As you get older, it is natural for your smile to show signs of wear and tear. After all, you use your teeth every single day, so they will eventually start to show it. These things are certainly a reminder of all of the amazing years and memories you have, but many people like to hold onto their youth for as long as possible. With modern dental techniques and technology, there are many ways that you can address the appearance of your teeth, keeping them looking young and healthy. Here are some of the common dental issues that occur with age and some possible cosmetic solutions.
5 Common Dental Issues with Age
Aesthetic flaws and oral health issues can occur at any time, but they become more likely as you get older. Here are some of the most common problems people notice.
- Weakened Teeth: Teeth become brittle over time, increasing your risk of developing cracks and chips.
- Worn Teeth: Enjoying several meals throughout the day for many years will eventually show on your teeth.
- Crooked Teeth: Teeth naturally shift around over time, especially if you have experienced tooth loss and other oral health issues.
- Discoloration: Enamel is very strong, but it still wears away over time. This ultimately reveals more of the yellow dentin beneath the enamel.
- Staining: Consuming pigmented beverages, like coffee and red wine, can cause staining over time.
How Can Cosmetic Dentistry Make You Look Younger?
If you have started noticing signs of aging in your teeth, here are some cosmetic options that might be able to help you achieve your smile goals.
- Veneers: Thin shells of porcelain are placed over the front facing surfaces of the teeth to mask imperfections. This includes anything from discoloration to small gaps. If you want more grammatic changes to your smile, this could be the solution!
- Dental Bonding: If you have minor imperfections in your smile, including gaps, chips, or stain, they can often be easily and affordably repaired with dental bonding. This can be completed with a single visit to the dental office.
- Teeth Whitening: Professional teeth whitening is a lot more effective than any over-the-counter whitening treatment. You can brighten your smile up to eight shades whiter in just one visit to the dental office or see a significant change in about two weeks with a take-home whitening kit.
- Clear Aligners: If your teeth are misaligned, they can be corrected with clear aligners. These work by slowly shifting the teeth to their rightful locations without metal brackets and wires.
- Gum Recontouring: Sometimes, the teeth aren’t the issue – it’s the gums! Reshaping the gum tissue can make teeth appear more even and proportionate for those with “gummy smiles.”
If you aren’t happy with the current state of your smile, there are a variety of options out there to help you achieve your goals. By working with your dentist, you can put together that best meets your needs.
About the Practice
At Little Rock Family Dental Care, we have a team of skilled dentists who work together to treat patients in the Little Rock area. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need at one of our four convenient locations. To learn more about cosmetic dentistry or to schedule a consultation, visit our website or call (501) 514-9205.