4 Tips for a Younger Looking Smile
What comes to mind when you think about the signs of aging? You probably envision gray hair, wrinkles and dark spots. But your mouth can affect how old or young you look, too. As you get older, your teeth and gums change shape and color. If you haven't followed a great oral hygiene routine throughout your life, the proof of that can show in your mouth.
Luckily, just as there are Botox and laser treatments to combat wrinkles, there are cosmetic dentistry treatments available to help you get a younger smile. Here's how to boost your confidence and turn back the clock on your teeth.
1. Brighten Up Your Teeth
One of the most surefire signs of aging in your mouth is dull, yellowed teeth. The teeth naturally darken and yellow as you get older, even if you brush and floss and see your dentist for regular cleanings and check-ups.
Teeth whitening helps you turn back the clock and get a youthful smile you can feel confident about. You have a few options for whitening your teeth, from over-the-counter products you can get at the drugstore to professional, in-office whitening. While an in-office treatment costs more than an over-the-counter option, the results are often much more dramatic and longer lasting. Your dentist can help you choose a shade of white that brightens up your smile while still looking natural.
2. Straighten Up Your Teeth
As you get older, you might get the sense that things are moving and shifting in your body. The skin loses its elasticity and starts to sag, your bones and joints might creak a lot more when you move about.
Your teeth shift, too. Even if you had braces as a teenager, you may wake up one day and notice that your once nicely aligned teeth are now crooked. Crooked teeth make you look older, but help is available. Invisalign works for people of all ages. It can give you a straight, beautiful smile, without the embarrassing metal bits of braces.
3. Restore Your Teeth
Life can do a number of your teeth, which can make you look and feel older. A missing or cracked tooth or a tooth that's had extensive decay can add years to your appearance. Fortunately, you have a number of cosmetic dentistry options to help turn back the clock while improving your smile.
If you're concerned about the general appearance of multiple teeth, veneers can be one way to reverse time and improve the appearance of your teeth. Veneers are custom-made covers for the surface of your teeth. They can improve the shape, size and color of teeth. They're much faster than other restoration options, like dental implants or crowns but may not be the right choice for everyone. The advanced smile professionals at Great Lake Dentals can help you decide if veneers are the right pick.
If you have more extensive issues with your teeth, such as decay or damage to the root or nerve, tooth replacement with an implant and crown, may be the better way to turn back time and get a younger looking, healthier smile.
The benefits of restoring your teeth go beyond the cosmetic. You'll notice that it's easier to chew and speak when you have all your teeth in place.
If you're curious about cosmetic dentistry, but concerned about cosmetic dentistry cost, a complimentary consultation at Great Lakes Dental can help you understand the price and your payment options.
4. Take Care of Your Teeth
Don't underestimate the importance of a good oral care routine when it comes to taking the years off of your smile. Healthy gums and teeth help you look younger. For example, one common sign of gum disease is gum recession, meaning the gums pull back from the teeth, showing the roots. The more root that is exposed, the longer the teeth look, which makes you look older.
Regular visits to your dentist help you detect gum disease in the earliest stages when it's reversible. During your regular dental checkups, your dentist can detect any early cavities and treat them before they cause a lot of decay.
Along with seeing your dentist, keep up the oral care at home. Brush at least twice a day and floss daily. The more dedicated you to taking care of your smile, the more confident you'll be in your pearly whites. Having that confidence to smile will take years off of your looks.
Great Lakes Dental Can Help You Get a Younger Looking Smile
Dr. Roland Beech is a cosmetic dentist in Mentor, Ohio. He and the advanced smile team at Great Lakes Dental offer cosmetic dentistry services that can reduce the signs of aging on your teeth and gums and help you feel more youthful. If you're looking for cosmetic dentistry near me, contact the team at Great Lakes Dental to learn more about Invisalign, teeth whitening and other treatment options for a more vibrant, youthful smile.