It’s Still Possible To Have Great Teeth As We Hit Our 50s

As we age, our teeth often begin to reflect the ravages of time. By the time we reach our 50s, many of us are experiencing various dental health conditions.

While hardly anyone is born with a perfect, straight set of pearly whites, there’s hardly anything more confidence-killing than skewed and yellowing teeth, and a few missing teeth can worsen things a whole lot more.

As if that’s not enough, dental health risks increase with age.

As you age, gum health deteriorates, while teeth become more fragile and prone to cavities and decay.

So if you’re constantly hiding your smile, avoiding photos, and doing your best not to laugh in social situations, you might wonder if you can enhance your smile and regain your confidence.

Here are some of the most effective solutions to consider.

Braces

If you have an overbite, underbite, open bite, gaps between teeth, or cramped skewing teeth, braces are the perfect solution to mend any of these issues.

Orthodontic braces apply constant pressure to teeth and the jaw to instigate realignment. Metal brackets are secured to teeth and to an archwire, creating tension that gradually forces teeth straight.

Braces can straighten teeth over time and improve your smile along the way.

While you will need to wait a few months to see the final result and endure a bit of discomfort during the installation and the initial adjustment, braces are one of the most popular and effective dental treatments for a perfect smile.

Even so, optimizing your dental hygiene routine when choosing permanent braces is critical. You must prevent plaque buildup on the metal brackets, while properly brushing teeth can also prevent stains and tooth decay.

Invisalign Braces

Invisalign braces are quite different from regular braces.

These modern alternatives are perfect for those who want to avoid having traditional braces installed. Instead of adjusting to metal attachments in your mouth, Invisalign braces involve wearing custom-made teeth molds to improve teeth alignment gradually.

These braces can be removed with ease as well. So you can take them out when you want to eat or drink.

Oral hygiene is easier when choosing Invisalign braces, although you must adopt the habit of remembering to wear them for long enough each day.

If you would like Invisalign braces, it’s best to consult an orthodontist in Arlington, TX , to obtain a professional’s opinion.

Teeth Whitening

Whether your teeth are skew or perfectly straight, yellowing teeth is another common complaint that keeps many people from confidently smiling. Various foods and beverages can stain teeth over time.

Unfortunately, despite its many promising claims, regular whitening toothpaste is often ineffective in removing stubborn tooth stains.

Moreover, DIY teeth whitening kits might be easily available but can damage teeth and gum health.

So instead of taking the risk, it’s best to consult an orthodontist.

To maintain your newly whitened smile, you can include natural teeth-cleaning foods like apples and strawberries.

Just as some foods can stain and decay your smile, others can improve dental health.

Dental Implants

Even one missing tooth can impact confidence and the overall appearance of your smile. A missing tooth can also lead to skewed teeth, as nearby teeth no longer have enough support to stay straight.

Unfortunately, losing a tooth is much more common than you might assume.

While a missing tooth can be caused by cavities, decay, and gum disease, head injuries can lead to tooth loss.

Beyond that, even biting down on hard food at the wrong angle could cost you a tooth or two.

Fortunately, there are various ways your dentist can help.

Dental implants offer a permanent solution for a missing tooth, while implant-supported bridges are best for those missing several teeth.

You can also consider less permanent options like removable partial dentures or full dentures. Your dentist will recommend the best treatment with consideration to your specific situation.

The Right Oral Hygiene Routine

While a variety of dental treatments can help you get the perfect smile, you won’t be able to keep it long enough if you don’t practice oral hygiene.

The correct oral hygiene routine must involve brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, scraping your tongue, flossing between each tooth, and gurgling in saltwater.

Be sure to practice this routine twice each day to maintain your perfect smile and prevent stains. It is also essential to avoid harmful foods and beverages like hard and sticky candy, coffee, and others.

It’s also wise to book routine checkups with your dentist.

Visiting a dentist twice a year is the best way to maintain oral health, prevent stains, and treat oral health conditions like gum disease before they degrade your smile and confidence.

During checkups, your dentist will assess your overall dental health, evaluate any risks, and perform important teeth cleaning where plaque buildup and stains are successfully removed.

While it’s essential to visit your dentist at least twice a year, it’s just as crucial to find an experienced dentist with great service reviews.