Anti-aging Dental Treatments
When men and women are thinking about undergoing anti-aging procedures, treatments such as facelift, Botox injections, and laser skin resurfacing typically come to mind. These treatments are designed to reduce the appearance of skin laxity, facial wrinkling, and hyperpigmentation. While facial rejuvenation procedures are effective, dental treatments are also capable of making patients look younger.
Facial Aging and the Teeth
As we age, the teeth become increasingly discolored and worn; in the worst-case scenarios, patients lose their teeth to dental decay or gum disease. These dental problems contribute to an older appearance. At Artistic Expressions Dentistry, a leading Philadelphia cosmetic dentistry practice, we offer a range of restorative and aesthetic treatments that can improve the health and appearance of our patients' smiles. In this blog post, we review the top anti-aging dental treatments for patients in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatment among patients of all ages. Consumption of dark sodas, red wine, coffee, and tea, along with lifestyle habits such as smoking cigarettes, cause the teeth to become yellowed and discolored. Use of over-the-counter whitening products may work for patients in their teens and twenties, but as patients enter middle age and their senior years, professional-strength whitening products are needed to achieve desired results. At Artistic Expressions Dentistry, we offer in-office and at-home whitening systems that will brighten your smile and give you a more youthful look.
Porcelain Veneers
While teeth whitening is a quick and relatively inexpensive way to turn back the clock and rejuvenate your appearance, the procedure is not recommended for all patients. If the teeth are sensitive and the enamel has eroded, porcelain veneers may be a better solution. Veneers are thin, tooth-shaped shells of porcelain that are placed over patients' existing teeth. They mask various dental flaws, including yellowed and worn teeth.
Replacement of Missing Teeth
Discolored and worn teeth can make patients appear older than their actual age. A more serious dental concern, however, is the growing number of older Americans that have lost one or more of their teeth. Missing teeth can present a host of functional issues for patients, including difficulty eating, shifting of remaining teeth, and bite misalignment. Cosmetically, missing teeth leave gaps in the mouth, and the facial structure loses support. There are several restoration options for patients that have lost their teeth, including:
- Dentures:Dentures refer to a removable dental appliance that holds one or more artificial teeth. This is typically the least costly treatment. However, dentures are associated with some disadvantages, including comfort, fit, and stability issues.
- Dental Bridges: Dental bridges refer to one or two artificial teeth that are attached to a crown that is placed over an existing tooth or a dental implant.
- Dental Implants:The placement of dental implants is a two-part procedure that requires some patience. During the first appointment, a titanium screw is implanted into the jawbone. During the next three to six months, the patient's jawbone and gums grow around the implant, a period known as osseointegration. Once the implant is firmly in place, the patient can return for their final appointment in which the dental restoration (the artificial tooth) is placed.
Contact Artistic Expressions Dentistry today to schedule your appointment with us.