Our skin isn’t the only way our age can show. Our teeth and gums grow older alongside us, and everything from antiquated dental work to a lifetime of wear and tear can contribute to an older-looking smile.
How Our Teeth Age
Aging is a total-body process, and that includes our teeth. “As we get older, our teeth tend to become more yellow,” says The Woodlands, TX cosmetic dentist Guy M. Lewis, DDS. “This happens due to thinning enamel, which reveals the darker dentin underneath it.”
“Our enamel gradually wears down due to years of chewing, exposure to acidic foods, and natural friction,” says Chicago cosmetic dentist Nathan Hoffman, DDS. “Dentin also thickens over time, leading to discoloration. This is a natural process that occurs as the microscopic tubules within the dentin become more pronounced, affecting how light reflects off the tooth surface.” New York cosmetic dentist Husam Almunajed, DMD adds that teeth play a big role in how youthful the lower third of the face appears. “Our teeth serve as the support for this area, which is already experiencing a loss of skin elasticity and the formation of wrinkles. As our teeth wear down over time, we see further shrinking of facial volume, and that support begins to collapse.”
Wear, Tear + Loss
Normal deterioration of teeth can cause the appearance of fine-line cracks called craze lines. “One cause of craze lines has to do with the expansion and contraction of teeth due to temperature changes in the mouth,” explains Rockville, MD cosmetic dentist Joe Kravitz, DDS. “Think of a resin cup, for example. When you first buy it, the material is clear and solid, but after many cycles of dishwashing in hot and cold water, you’ll see craze lines appear.”
Typical wear and tear can also show the age of any previous dental work. “Veneers should last for many years and continue to look great,” Dr. Lewis says. “But over time, you may experience gum recession and discoloration along the edges.”
After performing a gum lift, Charlotte, NC cosmetic dentist Patrick J. Broome, DMD used Invisalign and veneers to restore this 40-year-old patient’s smile.
And then there’s tooth loss. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), about 1 in 5 adults age 65 and older have lost all of their teeth. This typically begins gradually during a person’s late 40s and 50s, with conditions like menopause increasing the risk of tooth loss.
And certainly, missing teeth can instantly add years to a smile. “Tooth loss really comes down to two factors: gum disease and tooth decay,” says Dr. Almunajed. “Notably, gum disease is on the rise in this country, and it’s something patients should ask about during dental checkups.” Dentists will work to retain patients’ natural teeth when possible, but if decay is advanced, restorations may not be an option. “Tooth loss can also occur as a result of multiple dental restorations that fail over time,” adds Dr. Almunajed.
Restoring an Aging Smile
When teeth are missing or worn, Dr. Hoffman says it can negatively affect facial structure. “In those cases, implants, crowns or cosmetic bonding can help enhance both aesthetics and function.” Veneers are also a great option to restore a more youthful look. “Veneers are one of the best decisions you can make when you have an aging smile,” Dr. Hoffman explains. “When they’re designed to enhance your natural features, not change them, they can also offer facial support.”
To improve this 58-year-old patient’s smile, Dr. Hoffmann used a combination of teeth whitening, Invisalign, gum contouring and veneers.
Veneers can also help minimize that volume loss in the lower third of the face. “A ‘smile lift’ including porcelain veneers can really communicate youth in a subtle way,” Dr. Almunajed says. “Veneers have functional benefits that can help your smile last.”
Dr. Lewis adds, “Even small changes like professional teeth whitening can make a significant difference in de-aging a smile. More restorative options like porcelain veneers, dental bonding, gum recontouring and Invisalign offer real revitalization.”
Patients should also take steps to maintain their improved smiles. “A very important aspect of educating patients about their new veneers or implants is that they need to protect their investment,” says The Woodlands, TX periodontist Hamid Atabakhsh, DDS. “That includes regular dental hygiene and upkeep, but also not using your teeth as tools, avoiding nail biting, wearing a night guard to avoid grinding damage, and staying on top of regular checkups.”
DID YOU KNOW?
More than 178 million adult Americans are missing at least one tooth. Source: American College of Prosthodontists
