A New Smile, A New You: How Dental Care Can Make You Look Younger

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We know that wrinkles and gray hair make us look older and that cosmetic procedures and some hair dye can make us look younger, but did you know that brightening your smile makes you look younger, too? Further, today’s cosmetic dentistry procedures can “rescue” a smile that was previously unfixable. Here’s how:

Maintain good oral hygiene at home.

To keep your smile looking young, nothing substitutes for good oral hygiene at home. You and your dentist are a team in maintaining your youthful smile. Make sure you brush at least twice a day, and floss at least once a day. Use fluoride toothpaste to prevent tooth decay and a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent abrasion to your gums. Fortunately, today’s toothbrushes often have so-called “flex heads,” so that it’s almost impossible to brush too hard and cause gum erosion. You may also want to invest in an electric toothbrush, since these get your teeth cleaner than manual toothbrushes. Finally, replace toothbrushes or toothbrush heads at least every three months, or sooner, if they begin to look worn.

What about whitening toothpastes?

Today’s whitening toothpastes, as well as those that offer tartar control, are part of how dental care makes you look young again. If your teeth are sensitive, visit your dentist so that he or she can recommend good sensitivity toothpaste. Some sensitivity toothpastes on the market also offer whitening capabilities and/or tartar control in addition to fluoride for cavity protection.

Visit your dentist regularly.

Ideally, visit your dentist every six months for a cleaning and a checkup. Your dentist will check for cavities and other problems, and will clean your teeth and keep them looking their best. Again, remember that your dentist is no substitute for good oral hygiene at home – or vice versa. You must take care of your teeth AND visit your dentist on a regular basis to ensure good oral health and white, bright teeth.

Consider cosmetic dentistry.

If your teeth are severely yellowed, cracked, chipped, or worn, or if some teeth are missing, consider cosmetic dentistry to help you look younger and healthier. Let’s take a look at some popular procedures:

• Professional whitening

Assuming your teeth are in good condition, professional whitening makes them whiter when simple over-the-counter whitening pastes, gels, or strips aren’t enough. Since this procedure uses stronger peroxides and other chemicals to lift out and bleach deep stains, have it done at the dental office – with your dentist’s recommendation and participation – instead of trying to do it at home. Some companies claim their whitening kits do exactly the same thing your dentist does for much less, but be careful. These caustic ingredients belong in professional hands. If you’re going to do anything other than simple over-the-counter whitening, let your dentist take the helm.

• Porcelain veneers and crowns

In some cases, your dentist may opt (with your consent) for porcelain veneers and crowns instead of trying to whiten your natural teeth. Porcelain veneers are especially useful if your teeth are disfigured in any way. With them, your dentist can change the shape and length of your teeth, and make them look straighter if they’re crooked.

• Dental bonding

Dental bonding is one of the easiest and least invasive ways to make you look younger because instead of grinding down and applying veneers to your teeth, materials are bonded on top of your teeth. This is a moderately less invasive procedure than porcelain veneers and crowns. If your teeth are straight but discolored, fractured, or chipped, bonding materials to the tooth so that repairs are invisible easily improves your smile and helps you look younger.

About the author: Dr. Joseph Zelig, D.D.S., is a Board Certified Periodontist and a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. As the cosmetic dentist New York residents trust, Dr. Zelig is currently practicing at Smile in the City located in Manhattan, New York.