How Can I Maintain My Smile as I Age?

Just like it does with the rest of your body, aging can have detrimental effects on your smile, too. However, getting older doesn’t automatically mean that you’ll end up with a less than stellar grin. Various cosmetic dental treatments can help to restore a dingy or damaged smile.

As we get older, our enamel becomes thinner and the yellowish dentin underneath is exposed. Cosmetic dentists can brighten your smile with teeth whitening treatments that can be completed in a brief appointment in the office or in the comfort of your own home.

Cosmetic dentists in Grand Prairie also can use dental veneers to brighten the smile or to conceal deep-set stains, such as those that might occur from years of smoking or drinking red wine or coffee. These tooth-shaped shells can also be used to correct other defects found in the teeth, such as chips or cracks.

Decay can be another oral health problem common among older people, and patients who are concerned about aesthetics often choose tooth-colored fillings when cavities occur. Even old metal fillings can be removed and replaced with composite ones if a patient wants to boost his or her smile. If the decay is extensive, a dental crown may be a more appropriate restoration.

Older people also are more susceptible to gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss. If you are facing this situation, you may want to consider dental implants. Dentists insert these titanium devices into the jaw, and then the bone fuses with them, allowing the implant to become a permanent fixture in the mouth. Dental implants can be used to support a single crown, a bridge or even an entire prosthetic arch.

Of course, if you choose to upgrade your smile by working with a cosmetic dentist, you’ll still need to visit your general dentist (in Grand Prairie, Texas) for ongoing maintenance and routine care. If you can catch oral disease in its earliest stages, you may be able to prevent or minimize the negative outcomes associated with those conditions.

Getting older doesn’t mean that you have to settle for anything less than a spectacular smile. If signs of aging have affected your smile’s appearance, consult with a cosmetic dentist to learn more about what treatments may be helpful in your case.