Is Your Smile Making You Look Older?

Your smile can say a lot of things about you — you’re happy, you’re confident, you’re professional, you’re… old? Nobody wants people to think that, but the unfortunate truth is, your smile may be aging you in the eyes of others. At my dental office in The Woodlands, we hear many patients express concern over the appearance of their teeth and how some aspects of their smile make them look older than they really are. But thanks to modern dentistry, there are several treatments available to remedy any dental concern.

Concern #1: “My teeth aren’t as white as they used to be.”

Everyone wants a bright, white smile. But sometimes lifestyle factors like smoking, beverage choices like coffee and red wine, or old, metal dental work can keep someone from having pearly whites that are, well, pearly white. No matter what the reason is behind the discoloration, there’s a solution. Treatment options include:

• In-office whitening
• Veneers
• Replacing metal restorations with tooth-colored alternatives

Concern #2: “My teeth look longer and it makes me self conscious”

Teeth that are longer in appearance are usually a result of gum recession. Gum recession is typically a result of brushing too hard, gum disease, or grinding and clenching. When the gums recede, parts of the teeth that are usually hidden under the gum line become visible, causing them to look longer, and, in turn, the person look older. Some common solutions from your Woodlands dentist may include:

• Changes in brushing behavior — small, gentle circles are best
• Scaling and root planing
• Gum grafting

Concern #3: “I’m experiencing more chips and cracks. What’s going on?”

As we age, our tooth enamel is constantly exposed to different elements and can become weakened. When this happens, the teeth are more susceptible to damage like chips and cracks. But don’t worry, advancements in dental technology allow for virtually undetectable restorations like:

• Veneers
• Inlays or onlays
• Dental bonding

If you’re concerned that your smile may be aging you, give my Woodlands dental office a call to schedule an appointment today. We’ll identify your specific areas of concern and determine the most appropriate solution for you.

Accepting patients from The Woodlands, Spring, Conroe