Getting older comes with a lot of changes, and your smile is no exception. Even with excellent oral hygiene, the natural aging process takes a toll on the appearance of your teeth over time. However, modern cosmetic dentistry can help you reclaim some of your youthful looks. Here’s what to expect from an aging smile and how your dentist can be of assistance.
Your Enamel Gets Darker
Tooth discoloration is one of the most universal signs of an aging smile. Two things happen simultaneously over the years: your enamel gradually thins from use, and the inner layer—the dentin—naturally shows through.
The result is teeth that look more yellow or gray, even if you’ve never touched coffee or red wine. Teeth whitening can address surface stains, but more significant discoloration may need treatments like porcelain veneers or direct bonding to get their luster back.
Your Teeth Wear Down
Another consequence of decades of chewing, grinding, and exposure to acids is shorter, flatter, and less defined teeth. For example, the edges of your front teeth may look chipped or uneven, or your smile might seem more “gummy.” If you’re unhappy with the shape of your smile, bonding and veneers are both effective options for bringing them back their fullness and function.
Your Teeth Shift and Crowd
Even people who had perfectly straight teeth in their younger years may notice crowding or shifting as they age. Tooth loss, specifically, can complicate your smile. It causes your jaw to change shape over time, and when gaps form, they often get filled partially by neighboring teeth.
Orthodontics can address alignment concerns at any age, and restorative work, like dental implants or bridges, can fill in gaps to create the appearance of a more even, balanced smile.
Gum Recession Changes Your Smile’s Proportions
As your gums recede with age, more of the tooth root becomes visible. This can make your teeth appear longer than they once did and create asymmetry in your smile. But while it’s easy to chalk up recession to “getting older,” it can be a sign of something more serious. That’s why you should always see your dentist every six months, no matter how old you become.
If your smile is showing its age and you’d like to do something about it, a cosmetic dentistry consultation is the best way forward. Your dentist can take a look at what’s changed, walk you through your options, and help you put together a plan that fits.
About The Author
Dr. Shannon Stokes earned his DDS from the Baylor College of Dentistry and has spent nearly three decades helping Plano patients look and feel their best. With a full menu of cosmetic services, Dr. Stokes has the experience to address the full range of age-related smile changes. Call (972) 596-0200 to schedule your cosmetic dentistry consultation at Shannon Stokes, DDS, and take the first step toward a smile you love.
