Elmhurst Veneers Dentist Explains How Veneers Can Rejuvenate Dull, Old Enamel

It’s a natural occurrence that as patients age, their teeth change and age as well. Although many patients think of their teeth as stable, unchanging things, the truth is that the structures of your teeth change with age—potentially altering both the appearance and functionality of your smile.

Here are some common ways that our Elmhurst cosmetic dentists see teeth change with age:

The enamel thins: dental enamel is the hard, out surface of the tooth, which protects the inner tooth from damage and infection. Dental enamel is constantly subjected to acidic substances that degrade its strength. With age, dental enamel becomes thinner; this can cause teeth to take on a darker appearance, because the yellow dentin under the dental enamel is more visible.

The dental chewing surface wears down: as you chew, your dental surfaces wear down, because the dental enamel continually scrapes against enamel everyday. If you habitually clench or grind your teeth, it can compound dental deterioration. Over time your teeth can actually develop small chips or cracks.

Teeth shift or become misaligned: bruxism—chewing or grinding the teeth—puts excessive pressure on your smile. Consequently, your teeth can shift or turn along the gum line. Additionally, as you age, spaces between your teeth may widen due to oral pressure.

Dental veneers are often used to restore a worn, older teeth—making them appear whiter, healthier, and in better proportion to one another. Porcelain veneers are an ideal option for refreshing old teeth, because porcelain so closely mimics the appearance of natural dental enamel.

Our Elmhurst veneers dentists can walk you through the entire veneers dental process, helping you understand what you can expect and how long treatment generally takes. If your smile is starting to look older than you’d like, you have options—give us a call for more information!