As you get older, it’s not uncommon for your smile to look a little lackluster. With time, your teeth can become stained, discolored, or worn down. But while these may be signs of a life well lived, that doesn’t mean you have to simply accept them. If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your teeth but aren’t sure if there’s a such thing as being “too old” for cosmetic dentistry, fear not. There’s no time limit on having a beautiful smile. In fact, here are a few common procedures that you might want to try!
Veneers
Have you ever wanted to change the color or shape of your teeth while protecting them from new stains? Veneers can help. Veneers are thin porcelain shells that fit over your teeth to make them appear whiter and even slightly change their shape. Veneers are stain resistant, so you can go back to enjoying that coffee, red wine, or chocolate you’ve been craving, and they last up to 20 years with regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups.
Veneers can usually be applied in two appointments: one to remove a small layer of tooth enamel and take impressions and another to attach them. Plus, there’s no downtime following your procedure, so you can get right back to life as soon as you’re ready!
Cosmetic Bonding
Cosmetic bonding can do some things that veneers can’t. This procedure is less expensive than veneers, but it can cover stains, reshape teeth, and even repair chips and seal gaps. Bonding uses a resin composite to sculpt a replacement for damaged or stained enamel. It can be done in one appointment and is totally painless, requiring no recovery time after your procedure. Caring for cosmetic bonding is easy, too. Just brush, floss, and visit the dentist regularly like you would for your natural teeth, and you can expect your bonding to last between five to ten years.
Metal Free Restorations
Do you still have old metal fillings doing their part to keep your teeth safe from cavities? Those dark restorations could be adding unwanted years to your smile. If you’re ready to lighten up a bit, resin composite fillings can help. These restorations can be matched to your natural tooth color and feel just like “real” enamel, too. Nobody will know you’ve got fillings unless you tell them; in fact, you might even forget you have them yourself!
Remember, you’re never too old for a beautiful healthy smile. If you’re looking for a way to take a few years off your appearance, these three popular cosmetic dentistry procedures can help.
About Dr. Patel
Dr. Sujal Patel is fascinated by both the artistry and science of dentistry. It is that passion that motivates him to not just provide compassionate, quality care, but also to help patients craft beautiful, healthy smiles.
If you’re interested in restoring your own smile to its youthful glow, Let Dr. Patel and the team at Coco Dental of North Dallas help. To schedule an appointment, please visit our website or call us today at 972-818-5649.