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Having Your Mid-Life Crisis? Get Your Teeth Whitened!
Middle-aged Americans want whiter, brighter teeth and they are turning to cosmetic dentists to get them, says a local dentist.
"It happens like this," says Jacquelyn Dzierzak, D.M.D., a general dentist. "Every day, middle-aged people look in the mirror and say to themselves, ‘My teeth have gotten yellow.' They don't know how it occurred because it happened slowly, over several decades. But what they do know is that they want it changed and they want it changed now."
Luckily, says Dr. Dzierzak, cosmetic dentistry provides what many Americans want -- the quick fix. "Yes, there are quick fixes and bleaching is one of them," she says. "I'm not talking about the over-the-counter whitening kits, which I do not believe have much impact on teeth, but a trip to the dentist for a consultation and a dentist-supervised whitening system that can be applied either in the office or at home. The moment patients use these kits they see immediate results."
Patients also have other choices, including porcelain veneers and reshaping the teeth. Part of any dental visit, says Dr. Dzierzak, should be a consultation to determine how teeth became discolored and how lifestyle habits affect tooth discoloration.
"Teeth turn yellow as part of the natural aging process," says Dr. Dzierzak. "Silver fillings can cause teeth to age prematurely. Smoking and chewing tobacco obviously cause staining, and so do red wine, grape juice and berries. Chips, fractures or some kind of trauma, such as a sports injury, can also cause discolorations. Changes in temperature in the oral cavity alter the characteristics of the tooth. Bruxism (Tooth Grinding), affects the enamel. Some overly abrasive toothpastes can cause damage to a tooth and its enamel. Plus there are many genetic issues that enter the picture. So you can see, there are many reasons why teeth yellow."
Taking corrective action, such as stopping smoking or switching toothpastes, can help maintain a bright smile -- but not too bright.
“One mistake many middle-aged people make is to brighten their teeth to an unnaturally white shade," says Dr. Dzierzak. "An unnaturally bright smile is a jolt to the eye. The result is that it looks fake. People who are middle-aged simply do not have these really white, glow-in-the-dark smiles. During a consultation with a dentist, you should discuss the appropriate shade that would be best for you. You want to look as natural as possible."
The result is a more youthful appearance. "A whiter smile definitely makes you look younger," concludes Dr. Dzierzak. "Tooth whitening can take years off your age and is much less expensive than a facelift."
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