with regular visits to your dentist. Then there are proper brushing and flossing. While you most likely already know this, I emphasise it because they are so vital. Then there are implants, braces, bonding (surface restoration), veneers, crowns, bridges, dentures and finally, whitening.
If you want to take years off your smile – and your overall looks – ask your dentist about cosmetic procedures that can help. Your chronological age should never stand in the way of a more pleasing appearance. Dentistry’s role in improving appearance is often misunderstood and underrated. For example, many people believe that only dentures can alter the appearance of their smile, yet nothing could be further from the truth. Cost-effective techniques such as cosmetic contouring, bleaching, or bonding often work wonders – typically in a single office visit.
Consumers spend billions of dollars each year on services and products designed to make them look younger, enhance their appearance and remain competitive in job markets where looking youthful is an asset. While many patients benefit from plastic surgery, others could be helped with cosmetic dentistry alone. After all, your smile is one of the most critical parts of your face. If your smile is attractive and healthy-looking, it will take years off your appearance. If, on the other hand, your smile reveals worn, discoloured, chipped or missing teeth, you’ll look older than you should, and no amount of plastic surgery can change that.
Here are 10 tips to keep your smile young:
- Watch for unnatural wear and avoid grinding your teeth.
- Take preventative oral hygiene seriously to prevent gum and bone loss.
- Replace faulty fillings before they cause problems.
- If crowns or bridges are worn down, replace them.
- Lighten any discoloured teeth.
- Replace any missing teeth as soon as possible.
- Correct a bad bite.
- Never chew ice or hard candy, or suck lemons.
- Avoid abrasive habits such as aggressive tooth brushing.
As we age, the edges of the front teeth wear down until they are about the same length as the others. At the same time, the upper and lower lips lose muscle tone. The upper lip may sag, covering more or all of the upper teeth. The lower lip may also drop, allowing more of the lower teeth to show. The teeth will become darker. These conditions create an older-looking smile.
As people get older, they sometimes stop taking proper care of themselves, including their teeth. If this sounds like you, remember that it’s never too late to start taking care of yourself again. Many older adults today are seeking treatment to correct dental problems and improve their appearance. Don’t be left out. Visit your dentist today and get an expert opinion about enhancing your smile.
