Recapture that youthful smile

Tanya Perry, Contributor

You can reverse the ageing process by 10 years just by recapturing your youthful smile. There are several dental signs associated with an aged smile, these include:

1. Discoloured teeth: As we age, we lose some of the enamel (the outer layer) of the teeth allowing more of the yellow interior to shine through giving that dreaded yellow look.

2. Worn teeth: Another part of the ageing process is the wearing down of the teeth which makes them look short and the curve of the smile flat.

3. Crowded or crooked teeth: We also associate age with crowded teeth and teeth which 'lean in' (retruded teeth). Retruded teeth leave the teeth 'in the shadows' which again make them look darker and more aged.

4. Missing teeth: Failure to replace teeth after extraction eventually causes the jaws to sink. The lips will also become thinner and have that sunken appearance in cases where people lose their front teeth or are wearing ill-fitting dentures.

Get that youthful smile

Whiten your teeth

Your teeth should be white but not too white. Ideally, your teeth should be the same colour as the white of your eyes. There are two main whitening options available: in-office whitening applications and professionally dispensed take-home whitening kits. Over-the-counter products are also available but don't deliver the desired results of professional whitening.

Orthodontic treatment (braces)

Orthodontics will give you straight teeth and a wide, full smile. Your teeth will be in alignment which will discourage further ageing and wear and tear. Your new smile will optimise lip and profile support and arrange the teeth to capture the light for a sparkling, bright smile. Cosmetic options are available for those concerned about the 'metal jaw' appearance.

Veneers

A veneer is a thin covering placed on the front of the teeth to make them uniform in shape and colour.They can be used to correct several dental conditions, including gaps between the teeth, broken or chipped teeth, permanently stained or discoloured teeth (that cannot be whitened), and crooked teeth. Veneers are available both as ceramic (porcelain) veneers or composite resin. Porcelain veneers are more expensive but last longer and has a more natural appearance than composite veneer.

Replace missing teeth

Replace missing teeth by using dentures or 'plates'; bridges or dental implants.

Quit smoking: Smoking causes staining of the teeth and contributes to the formation of wrinkles around the mouth.

Dr Tanya Perry is president of the Jamaica Dental Association; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.

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