Aging is a natural part of life. Unfortunately, the effects of aging on your body are not always favorable. Just like your skin wrinkles and your joints stiffen, your teeth also suffer from unwanted changes as you get older. These are changes that affect both the appearance of your teeth as well as their health. Considering how critical your teeth are to your appearance, eating habits and speaking ability, it is important to address concerns of aging teeth as they arise.
Why Do Teeth Show Signs of Aging?
Your teeth work hard every day. Since their eruption, they have been subject to every bite of food and sip of drink you’ve consumed. In addition, your teeth may be under the attack of some common oral habits for many years, such as teeth grinding, smoking and more. These are things that can impact the condition and appearance of your smile over time, which only worsens in later stages of life.
There are also some changes that can occur in your mouth that are the natural part of aging. For example, the enamel of your teeth tends to wear thin as we age, and it is not uncommon for the gums to recede as well. This can make sensitive teeth a likely occurrence for the aging adult.
Regardless of how your age is impacting your smile, your dentist can likely fix it or at least help you manage it well. This applies to both cosmetic issues as well as oral health complications.
Anti-Aging Solutions in Cosmetic Dentistry
Just like a plastic surgeon can address wrinkles, a modern cosmetic dentist can turn back the hands of time across your smile. In fact, many patients look years younger with a minimal investment in cosmetic dentistry. Once a dentist ensures your oral health is not compromised by decay, gum disease or other issues, your cosmetic dental work can begin. Aging adults can benefit from the following services in cosmetic dentistry:
Teeth Whitening
One of the most affordable and quickest ways to turn back the hands of time across your smile is with professional teeth whitening. In one comfortable, quick visit, we can erase the tooth stains you’ve unwittingly incurred over time.
Dental Bonding
Another non-invasive and simple means of addressing minor smile imperfections is with cosmetic dental bonding. This procedure uses composite resin to fix small chips, tooth gaps or oddly shaped teeth. This tooth-colored material is highly durable and natural-looking, and bonding is perfect for those that don’t want to make a big investment or commit to multiple office visits.
Smile Makeover with Veneers
Porcelain veneers can be considered a facelift for your smile – but without the anesthesia, stitches and recovery of a plastic surgery. Veneers are wafer-thin shells of porcelain that cover the front teeth to reshape, straighten or lighten their appearance. With veneers, you can achieve the smile you have always wanted – or the one you had in your 20’s!
Replacement of Metal Restorations
The metal (amalgam) fillings and old crowns you got years ago may be showing you that they are at the end of their lifespan. You may notice that these restorations make your tooth or teeth appear gray over time. Many aging adults choose to replace old dental work for more updated and advanced materials, such as tooth-colored composite or natural-looking porcelain.
The Effects of Aging on Dental Health
Unfortunately, years not only take a toll on the appearance of your smile, but the health of your mouth can suffer too. Whether due to prescription medications, a chronic oral habit or the natural aging process, there are many oral health conditions that are more likely to present themselves in the later stages of life, including the following:
- Dry Mouth
- Sensitive Teeth
- Tooth Loss
- Oral Cancer
- Untreated Decay
- Gum Disease
A Dentist Who Can Care for Your Aging Smile
Whether you are battling dry mouth or stained teeth, Group Health Dental proudly offers a full range of dental services for the aging adults, including those in general, restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Just because you are retired or living out the last decade of your life, doesn’t mean you don’t need and deserve a healthy, confident smile. We’d love to care for your oral health and reverse the visible signs of aging within your smile. Call our Manhattan office today to learn more.
