Getting older is a beautiful privilege. However, it does come with some challenges. For example, you may find that your smile has started to lose its youthful radiance. What are some specific changes that your teeth and gums might go through as you age, and is there anything you can do to gain more confidence in your smile? This blog post shares some important information.
Common Changes in Aging Smiles
As the decades pass, you may notice the following changes in your smile:
- Shifting teeth. Due to changing bone structure or other factors, your teeth may shift slightly out of place, which can affect your bite and your appearance.
- Yellowing teeth. Years of drinking coffee and red wine, as well as changes to the tooth enamel, may cause your teeth to look somewhat discolored.
- Worn teeth. Teeth grinding and clenching, as well as normal wear and tear, can cause enamel loss on your teeth. They may even appear shorter or flatter than they once were.
- Receding gums. A small amount of gum recession is normal with age. This can cause your teeth to appear longer, or you may develop an uneven gumline.
- Tooth loss. Unfortunately, there are many factors that increase the likelihood of tooth loss in older adults. For example, gum disease, decay, and accidents all have the potential to lead to gaps in your smile.
Turning Back the Clock on Your Smile
Depending on their severity, some of the above-listed issues might feel like a mere annoyance, while others can actually affect your oral health and function if they are not addressed. The good news is that modern dentistry can help you spruce up your appearance and protect your oral health, regardless of your age.
After a thorough evaluation, your dentist might suggest:
- Dental implants to replace lost teeth. They are very strong and are often considered the next best thing to natural teeth. Alternatively, dentures or a dental bridge could also be used.
- Veneers and/or crowns to reshape and restore the teeth. These restorations look incredibly natural and can create an even, healthy-looking smile. Crowns can even reduce sensitivity and may even prevent the need for extraction of damaged teeth.
- Teeth whitening to get rid of stubborn dental stains.
- Orthodontia to correct dental misalignment.
You deserve to have a confident and glowing smile as you enjoy the more mature years of your life. Talk to your dental care team to learn how you can achieve a more youthful appearance.
Meet the Practice
At Four Town Dental, we love to help patients of virtually all ages find new appreciation for their smiles. If you have noticed changes in your teeth and gums in recent years, we would be happy to talk with you about how you may be able to renew your appearance while also protecting your oral health. Contact our office in Enfield at 860-856-6928.