Your Smile Changes Naturally as you age | 5 QUICK FACTS

When it comes to making a great first impression there’s hardly anything more important than your smile. Not only can it make you appear open and friendly, but it can also help you to appear more physically attractive. And that’s why so many people are interested in having the perfect smile. In this blog we’ll take you through the changes as you age. Let’s get cracking.

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It’s important to remember that as you age, so do your teeth. And that means that you can expect a few changes to take place during this process. Here are five quick facts about how your smile changes naturally as you age.

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The 5 Smile Changes:

Fact 1: Discoloration

• As you grow older, it’s inevitable that your teeth will start to become discolored. In many instances, they’ll look very yellow. This is typically due to the dentin that is inside of your teeth. As your enamel wears down, the dentin will begin to become more visible.
• Discoloration can also be a result of the things that you eat and drink–specifically beverages that contain tannins such as coffee and tea. It can often be difficult to whiten teeth as they age.

Fact 2: Movement

• The older you get the more you’ll notice movement in your teeth. Specifically, you’ll notice that they start to shift and misalign. This is often due to your jawbones becoming weaker or deteriorating.
• Luckily, these changes typically take place over a long period of time. Also, in many cases, an orthodontist can often intervene with the help of non-invasive treatments.

Fact 3: Everyday Wear

• No matter how strong your teeth are it’s important to keep in mind that natural wear and tear can eventually take its toll. This is especially the case when you consider that most people spend many years biting down, crunching, and shredding food with their teeth.
• All of this activity leads to erosion of the enamel. And the less enamel you have, the more sensitive your teeth will become. Aside from regular brushing and flossing, there’s very little that can be done to stop natural wear and tear.

Fact 4: Changes in Bite

• As you age you may notice that there are changes in your bite. You’ll know that your bite has changed if you’re getting frequent headaches, your jaw is making popping and clicking noises, your back is aching, and you’re grinding your teeth during the night.
• Changes in your bite happen when your upper and lower jaw don’t properly align.

Fact 5: Bacteria

• Part of the aging process is not producing as much saliva as you once did. In fact, it’s very common for senior citizens to take medications that help with saliva productions. Unfortunately, one of the side effects that comes with this is dry mouth.
• Dry mouth can make it more difficult for you to swallow and chew your food. It can also lead to a lot of decay and cavities. Many dentists recommend that those who suffer from dry mouth remain hydrated. This means drinking plenty of water and staying away from beverages that can stop saliva production such as tea and coffee.

What Can Be Done?

As you can see, your teeth go through several smile changes as you age–from misaligned teeth to discoloration. However, with the help of the latest technology and the skills of a qualified professional, you can help to lessen the impact of these conditions.

Implants

• If you happen to experience tooth loss as a result of weakening bones, then you may also consider getting implants. Unlike bridges and dentures, dental implants are permanently joined to the jawbone. They can’t be removed. so you never have to worry about them slipping as you’re trying to eat.
• Also, they won’t alter the appearance of your face in the way that dentures may. However, if you’re uninterested in implants, you could always opt for the partial or full dentures. There are many professionals who can place dental implants beneath your dentures. And this can add more support.

Braces

• If you’re struggling with misalignment and a bad bite then you could always consider getting braces. This procedure will help to move your jaw or teeth into position over the course of time, are lighter. Luckily, this procedure is very affordable and there are many options to choose from. For instance, the stainless steel option is composed of wires and metal.
• The ceramic option is translucent and blends in with your teeth. The lingual option is mounted to the inside of the teeth is practically invisible. Invisalign is the most popular among adults because it’s completely clear and can be removed whenever you’d like.

Veneers

• If your teeth have become discolored, you may consider getting porcelain veneers. The benefit of veneers is that they have the ability to resist the staining that comes from beverages that contain tannins.
• Another huge benefit is that they can help to improve the overall appearance of your teeth. When they’re bonded to your teeth, they can assist with things such as chewing and biting.

Dr King

I love orthodontics. I love the challenge of creating healthy and beautiful smiles. I love the people I get to meet and interact with on a daily basis. I love taking care of my patients and giving them a smile they can be proud about.