Over time, your smile will naturally begin to show signs of aging. Fortunately, advancements in cosmetic dentistry have provided us with all kinds of ways to preserve the look of your teeth and help you continue to feel confident in your smile’s appearance. Keep reading to learn more about the aesthetic issues that occur as we age and the different ways that cosmetic dentistry in San Antonio can combat them to make your smile look younger and more vibrant.
4 Dental Issues that Appear as We Age
As we get older, some dental issues become more common. A few teeth problems you’re likely to be faced with include:
- Crooked teeth – Our teeth can shift over time, especially if you have issues with gum recession or other oral health issues. This can make your smile appear crooked and uneven.
- Worn teeth – Eating many times each day for several decades straight will eventually wear down enamel as well as the structure of the teeth.
- Stained or discolored teeth – This can be hastened by the ingestion of certain highly pigmented foods and drinks as well as smoking and other tobacco products. As we age and more enamel wears away, this also reveals more of the yellow dentin underneath which can make teeth appear discolored.
- Fragile teeth – Our pearly whites tend to become more brittle over time, which makes it easier for them to chip, crack, or otherwise become damaged.
How to Look Younger with Cosmetic Dentistry
Just because your smile has begun to show signs of aging doesn’t mean it has to stay that way. There are numerous cosmetic treatments that can help bring back a youthful glow. A veneer is a thin porcelain shell that’s placed over the front of a tooth to mask imperfections. A small amount of tooth enamel is removed during the procedure so they can fit against the tooth more snugly and be more secure. They can fix minor gaps between teeth, alignment issues, and discoloration.
Lumineers may be ideal for patients who don’t want to make modifications to their enamel or who already have teeth sensitivity issues that could worsen with veneer treatment. They are even thinner than regular veneers and are also removeable.
Teeth whitening can be used to brighten your smile either in-office or at- home. The bleaching ingredients seep into the tooth enamel and break down stains to make your smile look whiter and more vibrant. In-office whitening can be accomplished in just one appointment, and take-home whitening kits are meant to be used daily over a few weeks. In-office treatments generally use stronger bleaching agents, but both are viable options to attain a more beautiful smile.
As you can see, bright, youthful teeth are still within reach. Speak with your San Antonio cosmetic dentist about which treatment is the best option for you and your smile!
About the Author
Dr. Zachary Brice and his talented team at Brice Dental are proud to provide their patients with quality dental care at their locally owned San Antonio dental office. They aim to make patients of all ages feel safe and comfortable during their treatment and offer a number of cosmetic procedures to help give your smile a more youthful glow. To learn which cosmetic dentistry service is right for you or to schedule a consultation, visit Brice Dental’s website or call their office at (210) 903-5565.