How Your Smile Changes As You Age…
Presented by David K. Chan, D.M.D.

 

Unlike fine wine, our smiles do not improve with age. That gleaming white, ear-to-ear grin we so readily flashed in our twenties eventually succumbs to the ravages of time and bad habits (smoking, ice-cube crunching, and teeth grinding) and eventually loses its shape and luster. And it’s not just about the teeth. As time goes by, our lips become less plump, and gravity draws the upper lip down slightly, covering more of our upper teeth- kind of like a window shade blocking out the sun. In addition to all this, poor chewing habits can result in teeth with aggressively worn edges, giving them a flat, sharp and, consequently, aged look. 

Causes Of Smile Aging: 

Gum Recession - A lifetime of improper brushing can cause your gums to recede and produce unwanted wear facets on the teeth. This can make your teeth appear much too long, hence the term “long in the tooth.” Receding gums can also cause “black triangles,” or empty space between the teeth, which make the smile appear much older. 

Grinding - Nothing causes an aged look in the smile more than worn-down front teeth. In fact, unless this habit is caught early on, it can continue to wear the teeth so much that as we enter our thirties and forties the smile begins to show less and less teeth, in turn producing an older look. As a preventative measure, Dr. Chan recommends patients ask their dentist to use an intraoral camera to see if you have signs of grinding the teeth. 

Soft–tissue Drape - The facial tissues tend to sag as we age, and when it does, it covers more and more tooth structure resulting in less viable teeth. 

Tooth Darkening - Our teeth naturally become darker as we age, so as the pulp tissues recedes in our thirties and forties,  the new tooth structure is decidedly darker. Thinning enamel contributes to the darker appearance as well. 

Fillings - Cavities are most commonly filled from the teens to the forties. In time, some of these old, dark silver fillings may effect the color of your back teeth. Even tooth colored fillings  can get dark over time, and may need to by replaced. 

Periodontal Disease - Because of neglect, or even genetic factors, the effect of periodontal disease is usually seen in the fifties. Loose teeth can cause the smile to become more crowded or gappy as the teeth drift. 

Fortunately, today there are more options then ever for improving one’s smile at any age, and restoring not only your smile and overall appearance but your confidence as well. 

Dr. Chan’s office “Northwest Smile Designs” specializes in cosmetic dentistry and is located in Fisher’s Landing, at 19120 SE 34^th Street. Suite #104, Vancouver, WA 98683.

Dr. Chan and his team are excited to welcome you and discuss how they can help create that special smile you’ve always wanted. Call 885-1206 for you complimentary smile design consultation. “We look forward to seeing you!”

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