Can Cosmetic Dentistry Make You Appear More Youthful?

As you age, it is natural for your smile to show signs of wear and tear. After all, you use your teeth every single day, so they will eventually begin to show it. These things are certainly a reminder of all of the amazing years and memories you have, but many people like to hold onto their youth for as long as possible. With modern dental techniques and technology, there are many ways that you can address the appearance of your teeth, keeping them looking young and healthy! Here are some of the common dental issues that occur with age and what you can do about them.

5 Dental Issues Common with Age

Aesthetic flaws and oral health issues can occur at any time, but they become more likely as you get older. Here are some of the most common problems people notice:

• Weakened Teeth: Teeth become brittle over time, increasing your risk of developing cracks and chips.
• Worn Teeth: Enjoying several meals throughout the day for many years will eventually show on your teeth.
• Crooked Teeth: Teeth naturally shift around over time, especially if you have experienced tooth loss and other oral health issues.
• Discoloration: Enamel is very strong, but it still wears away over time. This ultimately reveals more of the yellow dentin beneath the enamel.
• Staining: Consuming pigmented beverages, like coffee and red wine, can cause staining over time.

How Can Cosmetic Dentist Make One Look Younger?

If you’ve begun noticing signs of aging in your teeth, here are some cosmetic options that may be able to help you achieve your smile goals:

• Veneers: Thin shells of porcelain are placed over the front-facing surfaces of the teeth to mask imperfections. This includes anything from discoloration to small gaps. If you want more dramatic changes to your smile, this could be the solution!
• Dental Bonding: If you have minor imperfections in your smile, including gaps, chips, or stains, they can often be easily (and affordably!) repaired with dental bonding. This can be completed with a single visit to the dental office.
• Teeth Whitening: Professional teeth whitening is a lot more effective than any over-the-counter whitening treatment. You can achieve a smile up to eight shades whiter in just one visit to the dental office or see a significant change in approximately two weeks with a take-home whitening kit.
• Gum Recontouring: Sometimes, the teeth aren’t the problem, it’s the gums. Reshaping the gum tissue can make teeth appear more even and proportionate for those with “gummy smiles.”

If you aren’t happy with the current state of your smile, there are a variety of options out there to help you achieve pearly whites that you are proud to show off. By working with your dentist, you can put together a plan that best meets your needs.

About the Author

Dr. Proshat Shahrestany is an experienced cosmetic dentist who has been working in the field for more than two decades! She earned her dental doctorate from the UCLA School of Dentistry and is committed to continuing education to expand her knowledge and clinical skillset. She is currently a proud member of the California Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and the San Fernando Valley Dental Society. For more information on cosmetic dental treatments or to schedule a consultation at her office in Studio City, visit her website or call (818) 760-0200.