As the years pass by, changes in your physical appearance are inevitable. This includes not only your body and face but also your smile! Unfortunately, this can make you feel self-conscious and dream of having bright pearly whites again. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry can restore your teeth’s youthful look! Read on to learn from your cosmetic dentist in Chanhassen about what causes smiles to age and the cosmetic treatments that turn back the clock.
What Causes a Smile to Age?
As time passes, your teeth can become more lackluster. They lose their bright and shiny appeal and can even begin to look grayish. Even if you consistently care for your teeth with brushing and flossing, the years can take a toll on your smile. Here are some common dental issues that can occur with older adults:
- Dingy Teeth: Frequently consuming dark-colored foods and drinks, as well as using tobacco products, can cause teeth to lose their brightness.
- Darkened or Yellow Teeth: Over time, the layer underneath the enamel can thicken, leading to darkened or yellowed teeth.
- Crooked Teeth: Certain oral health issues can impact the gum tissue and cause them to recede. As a result, the teeth will begin to shift out of place.
- Fragile Teeth: Age can cause the teeth to become brittle and more vulnerable to chips, cracks, and shearing.
Cosmetic Dental Treatments that Can Take Years off Your Smile
You can roll back the years on your smile with these common cosmetic dental treatments:
Veneers
Veneers can instantly transform your dull smile into a vibrant one! Ultra-thin shells of porcelain are adhered to the front surfaces of teeth, concealing dental imperfections from view. Veneers can restore chipped, cracked, gapped, discolored, and misaligned teeth in two dental appointments.
Professional Teeth Whitening
As stated above, your teeth can become dull over time. Certain foods and drinks can begin to stain and discolor your teeth. Fortunately, professional teeth whitening can make your teeth bright again. You can either come in for an in-office treatment or you can take home custom-made trays and special bleaching agents. With either treatment, your smile can become up to eight shades whiter, appearing more youthful than ever!
All-Ceramic Restorations
For years, metal was used to repair decayed or damaged teeth. Although these restorations were effective, they were highly noticeable, causing your smile to appear aged. Now, your dentist can use porcelain to create seamless-looking inlays, onlays, and crowns. These metal-free restorations combine the best qualities of both cosmetic and restorative dentistry. You will have improved oral health and a luminous grin.
No matter what stage of life you are in, a youthful and vibrant smile can be yours again! With the help of your dentist, cosmetic dental treatments are sure to roll the years back to reveal beautiful pearly whites.
About the Author
Dr. Monil Mehta and his team at Dentistry on the Ponds keep the smiles of Chanhassen healthy and youthful! He earned his dental doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and is an active member of several dental associations. By using advanced dental technology and customized plans with a focus on comfort, he offers a range of services, including cosmetic treatments. To schedule a consultation, contact him through his website or call (952) 906-0200.