LAKE FOREST AND LAKE BLUFF IL
Getting older is a part of life. As a person ages, their teeth often show signs of that but certain conditions can cause noticeable differences in your smile and even make you look even older than you are. Read on as your Lake Forest cosmetic dentist explores 6 ways to keep your smile looking youthful.
How do teeth show signs of aging?
As we age, teeth lose their luster; that vibrant bright whiteness dulls. Changes in coloration also are common. Another consequence of aging is the deterioration of your gums. As your gums weaken, your lips have less support. Tooth loss also can impact your visible age. Bone loss is an inevitable consequence of tooth loss, which, over time, gives your face a sunken appearance and makes you appear older than you are.
6 tips to keep your smile looking shiny and new
Tip 1: Avoid food and drinks that stain your teeth
Discoloration is the most obvious sign of aging teeth. Your tooth enamel thins naturally as you age, thus exposing the darker dentin – the next layer of your tooth structure. Any stains on your teeth can be exacerbated by frequent consumption of dark-colored food or drinks such as red wine, coffee and dark-colored fruits.
Tip 2: Closely monitor your gums
Receding gums are another sign of aging in your mouth. Your gums recede as you age, because the bone density in your jaw also reduces as time passes. This process is very slow and can have many different causes, such as consistent aggressive brushing or a case of gingivitis–the early stage of gum disease.
Tip 3: Straighten things out
And when we say “things”, we mean your teeth. One consequence of aging is that your teeth can collapse inward, and make you look older than you are. Orthodontic treatment, such as Invisalign, can help significantly–repositioning your teeth to their preferred alignment to restore your confidence in your smile. Ask your Lake Forest dentist at your next appointment what orthodontic treatment options are right for you.
Tip 4: Whiten your smile
Whitening your teeth by just a few shades can give your smile an incredible boost and make you look years younger. Unfortunately, at-home whitening treatments or over-the-counter products can be highly damaging and come with an assortment of risks. This is why a professional dental whitening treatment is ideal.
Tip 5: Get old fillings replaced
Having visible metal or gold fillings can age your smile. Fortunately, metal dental restorations are now a thing of the past. Today, most crowns and fillings today have an exterior made of dental porcelain or don’t use any metal at all. Modern crowns and fillings are also more sustainable than those of the past.
Tip 6: Consider veneers
Dentists just like your cosmetic dentist in Lake Forest have been using veneers for decades to improve the appearance of patients’ teeth. At Lake Forest Smiles, we use veneers made of beautiful dental porcelain. These veneers are bonded to the original tooth structure, fitting to the correct size, shape and position for your mouth. Veneers can be expensive, but last for decades, if cared for correctly.
Cosmetic dentistry in Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Lincolnshire in Illinois
Are you ready to learn about how modern cosmetic dentistry can help you turn back the clock? Our team at Lake Forest Smiles is committed to providing quality dental care to the communities of Lake Forest, Lake Bluff and Lincolnshire and helping our patients achieve the smile of their dreams. Visit us online or call us at (847) 234-4800 to schedule an appointment today.