Aging changes your body in many ways and your teeth are not exempt from the effects of time. Whether they look faded or have shifted out of place over the years, it’s natural for your grin to appear a little worn in your later years. Fortunately, though, cosmetic dentistry provides multiple treatments that can visually turn back the clock and restore a more youthful smile. Keep reading to learn about 3 changes your mouth goes through, and your dentist can help!
Change #1: Discoloration
One common complaint people have as they grow older is that regardless of how thoroughly they clean their teeth, they have taken on a yellow or brown tint. It’s almost inevitable that you’ll see this occur after years of consuming foods and beverages that stain. Many people turn to over-the-counter whitening toothpaste or strips, but these have abrasive bleaching agents that can cause tooth sensitivity and doesn’t always brighten your pearly whites as much as you’d like.
Thankfully, your dentist has access to professional-grade solutions and equipment to lighten your teeth several shades in a single in-office visit without causing discomfort. If your schedule is too full, they can give you a take-home kit using similar high-quality ingredients and custom-fitted trays for flawless results.
Change #2: Metal Corrosion
In the past, dentists relied on amalgam fillings to address tooth decay which were comprised of mercury and other metals. Similar materials were used to create dental crowns and other restorations. This is dangerous in a couple of ways. Firstly, mercury is toxic and ingesting bits or inhaling its vapors results in gum inflammation, sores, or other health conditions. Not only that, but repetitive chewing and grinding over time causes the metal to separate from your teeth, leaving the vulnerable insides exposed to toxic, cavity-inducing bacteria.
More recent advancements in materials and technology led to the use of safer materials for dental repairs. Now, fillings are usually done with a tooth-colored composite resin that bonds with your pearly white and lasts for decades. You can also have metal dental crowns replaced with durable porcelain that won’t poison your system.
Change #3: Fractured or Chipped Teeth
Though enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, it’s not entirely impervious to harm. Over your lifetime, it has gradually worn down and weakened so it doesn’t protect your teeth as thoroughly as it used to. That means they’ll sustain damage more easily and already broken ones are compromised even further.
Your dentist can cover flaws and reinforce them by applying porcelain veneers. These thin, ceramic shells are attached to the front of your teeth to hide imperfections for a seamless smile. They’re also coated with a glaze that’s strong enough to resist fractures and stains so that it shields your pearly white from potential problems down the road.
You don’t have to live with oral changes that come with aging when your dentist has access to methods that can give you a more beautiful, youthful smile!
About the Author
Dr. Luke Lumpkin strives to create a positive, high-quality environment for dental care that you and your family can trust. He earned his undergraduate degree in health sciences from Southwestern Oklahoma State University, then pursued his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. He provides a wide range of services to people of all ages, including cosmetic dentistry. If you’d like to enhance your smile, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (918) 336-6777.