The process of aging can have a range of effects on our health and appearance. Over time, the impact of lifestyle habits and environmental factors can take a toll. How big of a toll can often depend on genetics and how we choose to live. Healthy habits can better support our overall health as we age, helping us slow the process or minimize the effects. There are also many ways to rejuvenate your appearance as you age, including dental treatments and care. Cosmetic dentistry can offer the means to address the effects of aging on your smile.
However, cosmetic dentistry without a comprehensive approach to underlying problems or the effects of aging on your smile can often break down over time. Dr. Conover aims to help patients improve the appearance of an aging smile while supporting their long-term dental health. He includes three key factors in the appearance and health of your smile when creating a personalized treatment plan. These include:
- Function: is your bite comfortable and even?
- Structure: are your teeth and gums stable and healthy?
- Esthetics: do you like the reappearance of your smile?
Each of these three components of your overall oral health is important and should be considered when making over your smile or seeking cosmetic dentistry. The goal of your treatment should be to address all three simultaneously during the diagnostic and treatment phases. This is the foundation for a beautiful AND healthy result.
What happens to my smile as I age?
Like all parts of our aging bodies, the teeth, gums, and jaw joints experience wear over time. Routine dental care and good oral health habits will likely slow the progression of an aging smile, but eventually, the signs of age begin to surface. Common dental concerns to look for as you age can include:
- Teeth that appear flat or worn
- Receding gums
- Teeth that are “accident prone” or that break easily
- An uncomfortable bite or changes in your ability to chew or speak
- Persistent bad breath
- Tooth discoloration
While we can often make short-term improvements to the appearance of a smile, for example, fixing chipped or broken teeth, it’s important to address the underlying cause to achieve a long-lasting result and a more stable smile. As the face ages, it can change shape and impact the fit of the bite. Teeth can slowly shift as our jaw bones age, sometimes leading to gum recession and tooth damage. This can also contribute to a more aged appearance. Dr. Conover works with patients to address these concerns while improving the aesthetics of their smiles.
We may recommend restorative or orthodontic treatment to support long-term dental health and a beautiful smile as you age. These procedures strengthen your smile and re-establish a stable, healthy bite, an essential factor in maintaining your smile. Clear aligners, braces, dental crowns, or tooth bonding treatments can preserve and protect the teeth and gums as you age. A smile that is healthy and comfortable plays a vital role in the ongoing enjoyment of a good quality of life. This includes the ability to eat a healthy diet and to converse with confidence.
Are you ready to explore your treatment options and keep your smile youthful, vibrant, and healthy? Dr. Conover can offer the holistic, personal approach you need to restore and maintain your smile as you age. Schedule a visit to discuss your needs in our Philadelphia dentist office.