Intervention in the Aging of Teeth

by J. K. Hackbarth, DDS

Why do some people who are 70, look 50 and some people who are 50, look 70? One reason is the length of their teeth.

As a person ages it is normal for teeth to show signs of wear. Normal wear can be increased by diet, clenching or grinding of the teeth, improper bites, chewing tobacco, personal habits, and eating disorders. Even if all these factors are minimized, it is normal for people to begin to show significant signs of wear by their 60's.

Wearing teeth can create cosmetic problems as well as functional problems. The front teeth look shorter and often jagged. As the teeth wear, the height of the bite can change creating a change in facial features known as mid-face collapse. This causes a decrease in the distance between the chin and the nose. Skin begins to bag around the eyes and curl around the lips. The lips can seem to disappear. One can get constant sores at the corners of the mouth. Sometimes TMJ problems can develop.

If this process of wear is allowed to continue, a person will look much different and definitely older than their chronological age.

Dentists are beginning to place more attention on the problems of wear and aging as more people are living much longer and keeping their natural teeth. As the average life expectancy continues to increase, the need for changes in dental treatment and preventative care have become increasingly important.

By the time wear gets to the point of mid-face collapse, repair of the condition--especially if there are other problems--can be involved and expensive. New materials and technology are now available which allow dentists to intervene in the early stages of wear and aging of teeth. Forward looking dentists are placing more attention on the prevention of wear and on early intervention in the aging processes of the teeth.

Prevention is always better than treatment. Ask us about what can be done to prevent or intervene the aging of your teeth.

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