As the years go by, it’s normal to see changes in your face and body. Maybe some fine lines around your eyes weren’t there when you were a teenager, or perhaps your stomach isn’t as flat as it once was.
But have you ever thought about how your bite might be changing, too? It’s true; your bite changes as you age, but there are some things that modern dentistry can do to help.
Age-Related Changes in Your Bite: What You Should Know
Your oral health and overall health are directly related, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that aging can affect your smile. Gum recession and enamel wear are completely normal, but there are other, less noticeable changes that can occur, too.
Let’s take a look at how age impacts your jaw alignment and bite strength:
- Jawbone changes — Your upper and lower jawbones could shrink, resulting in less jawbone density. This can lead to tooth shifting and bite changes.
- Bite strength changes — You may notice that your bite force isn’t as strong when you get older, and if you have TMD or tooth loss, this issue could be exacerbated.
How We Treat Bite Issues
When you have age-related bite issues, we’ll recommend treatment options that may include one or more of the following:
- Dental implants — Missing teeth can cause your remaining teeth to shift into the empty spaces. With dental implants, you can retain your jawbone strength and fill the gaps in your smile. You’ll be able to bite down and chew with ease.
- Crowns and bridges — A dental crown completes the dental implant process or covers a worn tooth, while a bridge can replace more than one missing tooth.
- Full mouth reconstruction — If you have numerous dental issues, we can customize a treatment plan to give you a functional, beautiful smile.
- Dental bonding — We can use composite resin to realign your bite and give your teeth a more uniform appearance.
Questions About Your Oral Health in Augusta, GA?
If you’re looking for a dentist in Augusta, GA, we hope you’ll consider the experienced team at West Augusta Dental Associates! We’re committed to helping every patient understand their oral health needs so they can make the best decision for their unique situation.
To schedule an appointment or consultation, you can reach our office at (706) 738-8070.
