Everyone has the opportunity to improve their smile with cosmetic dentistry, including senior adults. Cosmetic dental procedures will not just improve your smile, but can build self-confidence too. There are plenty of choices available to seniors, and dentists can aid in the oral issues, cosmetic or otherwise, that are particular to seniors. They can advise on cases of missing teeth, misaligned teeth, tooth or filling breakdown, discolored or yellowed teeth, gum issues and so much more.

Missing teeth

Dentists are seeing more and more adults reach their senior years with most, if not all, their natural teeth. That isn't the case with everyone, though. It is never too late to fill in the space of a missing tooth or teeth, no matter the age or how long the gap has been there. Bridges, implants or partial dentures can take the place and fill in a smile. Complete dentures can fit better with the use of implants. A family dentist can also advise on the most natural looking replacements for missing teeth in a senior.

Misaligned teeth

Orthodontics can be worn at virtually any age, but that isn't the only route to a straighter smile. Cosmetic bonding, crowns and veneers can give the appearance of an aligned smile. While orthodontics can take years, these procedures can be completed in one to two office visits. The same can be said for "invisible" orthodontics, like Invisalign, that are great at straightening the teeth without shiny braces.

Chipped, broken and discolored teeth

Teeth don't always last as long as their owners without a little help from the dentist. Chipped or broken teeth can be readily fixed with tooth colored fillings or crowns. A dark or discolored smile can be lightened with a bleaching process. If there is any possibility of lightening the smile, it should be done before and bonding, filling, crown and bridge work, or veneers.

Gum issues

There are several types of gum issues that can challenge older adults. Loss of gum tissue between the teeth, leaving gaps in the smile, is a common cosmetic gum problem. Bonding, crowns and veneers or gum grafting are all possible remedies.  This kind of procedure can really make a difference in how old a smile appears. Seniors do not have to put up with a smile they are unhappy with because of their age, and cosmetic dentists can help. Self-confidence is important at any age, and that can start with improvements to the teeth. Cosmetic dental procedures will improve your smile, and there is no age limit on that.