Are your front teeth making you look older than your age?

Due to daily use and the forces we place upon our teeth, it is not uncommon for a person’s teeth to age faster than the rest of the body. Very flat, worn edges with all the front teeth having the same length are signs of an older looking smile. When we are young the two upper front teeth are longer than the two adjacent teeth. The longer front teeth create an arc that follows the curve of the lower lip when we smile which makes for a attractive look. As teeth wear and age the smile line of the teeth flattens. As the smile flattens the wear actually accelerates because as the teeth get shorter the contact pattern of the teeth changes as the teeth lose the shape they were intended to have. This process gives the smile a much older look. Sometimes the wear is so severe the teeth don’t show at all when smiling. This creates functional as well as esthetic problems.

Before the wear process gets very advanced we can prevent damage with customized bite guards. We know that most clenching and grinding occurs at night so we can slow the wear process down by having our patients sleep in guards. Also Botox is showing some promise to diminish the extreme forces some patients put on their teeth. ( I will share more about that in a future post)

After the wear has occurred and the tooth structure is lost, the teeth can be returned to their youthful length and beauty with veneers or crowns. Our modern materials and techniques can take years off your “smile age” and give your facial appearance a brighter more youthful look in just two weeks.

If you would like a more youthful looking smile, call for a free consultation to discuss the possibilities.

Thanks for reading,

Dr. Jeff Efird

About Dr. Efird

Dr. Jeff Efird has practiced dentistry for over 20 years. His love and respect for the dental profession continues to grow as he sees patients positively affected by proper oral health and quality treatment under his care. Dr. Efird understands a relationship with a dentist is a lifelong endeavor and values the respect and trust his patients extend.

Dr. Efird began his training as an undergraduate at UNC Chapel Hill. He attained a degree in chemistry before continuing his education and graduating from the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry in 1987.

Dedicated to expanding his own knowledge and that of his practice, Dr. Efird has completed over 1000 hours of continuing education since graduating from dental school. Over the last decade he has focused most of his education of advanced restorative techniques and implant restorative solutions. Much of the training has been associated with the renowned Spear Education center in Scottsdale.

A member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, North Carolina Dental Society, and Buncombe County Dental Society, Dr. Efird is committed to providing outstanding quality care to patients in Western North Carolina. He lives in Asheville with his wife and son, and loves to fish and build handcrafted boats.