Looking younger is a natural desire, and you don’t need to feel ashamed or vain about it. Generally, when we are happy with our appearance, we are more optimistic, making a real difference in our life. Research has suggested that happier people tend to live longer. While making changes to your appearance won’t stop you from aging, it might just help you age more slowly.

Whether you want to look younger, age gracefully, or look more your age, Collins Dentistry and Aesthetics has some tips to take years off your appearance.

happy senior man smiling, relaxing on his couchUpgrade Your Dentures

Dentures might have been the best tooth replacement option for you in the past, and they could still be the best option to replace your missing teeth today. However, modern dentures have come a long way, and it may be time to upgrade your old dentures to a new pair that is pearly white and fit to your mouth. The chances are that since you got your dentures, the shape of your jaw has changed, and with that, dentures can become loose. Instead of being a functional tooth replacement, they’re more of a hassle to keep in your mouth while eating, and they make you look older than you are and older than you need to look. Getting new dentures, custom fit to your mouth can help you look younger.

Another option is a dental bridge. Dental bridges are what they sound like: a tooth replacement option that “bridges the gap” between teeth by using your surrounding teeth for support. Dental bridges are permanently in your mouth; they let you chew normally, don’t require any kind of surgery, are durable, attractive, and look natural. However, you have to have some natural teeth left for a dental bridge to work.

Unfortunately, one significant downfall of dentures and bridges is that they do not stimulate your jawbone. When your body notices that your jawbone isn’t being used, the process of cell rejuvenation slows down, and you begin to lose the shape of your jaw, making your face appear sunk in and your skin loose. Dentures have actually been known to speed up the loss of jawbone. If you want to avoid this altogether, the best option for replacing your old dentures is dental implants. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is surgically placed into your jawbone. Your jawbone will fuse with the dental implant, and a restoration (artificial tooth) is placed on top. With dental implants, you’ll retain jawbone, never have to remove your teeth again, eat all your favorite foods without discomfort and get ceramic restorations that look just like natural teeth. Dental implants can replace one tooth or up to a whole arch of teeth and are durable enough to last a lifetime. Read more about the benefits and process of getting dental implants. Dental implants could be your fountain of youth.

Remove Stains From Your Teeth

Stains on your teeth can make you appear much older than you are. As we age, our teeth naturally begin to yellow and lose strength. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Teeth whitening is a simple and easy way to remove stains from your teeth and take years off your appearance. If you choose to get your teeth whitened by a professional, you don’t need to worry about the active ingredients eating away at your precious enamel. Professional teeth whitening is safe and much more effective than any whitening you could find at a drug store.

Some stains won’t respond to teeth whitening. In that case, you still have options. People with stubborn stains can choose to get dental veneers. Dental veneers are thin sheets covering your natural tooth, hiding any stains. Another bonus of veneers is that if your teeth are misshapen, small, or gapped, they can fix that, too. Many people think of dental veneers as a one-stop shop for a smile makeover.

Whether you choose teeth whitening or dental veneers, whiter teeth are sure to make you look younger.

woman in checkered blouse smilingReplace Your Old Metal Fillings

Back in the day, the only option for fillings was metal. Now, there are white fillings that match the color of your natural teeth perfectly. No one has to know that you have a filling. You can talk, laugh, and smile without the embarrassment of your old metal filling showing. In addition to your metal fillings making you look older, your metal fillings aren’t doing your teeth any favors. Metal can expand over time and crack your tooth. A cracked tooth allows bacteria to fester and eventually become infected. Your metal filling might be the last straw that causes you to lose a tooth. Replacing your metal fillings with white fillings can aid in your youthful appearance.

Smooth Your Wrinkles

You can look as young as you feel with injectables. Injectables are facial rejuvenation treatments that can smooth out wrinkles and tighten your skin back to its youthful state. At Collins Dentistry and Aesthetics, we are proud to offer BOTOX and Juvéderm.

With Botox, you can erase wrinkles in those familiar places that they’re found as you age. Crows feet, forehead lines, and around your mouth. Juvéderm fills in skin folds by replacing the volume in your face. Both of these options will result in youthful skin.

Take Care of Your Skin

It’s never too late or too early to begin taking care of your skin. As we age, the one thing we notice readily is the appearance of our skin. Why would a dental office offer skincare services? That’s an easy one. It’s because we care and are experts in cosmetic dentistry. Taking our compassion and cosmetics further to help our patients care for their skin was the next natural step.

At our dental office, you can get a facial with a highly trained esthetician who can help your skin regain its youthful glow and teach you how to take care of it at home. With your skincare and dental care in one spot, we work together as professionals to help you achieve your goals.

Wanting to Look Younger in Spokane Valley?

Are you interested in looking younger? Your Spokane Valley cosmetic dentists and esthetician can help. Call (509) 927-2273 or contact us online to make an appointment today.