Are you unhappy with the appearance of your smile, to the point that you hide it? You're not alone. 

Over 75% of people base first impressions on a stranger's smile. Unfortunately, most people are unhappy with the appearance of their teeth. Another 70% believe treatment would improve their self-esteem.

You're never too old for a smile makeover! Read on to discover the top cosmetic dentistry options for adults and seniors. After reviewing this guide, you can choose a treatment that's right for you!

Veneers

Porcelain veneers are custom-made, wafer-thin shells. Made from tooth-colored materials, they're designed to adhere to the surface of a tooth. Your dentist will bond the shell to your teeth to improve your smile.

Veneers are ideal if your teeth are:

• Discolored
• Worn down
• Chipped or broken
• Uneven or oddly shaped
• Crooked

You can sustain stains or discoloration due to large resin fillings or excessive fluoride. Root canal treatment or stains from medication can also cause staining. 

Porcelain veneers are more stain-resistant than resin veneers. They have light-reflecting features, allowing them to mimic your natural teeth. 

Before applying your dental veneers, your dentist may need to remove some of your tooth enamel. Removing enamel ensures the veneers stick to your teeth. 

They may numb the area before tripping away enamel. Then, they'll create a model of the tooth to send to a lab.

The lab will need two to four weeks to create your veneers. During your next appointment, your dentist will place the veneer and adjust its fit or color. They'll use a special cement to bond the veneer into place.

Your veneers will look like your natural teeth. They're not easily stained and usually don't cause gum sensitivity. You can talk to your cosmetic dentist to determine if veneers are right for you.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

Composite or tooth-colored fillings are restorations. They're designed to blend in among your natural teeth, making them more natural than amalgam fillings.

Composite fillings are made of ceramic and plastic compounds. They can fill in decaying areas or repair chipped or broken teeth. Composite fillings allow dentists to preserve a natural tooth's structure. 

Your dentist may consider you a candidate for tooth-colored fillings if you have:

• A broken tooth
• Cavities
• A deteriorating filling

Your dentist will anesthetize your gums and teeth using a local anesthetic. Once the area is numb, they'll remove the damaged portion of the tooth. They'll place a resin over the area and cure it using a special light.

Bonding

If you have yellow or chipped teeth, talk to your dentist about cosmetic bonding. Your dentist can apply a composite material over your teeth. Bonding can improve the appearance of your smile by improving the color or shape. 

During the procedure, your dentist may need to lightly scratch your tooth enamel. They'll cover the area using adhesive and ultraviolet light. After shaping and polishing the tooth, your dentist will ensure it blends in with your natural teeth.

This procedure is easy and painless. You won't require anesthesia. 

Instead, you can restore your smile and enjoy the instant results. 

Teeth Whitening

Drinking coffee, soda, tea, and wine can stain your smile. A discolored smile can make you feel self-conscious. Consider whitening your teeth for a stunning, clean smile. 

Nearly 70% of American adults have tried to whiten their teeth. At-home gels only have a 3% concentration of hydrogen peroxide. Instead, visit your dentist's office for teeth whitening treatment. 

Teeth whitening is now the most popular dental procedure in the US. It's no surprise, considering 99.7% of people perceive a smile as their most important social asset. Over 80% of people feel more pressure to have a perfect smile. 

Whitening your teeth can improve your appearance, boosting your self-confidence. Professional teeth whitening treatments are more effective than at-home kits.

Visiting your dentist will save you time and money. You can show off a bright smile and enjoy long-lasting results. Treatment is safe and effective for adults and seniors.

While crowns and fillings can sustain stains, they can't be whitened. Your dentist may recommend alternative treatment options. 

Invisalign

Talk to your dentist about orthodontic treatment if you have gaps between your teeth or crooked teeth. Invisalign is a more discrete treatment option than traditional metal braces. With Invisalign treatment, you'll wear clear, custom-made aligners over your existing teeth.

The clear plastic is comfortable and less obvious than metal brackets and wires. You can straighten your smile without worrying about your appearance. This treatment is ideal for adults who work or are often in social environments. 

Straightening your smile can reduce your risk of bruxism, tooth decay, and gum disease. Talk to your dentist to determine if you're an ideal candidate for treatment. 

Dental Implants

If you're missing a tooth, your teeth may begin shifting toward the gap. Your jawbone will lack stimulation, which can cause bone loss. Missing teeth can even increase your risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

Talk to your dentist about dental implants. They can surgically insert an implant into your jawbone. The implant will hold a dental crown, allowing you to restore your smile through natural-looking treatment. 

Review your options with your dentist. They'll determine if you're an ideal candidate for implants or dentures.

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges can restore missing teeth within a row. Your dentist will cover your healthy teeth with crowns. You can review the difference between crowns and bridges here.

Your dentist may recommend implant bridges if you're missing multiple teeth. Implant-supported dentures are ideal if you're missing most or all of your teeth. You can learn more here.

Review Your Cosmetic Dentistry Options Today

Don't let discolored or missing teeth affect your self-confidence. Instead, talk to your dentist about these cosmetic dentistry options. They'll help you determine which treatments best suit your needs. 

Our team at Ivanhoe Dental Group has offered treatment since 1958. We prioritize each patient's health and well-being by keeping up with the latest technology in dentistry. 

We make it easy to receive oral health care in one place. Contact us to schedule your consultation appointment.