Age can change your body in many ways, and your teeth are no exception. As you grow older, the protective outer layer of enamel begins to thin. As a result, more of the yellow dentin underneath can shine through, giving them a more stained or tinted appearance.
But discoloration isn’t the only oral issue that can leave you looking more mature than you feel. Chronic teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can also impact your facial structure. Continue reading to learn how this subconscious habit might detract from your looks and what you can do to prevent it!
How Does Bruxism Impact My Appearance?
Teeth grinding tends to be a subconscious habit that can happen while you’re sleeping at night or as a response to stress throughout the day. The constant pressure of clenching your pearly whites together can wear down your enamel prematurely. This can shorten them enough so that they no longer come together properly when you close your mouth, which can cause significant bite alignment issues as well as TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders.
To make matters worse, grinding your teeth excessively can eventually result in tooth loss, which causes your body to reabsorb bone mass from your jaw. Your cheeks can start to look sunken, causing the skin resting over them to develop additional wrinkles.
How Can I Reduce the Impact of Bruxism?
Fortunately, those who experience chronic teeth grinding don’t have to continue to suffer long-term consequences to their appearance or oral health. Your dentist can help mitigate any potential harm by addressing the underlying condition. They might recommend one of the following treatments based on your current dental condition:
- Wearing a nightguard. Your dentist can provide a custom-fitted night hard, like an athletic mouthguard, that protects your pearly whites while you sleep. It cushions your teeth to safeguard the enamel while simultaneously giving your jaw muscles a chance to relax. As they shrink, they will start to look stronger and less saggy.
- Porcelain veneers. If you hope to restore a more youthful visage, you could benefit from these thin ceramic covers. Your provider color matches the shells to your grin, then bonds them to the front surface of your worn-down teeth. The result is a seamless smile that removes years from your appearance.
- Dental bonding. Veneers can effectively hide damaged enamel, but they don’t do anything to fix it. For that, your dentist can apply dental bonding. During this quick but effective procedure, they apply color-matched composite resin directly to your tooth. Then, they mold it into the perfect shape and harden it in place with a special UV curing light. It bonds to your enamel for a repair that can last 10+ years with the right care.
If you’re eager to turn back the clock and reverse dental signs of aging, the best way to start is to contact your provider today to schedule a cosmetic consultation!
About the Author
Dr. Donald Marks has 30+ years of experience helping people of all ages build and maintain happy, healthy grins. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh and then later enrolled in their School of Dental Medicine. Now, he offers a full array of services to meet all your family’s oral care needs under one roof, so you don’t have to seek additional providers. His friendly staff goes above and beyond to help you feel welcome. Then, he utilizes state-of-the-art equipment to quickly detect any areas of concern and create individualized treatments. If you’re interested in enhancing your appearance, you can request a consultation on the website or call (814) 826-3767.
