As the life expectancy in America continues to rise, it seems that we’ve become more fixated on youth than ever before. The amount spent on plastic surgery in the United States hit $11 billion in 2012, and the global market for anti-aging products topped $262 billion in 2013. Many of those procedures that target signs of aging in the face and jaw are invasive and pose possible health risks, and results aren’t always permanent. Dr. Jeffrey Leibowitz explains that cosmetic dentistry in Astoria, NY helps you achieve a more youthful appearance in several ways.
Aging Culprit: Dull, Dark, or Yellow Teeth
As you age, your teeth gradually become darker or even slightly yellow. Using tobacco or drinking coffee every day speeds up the process, which explains why so many adults in their twenties and thirties have brown or yellow staining on their teeth. One study revealed that when shown several pictures of adults in various age groups, participants estimated the ages of people with stained teeth as up to ten years older than their actual age.
If your teeth have become stained over a period of several years, over-the-counter teeth bleaching products aren’t likely to achieve the desired level of whitening, nor do they treat discoloration caused by fluorosis, tetracycline use, or dental trauma. These kits also include one-size-fits-all bleaching trays, which many patients find uncomfortable to wear. Dr. Leibowitz offers take-home teeth whitening kits that contain professional-strength whitening gel and trays that are custom-fitted to your teeth.
Aging Culprit: Missing Teeth
One of the most prevalent myths about aging is that tooth loss is perfectly natural in older adults. Common, says Dr. Leibowitz, but certainly not natural. With diligent care and cleaning, your teeth will serve you well for a lifetime. It’s alarming, then, to see that so many adults in their thirties and forties are missing at least one tooth, usually due to a combination of poor oral hygiene and an unhealthy diet. If you’ve lost teeth, or if your teeth have sustained damage as a result of bruxism or decay, you have several options. Broken or damaged teeth benefit from dental crowns, porcelain veneers or dental bonding, treatments that allow Dr. Leibowitz to improve the shape, size, and shade of your teeth. Natural-looking dental implants, dentures, and bridges are available, too.
Although some plastic surgery treatments have excellent success rates, the idea of undergoing an invasive procedure isn’t ideal for everyone, especially those who have existing health conditions such as diabetes or immune system disorders. Likewise, not everyone wants to spend hundreds of dollars on a jar of face cream made with obscure ingredients. Let us treat you to a complimentary consultation with Dr. Leibowitz—just mention our website.
A healthy smile turns back time. To learn more about cosmetic dentistry in Astoria, NY, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Leibowitz, call us at 718-728-8320. Dr. Leibowitz, a graduate of the SUNY Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, welcomes patients from across upstate New York and New Jersey, including NYC, Astoria, Queens, and nearby areas.
