You know you’ll see a few wrinkles and white hairs as you age, but you may not have expected your teeth to change, too. Your teeth undergo wear and tear every day and can show signs of aging. You can turn back the clock using the latest solutions in dentistry. Here are 5 ways cosmetic dentistry can take years off your appearance.
1. Replace Metal Restorations
Metals have been used for fillings and crowns for generations. However, they stick out like a sore thumb and instantly alert people to your age. Nowadays, restorations are made of tooth-colored materials. Composite resin can replace amalgam fillings and all-ceramic crowns are a great alternative to metal restorations. Both are made of biocompatible materials that will look like your real teeth, so only a trained dental professional will know they are there.
2. Fix Chipped Teeth
Your teeth are strong, but they aren’t indestructible. Chips and cracks can occur with time. Cosmetic dental bonding is a great way to fix chipped teeth. A composite resin is shaded to the color of your enamel to blend in with the tooth structure. It will look and feel natural. Bonding can last for many years with the right care, like brushing and flossing.
3. Reverse Stains and Discoloration
Your teeth change color as you age because your enamel becomes thinner, which causes more of your yellowish dentin to be visible. Your teeth also stain from the foods and drinks you consume. In-office or at-home teeth whitening systems can get your pearly whites 8 shades whiter for a young, healthy smile.
4. Cover Wear and Tear
If you have several issues you’d like to address, porcelain veneers may be the solution for you. Bonding them to the teeth visible when smiling corrects many imperfections at once, like discoloration, chips, and gaps. You’ll enjoy long-lasting results after 2 appointments using a minimally invasive procedure.
5. Replace Missing Teeth
Replacing your lost teeth can take 10 years off the way you look. Dental implants are the preferred solution to treat tooth loss. The dental implant is unlike any other treatment because it replaces both the root and the crown. This creates the next best thing to your real teeth. You will never have to worry about gaps in your smile again.
You can’t put a price on the benefits you’ll gain by revamping your teeth. You’ll look and feel your best by ensuring your smile defies the test of time.
About Dr. Gregory McElroy
Dr. McElroy earned his dental degree from Georgetown University and has regularly continued his education in various specialties, like IV sedation, cosmetic dentistry, and dental implants. He is a member of many professional organizations, including the International Dental Implant Association. Request an appointment through his website or call (760) 621-8700.