How Does My Smile Change as I Get Older?

As you get older, your body will naturally begin showing signs of your age. Certain tasks become more difficult to complete and your appearance won’t be exactly how it used to be – your smile included. You may have the same teeth throughout your entire adult life, but the truth is that they never stop changing! Continue reading to learn more about the different ways that your grin evolves as the years pass by.

Dental Shifting

As the muscles in your face become less supported with age, the pressure on your teeth changes as well. Over time, this causes the teeth to shift around. Dental arches also become more narrow with age. This causes the teeth to become more crowded and misaligned. The pressure of regular chewing and biting also causes the back teeth to tip inward slightly. Generally, people can expect this to begin around the time they are in their late 30s or 40s. Most of the time, these are just minor cosmetic imperfections, but some people prefer to correct these issues with orthodontic treatment.

Receding Gums

When you get older, your gums become thinner and eventually recede. This exposes more of your teeth, making you more susceptible to cavities and gum disease. Fortunately, this can be slowed down and prevented with an excellent and consistent dental hygiene routine as well as regular visits to the dental office.

Smaller Nerves

As you age, the nerves in your teeth shrink. This means that you will be less sensitive to dental pain. Ultimately, it’s easier for cavities and other dental issues to go unnoticed for longer. As you get older, attending routine checkups becomes more and more important.

Weakening Enamel

Tooth enamel is the strongest substance in the entire body! That being said, it isn’t completely indestructible. When you chew your food and grind your teeth over many years, the enamel will weaken. That’s why older teeth are more likely to crack or break. This can often be repaired with dental bonding or dental crowns.

Discoloration

Yellowing of the teeth is a natural part of getting older. This is because the yellow dentin inside the teeth becomes more prominent as you age. When the enamel gets thinner, the dentin layer shows through more easily. Many years of drinking coffee, tea, and red wine can also play a role in discoloration. Professional teeth whitening can help to lift extrinsic stains. For more advanced discoloration, some patients opt for veneers.

Aging is a natural process, and it can take a toll on your smile. By implementing an excellent dental hygiene routine and seeing your dentist on a regular basis, you can stay on top of your pearly whites, keeping them healthy and beautiful for as long as possible!

About the Practice

At Advanced Dental Center, we have a team of two skilled dentists serving patients in Parma Heights. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. We offer a wide range of cosmetic dental treatments, including dental bonding, teeth whitening, veneers, and Invisalign. For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit our website or call (440) 885-5354.