We all know that over time, life takes a toll on our body and we hope that the ageing process is gentle on us. The fine lines, the onset of wrinkles… all expected signs that greet us. Yet, there is another one that comes out of nowhere and no one prepares you for – your smile. Have you ever looked in the mirror and realised that your smile isn’t quite what it used to be? Believe it or not, our teeth, which stand through countless meals and conversations, are not immune to the effects of time. They naturally darken, revealing the dentin beneath, which changes their appearance as we age. Here’s everything you need to know about your evolving smile and the innovative solutions available at Dental and Skin Clinic, designed to keep your smile shining brightly, regardless of age.
The changes our teeth undergo as we age are both fascinating and complex. We come to rely on our pearly whites, day in and day out, without actually considering what might be going on inside our very own mouths.
Enamel, the hardest substance in the human body, serves as the protective outer layer of our teeth. Over the years, this enamel gradually wears down from biting and chewing to even the subtle impacts of talking. One of the most obvious effects is the darkening of teeth. As the enamel layer gradually becomes thinner over time, it becomes more translucent, allowing the naturally yellower dentin underneath to show through.
The first question that probably jumps into your head is: will teeth whitening help? While an obvious option, unfortunately, the thinner enamel does not respond as effectively to whitening agents. These whitening agents are designed to work on the enamel’s surface, and with less enamel available, the process doesn’t work as well.
Of course, our teeth are just one factor when it comes to a changing smile. Our gums also go through a transformation, with gum recession (the opposite problem to a gum lift) being common as we age. Essentially, the gum tissue that surrounds your teeth pulls back or wears away exposing the roots of the teeth. This can cause teeth to appear longer and may reveal brown or dark yellow patches on the teeth, which are the roots.
Did you know, that even the shape of our teeth changes over time? Wear and tear of daily use can contribute to:
- Blunting and flattening: The edges of the teeth start to appear more blunt and flattened after years of biting and chewing. As a result, our teeth can look shorter.
- Shifting and crowding: It’s a common misconception that once we reach adulthood, our teeth are set permanently in place. In reality, our teeth continue to shift subtly throughout our lives. This movement can lead to crowding, particularly in the lower front teeth, and an increase in crookedness.
- Narrowing smile: As we age, there are changes not just in our teeth, but also in our facial structure. The lower jaw can move slightly forward and inward, contributing to a more narrow smile.
So, as you stand in front of that mirror and give a big grin, you may notice your teeth have a more worn and aged look. The combined effect of gum recession and changes in tooth shape and alignment can be quite pronounced. It can lead to a smile that looks significantly different from what it was in younger years.
Now you have a complete understanding of all the different effects ageing can have on your teeth, it’s time to ask the question: what can be done about it? In recent years, dental veneers have risen in popularity as a sought-after solution for a range of aesthetic dental concerns.
These thin shells made of porcelain or composite material, are designed to cover the front surface of teeth. They offer a comprehensive solution that can be tailored in colour, shape and size to match your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless smile.
- Dramatic improvements: Veneers provide a significant enhancement in the appearance of the teeth, addressing issues like discolouration, chips, gaps and minor misalignments.
- Natural-looking results: The customisation process ensures that the veneers look natural, blending seamlessly with the surrounding teeth.
- Long-lasting solution: Made from high-quality materials, veneers are durable and can last many years with proper care.
- Ease of maintenance: Veneers require the same level of care as natural teeth, involving regular brushing, flossing and dental check-ups.
Many people opt for veneers as they provide immediate results, unlike orthodontic treatments like braces or Invisalign, which can take months or even years to achieve the desired effect. Plus, the process of getting veneers is relatively quick – often completed within three weeks. The procedure at Dental and Skin Clinic is designed to be minimally disruptive, involving only a few appointments.
- Personalised assessment: The dental professionals at Dental and Skin Clinic assess your oral health and discuss your aesthetic goals. This personalised approach ensures that the treatment plan aligns perfectly with your expectations.
- Digital smile design: Utilising advanced digital imaging technology, we offer a preview of the potential outcomes, allowing you to visualise your new smile before the treatment begins.
- Preparation of teeth: The process involves minimal preparation of the natural teeth, typically requiring only a slight reshaping to accommodate the veneers.
- Impressions and customisation: Impressions of the teeth are taken, which are then used to custom-craft the veneers. Each veneer is tailored to match the colour, shape, and size of your natural teeth.
- Fitting and final adjustments: Once the veneers are ready, they are carefully fitted. Adjustments are made as necessary to ensure comfort, functionality and a flawless appearance.
At Dental and Skin Clinic, the veneer solution has been meticulously crafted to address the unique dental needs and aesthetic desires of our patients. Call us today to start your journey to younger-looking teeth!
