When many people think about “anti-aging” treatments, they probably think of getting rid of wrinkles and hiding gray hairs. However, your smile – which, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, is what nearly half of adults will remember most when meeting you for the first time – is one of the most noticeable areas that can add a few perceived years to your face. Learn more about how your teeth affect your apparent age – and how porcelain veneers in Kittanning might be the solution you need to keep your pearly whites looking beautiful.
How Do Your Teeth Add to Your Age?
As you chew your food or grind your teeth at night, your teeth will start to wear down. Shortened teeth causes the lips to sage inward, which makes your overall facial structure look like it’s collapsed. (This issue only becomes worse as the lips lose their elasticity as you become older.) Furthermore, older teeth are more brittle and are prone to chips and cracks that can draw unwanted attention.
You’ll also notice your smile starting to look more yellow or gray. This is because enamel becomes thinner and stained as time goes on; also, the innermost layer of pulp will shrink, causing the tooth to look darkened. You can correct some discoloration with teeth whitening, but sooner or later age will catch up.
How Can Porcelain Veneers Help You Look Younger?
If you need to make several cosmetic corrections at once, porcelain veneers are often your best bet. Veneers are thin covers that bond to the front of the tooth and cover it completely. This is an excellent way to cover discolored, worn down, broken, misaligned, irregularly shaped or improperly spaced teeth. In other words, with one procedure you can reverse many of the negative effects of aging.
There are plenty of other advantages of using porcelain veneers:
- They can be shaded to match your other teeth, creating a natural appearance; people you meet for the first time won’t even realize you’ve had dental work done!
- Porcelain is much more stain resistant than tooth enamel.
- You won’t need to undergo an extensive shaping procedure like you would for a dental crown.
- With proper care (which is as simple as brushing and flossing as your normally would in addition to regular dental checkups), porcelain veneers can last up to 15 years.
Bear in mind that not everyone is a candidate for porcelain veneers; if you grind your teeth or suffer from gum disease, these issues need to be addressed before you can get a cosmetic treatment. If you’re interested in creating a more youthful smile, schedule a consultation with your cosmetic dentist in Kittanning; they’ll help you find the best path to your goal.
About the Author
Dr. Voller is a sustaining member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry; he enjoys any opportunity to give his patients healthy, beautiful smiles. He offers porcelain veneers, teeth whitening and Botox as anti-aging treatments. To schedule an appointment at his practice, Voller Dentistry, visit his website or call (724) 543-4948.