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Age can impact your appearance in many ways, and your smile is no exception. Years of eating and speaking daily can eventually impact the way your teeth look and function. You may already know that your dentist offers several cosmetic services to enhance your looks. However, you might hesitate to seek treatment if you’re afraid you’ve waited too long to address your concerns.
Fortunately, there’s no age limit on upgrading your grin! Continue reading to learn about 3 popular procedures that can boost your confidence by preserving a younger visage!
Upgrade #1: Teeth Whitening
Brushing and flossing twice daily removes plaque and bacteria that contribute to oral issues, but even those who are dedicated to their dental hygiene routine can still develop stains. Pigmented particles from darkly toned foods like tomatoes, berries, coffee, tea, or wine cling to the microscopic pores in your enamel over time, eventually tinting it a deeper hue.
Although many over-the-counter brands claim to be able to lighten your teeth, they often contain diluted bleaching agents that aren’t overly effective. Plus, you might develop sensitivity by overusing or misapplying commercial-grade products. Meanwhile, your dentist can give you a take-home kit containing ultra-concentrated bleaches and custom-fitted applicator trays for professional results from your living room.
Upgrade #2: Porcelain Veneers
Teeth whitening is a great way to address surface stains, but some teeth need more than bleaching. Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but it’s not invincible. Years of daily use wear it down, increasing the likelihood of developing chips, cracks, or discoloration as more of the yellow layer of dentin beneath it shines through.
Porcelain veneers are a versatile treatment that can simultaneously address one or several imperfections. These thin, ceramic shells are customized to match your natural teeth then are bonded over the front surfaces to mask imperfections. Plus, they’re coated with a glaze durable enough to resist chips and stains, shielding the underlying tooth from additional harm.
Upgrade #3: Tooth-Colored Restorations
Historically, dental restorations, such as fillings or dental crowns, were made from amalgam metal mixtures. This material is incredibly durable, but because it’s not biocompatible, it requires that some of your enamel be carved to anchor it. Furthermore, it glints unappealingly in the sunlight and can leave your teeth looking more gray than pearly white.
Thanks to more recent advancements in technology and techniques, today, your dentist can provide tooth-colored solutions instead. They’re happy to replace your outdated dental work with more modern materials that bond with your enamel to improve your appearance while preserving your natural teeth.
If you’re still unsure which service is right for you, consulting your dentist is the best way to make an informed decision to enhance grin!
Meet the Author
Dr. Angelo Julovich has decades of experience helping patients near Zionsville build and maintain their healthiest, most beautiful smiles. He earned his dental degree from Indiana University’s School of Dentistry and has completed additional training focusing on rebuilding damaged teeth. He is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, so you can trust that you’re receiving top-quality care. He combines a compassionate approach with state-of-the-art technology to provide lifelike solutions intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (317) 769-3335.