Sparkling white, straight smiles radiate health and youthfulness. However, few of us are able to maintain these coveted aesthetic attributes forever. This is because the wear and tear of daily life, as well as particular oral health issues, degrade dental enamel over time.
The good news is that our Mill Valley cosmetic dentists provide the treatments you need to refresh and rejuvenate your smile. Keep reading to learn about some of the commonly experienced dental problems that may be aging your smile—and what you can do about them!
Dental Discoloration
Healthy enamel comes in a variety of shades of white. Generally, speaking, however, young, strong enamel is somewhat bright and shiny. As time goes on, you may find that your teeth start to lose some of their luster, and they may develop unsightly stains. This often occurs due to staining substances—like foods, drinks, and tobacco products—leaving color deposits on the dental enamel. Discoloration can also be the result of thinning dental enamel because as the enamel becomes thinner, more of the yellow dentin (that sits below the enamel) is able to shine through to the surface of the tooth. Depending on the underlying cause of your discoloration you may benefit from professional whitening treatments, dental bonding, and even porcelain veneers.
Enamel Damage
Enamel that has been weakened due to chronic pressure, bacteria build-up, or acid exposure is more susceptible to developing cracks and chips. Additionally, older enamel tends to wear down around the bite surfaces; the teeth, therefore, are shortened with blunt edges. Enamel erosion can be corrected with composite dental resin, personalized crowns, and cosmetic veneers. The goal of this type of treatment is to improve dental aesthetics while simultaneously strengthening the structure of the tooth.
While our teeth are certainly strong and resilient, they are by no means impervious to damage. However, just because your smile has changed, doesn’t mean that you have to live with these alterations forever. As always, our Mill Valley dentists are here to answer any questions that you may have, so don’t hesitate to give us a call!