A RECENT study conducted in Berlin and referenced by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry highlights an interesting observation: People tend to underestimate someone’s age when he or she is smiling.
While we tend to find smiling faces more attractive, youthful and upbeat, a smile that contains damaged or yellowed teeth can reverse some of those positive impressions. Luckily, turning back the years can be as simple as a visit to the dental office.
Dentists can often estimate a patient’s age by checking the wear patterns of their teeth. Like anything else, teeth get worn down with age, and can crack or chip as people get older. Likewise, the color of teeth also changes as the years go by, due to two main factors: naturally-thinning enamel, and the cumulative effects of staining foods and drinks. Just as white teeth are associated with youth, yellow or dark teeth reflect age.
Discolored teeth can be brightened quickly and easily with either in-office whitening or a p professional take-home whitening kit, while orthodontic treatments, veneers, dental crowns and bonding can also provide impressive results. Before undertaking any kind of cosmetic improvement, however, it’s important to ensure that both your teeth and your gums are healthy, something regular dental visits can help you maintain.
When was the last time you had a thorough dental examination? While the recommended number of visits is at least two per year, your personal schedule will depend on the specific dental and overall health issues you have that may affect your oral health.
Dentistry has come a long way in the past few years. Why not call today to not only confirm your next dental checkup, but also to find out how easy it is to bring a healthy, youthful glow back to your appearance, starting with your smile? We’d like to help you keep your teeth and gums healthy now, and right into your twilight years.
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Dr. Librada C. Yamat is a Family Dentist specializing in Cosmetic Dentistry. She has been practicing since 1992 in her Daly City office located at 187 Southgate Ave. (650) 991-2832. She is president of the MCU Dental Alumni Association and former president of the American Federation of Filipino Dental Practitioners.