Aging is a natural part of life, but sometimes how we look on the outside doesn’t reflect how young and vibrant we feel on the inside. Unfortunately, lotions and potions can only take you so far in reversing the aging process. In some cases, your teeth and gums can make you look and feel older than you are. But there is a solution. Cosmetic dentistry procedures are an increasingly popular way to improve your smile and restore your youthful appearance. Here are a few popular treatments, and how they can help turn back the hands of time.
Instant Facelift
When you lose even just one permanent tooth, your face can begin to sag. This happens because without the tooth there to support your facial structure, it creates a hollow. Worse yet, without the necessary stimulation to stay healthy, your jawbone can deteriorate, causing even more sagging. The good news is that replacing missing teeth can often slow or stop this deterioration as well as fill in the gaps in your arches that may already be ageing you.
Dentures and bridges are an excellent solution to replace lost teeth, but dental implants are the gold standard in restoration. They also provide the correct stimulation to keep teeth and bones healthy, so you needn’t worry about further deterioration.
Straighten Up
Crowding, discoloration, and wear on your teeth can sometimes make you look a little too wise beyond your years. If you have one or more of these issues, porcelain veneers can artfully address all of them in one convenient treatment. These thin shells fit over your existing teeth and create a whiter, brighter, more youthful looking smile that lasts for up to 20 years and even resists staining, ensuring your smile looks bright for years to come.
Long on the Tooth
Ever heard the expression long on the tooth? That age-old expression got its name from people comparing older people to horses, whose gums are notorious for receding as they age. If you have receding gums, treating periodontal disease can prevent gum recession and repair any that has already occurred. Conversely, if you have a smile that is “too gummy” your teeth can appear shorter than they are, and procedures like laser gum recontouring can permanently reduce the amount of excess gum tissue in your mouth that could be detracting from your smile.
A Strong Bond
If your teeth are chipped, have deep stains, or uneven wear, direct bonding can easily repair individual teeth with the same durable, natural looking composite resin material that your dentist uses for fillings. This treatment is fast, painless, and relatively affordable. With proper care, it can last for up to a decade.
Remember, your smile can reveal more than just your emotions. It can also make you look older than you feel. Don’t let tooth and gum flaws prematurely age you. Speak to your dentist about how cosmetic dentistry can restore your youthful smile today!
About Dr. Kirby
Dr. James Kirby learned the artistry of dentistry by watching his dentist father growing up. Today, Dr. Kirby applies that education helping his own patients. Whether he’s performing a restoration, relieving pain during an emergency procedure, or providing a life-changing cosmetic treatment, he strives to make every person who walks through the door feel safe, comfortable, and just as he’d like to be treated.
If you are interested in reducing the signs of aging on your smile, schedule a consultation for cosmetic dentistry at Green Hills Dental Center by visiting our website, or calling us today at 615-327-2123.