Cosmetic dentistry magic: winding back the years

How good are you at guessing people’s ages? It's tricky (and often best not to vocalise) at the best of times. But you'll likely be more accurate if the person opens their mouth when they or smile. Eyes may be the gateway to the soul, but teeth are an indicator of age.

As our year's progress, teeth and gum health undergo several changes and naturally deteriorate. Here are the 7 most common signs of aging your teeth are likely to display at some point:

1.   Natural wear and tear

Over time, enamel erodes due to factors such as tooth grinding, acidic foods and drinks, and normal everyday use. This makes teeth more prone to chips, cracks, and decay.

2.   A change in colour

Teeth become discoloured or stained from smoking, certain medications, and a lifetime of consuming high-pigmented foods and drinks.

3.   Receding gums

You will be familiar with the idiom 'long in the tooth' for someone who is old or aging. This refers to how gums recede and pull away from the teeth. This exposes the roots and makes them more susceptible to decay and sensitivity.

4.   Bone density loss

The jawbone supports the teeth, but it can start to deteriorate with age. This can lead to tooth loss and changes in facial appearance.

5.   Sensitive teeth

As the enamel on our teeth wears away, our gums recede. This can lead to increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.

6.   Dry mouth

Aging causes a reduction in saliva production which leads to a dry mouth. This increases the risk of tooth decay and other oral health problems.

7.   Crooked teeth

With aging, the lower jaw grows forward and narrows which can cause the lower teeth to crowd together and overlap.

If this list has thrown you into a downward spiral of despair about aging, relax. Duxton Dental’s skilled Christchurch cosmetic dentists provide dental treatment to reverse many types of age-revealing dental decline – and exhale. 

Cosmetic dentistry solutions to make you look younger

As Duxton Dental’s regular patients attest, maintaining good oral hygiene habits and visiting us regularly helps prevent and address many of these age-related oral changes. However, our cosmetic dentists perform dental treatments to dramatically visually improve your teeth but also how you feel about your appearance.

Teeth whitening for a vibrant smile

Teeth whitening is a quick, high impact and effective cosmetic dental procedure to remove stains, correct discolouration and restore the natural whiteness of your teeth.

Dental veneers to correct imperfections

Used to fix a variety of cosmetic dental imperfections such as uneven teeth or worn-down teeth, gaps, chips and stubborn stains, dental veneers are thin porcelain ‘shells’ bonded to the front of your teeth.

Dental implants to restore your smile

Missing teeth impact the face’s structure and instantly add years. Dental implants are a natural looking, long-lasting solution to improve your appearance and restore your confidence.

Christchurch orthodontic treatment

Misaligned teeth exacerbate dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease and jaw pain. Invisalign braces are clear and discrete aligners to straighten your teeth and improve your dental health.

Addressing cosmetic dental issues such as discolouration, and misaligned or missing teeth, cosmetic dentistry curates a new sense of identity and self-belief. Aging is both a blessing and a curse, but there is no shame in wanting to look the best you can for your age. If you are ready to take the first step to reclaim your smile, call 03 348 5488 Duxton Dental today for an appointment.