (i.e., stains, chips, cracks, gaps, etc.) can be hidden using customized dental veneers. Fitting over the front surfaces of teeth, they can last up to 15 years and produce a natural-looking smile that feels normal and boosts one’s confidence.
- Metal-Free Dental Restorations – More severe damage and decay can be repaired with metal-free dental restorations. Crafted using impressions of a person’s tooth or teeth, a dentist can have a natural-looking crown, filling, inlay, or onlay created to ensure maximum protection and beautiful aesthetics.
- Cosmetic Dental Bonding – Small chips that form because of wear and tear can be easily concealed with tooth-colored composite resin. Once applied directly to the tooth enamel and cured in place, a person’s smile can look brand-new in just one appointment.
- Teeth Whitening – Removing stains and discoloration is easy with professional teeth whitening. With the help of high-powered bleaching gel, smiles can be enhanced by several shades to reveal a brighter appearance.
- Gum Recontouring – If gum recession causes one’s smile to appear uneven, a cosmetic dentist can gently reshape the gumline so that appears balanced.
Apart from cosmetic dental treatments, older adults can (and should) practice good oral hygiene at home by brushing twice daily for two minutes as well as flossing at least once a day and using an ADA-approved mouthwash. Also, maintaining six-month dental checkups and cleanings is equally essential to ensure problems are detected early on.
Although it’s impossible to stop or reverse time, individuals do not have to spend their golden years hiding their smile. With the help of these services, patients can enjoy this stage of life with a confident, beautiful grin.
About Grand Dental – Naperville
At Grand Dental – Naperville, our cosmetic dentists are skilled and trained to deliver one-of-a-kind results that leave patients feeling more confident in their appearance. Using an array of treatment options that range from veneers and teeth whitening to metal-free restorations and gum recontouring, we can turn any stained or damaged smile into a beautiful work of art. Visit our website or call us at (630) 576-9970 if you have any questions or are ready to sit down for a consultation.