One day, you look in the mirror, and you just don’t recognize the teeth that you see smiling back at you. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone; it is very common for adult patients to seek treatment with vague complaints that their smiles simply look older and less healthy than they used to.
That’s where our Mill Valley dentists come in. We help our patients refresh and rejuvenate their smiles for optimal aesthetic results. Here are some of the commonly experienced dental problems that can make your smile look older than it really is:
- Thin Dental Enamel
Enamel is the outermost layer of the tooth; it is designed to protect the more vulnerable inner tooth layers from irritants and infections. Over time, enamel can wear away due to chronic pressure, say, from dental grinding, or due to acid exposure. As enamel becomes thinner, it is more susceptible to cracking and chipping. Additionally, thin enamel allows the yellow dentin under it to show through, so the tooth as a whole starts to look duller and darker.
- Dental Discoloration
Environmental stains can make your teeth look older and less healthy than they really are. Certain foods and drinks, like coffee, tea, red wine, red sauces, berries, and sodas all leave color deposits on the smile after repeated exposure. Tobacco products are perhaps the biggest culprits when it comes to environmental stains. Diligent daily dental care will help to minimize stains, but there are also professional treatments you can use to refresh your smile. Professional dental whitening formulations, dental bonding, and aesthetic veneers can all brighten the appearance of your smile.
Your smile should make you feel confident and happy; our Mill Valley cosmetic dentists are here to help you achieve that smile. Reach out to our team by giving our office a call, or by using the Contact Us page on our site to submit a question for our dentist!