We don’t choose to age, especially when it comes to our appearance. We’d all like to be the youthful person we were. However, if you understand what contributes to the changes in your looks, you are empowered to make changes that will improve what you see in the mirror and how you interact with your world.
You can point to the obvious things, like wrinkles and age spots. Nonetheless, there are other factors involved, which represent both challenges and opportunities for recapturing your youthful appearance. It’s all about understanding what is going on with your skin and under the surface. With this knowledge, you can make informed decisions about your facial aging.
Changes as You Age
To put the changes in your jaw in perspective, you must begin with facial aging. Whoever said it was all in your head was speaking about this concept. What happens occurs both physically in things that you see and other effects that occur naturally.
Your teeth wear down with eating because your enamel isn’t indefensible against normal usage.
A misaligned jaw is a result because the gaps between your teeth and jaw change as a result. The differences are also uneven, which makes the effects even more pronounced.
All right. Your teeth and jaw don’t align as they once did. The consequences are profound.
You may experience the popping sounds indicative of TMJ problems. That may cause jaw pain, especially after eating tougher foods like corn on the cob or meat. The discomfort may disrupt your sleep, which can have far-reaching effects that can worsen your productivity.
However, there are also aesthetic effects that can have profound impacts on your quality of life.
Your chin may appear to recede if things don’t align. That can lead to the so-called granny’s jaw that makes you appear older than your biological age.
If you’ve had issues with an under or overbite, aging can worsen the effects. If you’re like most people, you notice these things before anyone else sees them. It’s a consequence of the higher bar we set for ourselves than others.
Dialing Back the Effects of Time
Of course, there are many options that can repair the lousy hand that time has dealt you. They are worth investigating because of their far-reaching effects on both your physical and mental health. The options depend on what you need to fix.
Some methods, like teeth whitening, are non-invasive and provide immediate results.
Others, like dental crowns and implants, offer longer-lasting solutions but are more invasive and carry greater risks. These factors are worth considering and weighing the rewards versus the costs. You’ll likely find that the equation isn’t as clear-cut as it may seem.
One of the glaring cons of some methods is that they are not permanent. Crowns only last so long, leaving you to go through the ordeal again. It’s a more challenging choice to make if the procedure is more painful the first time without the prospect of doing it again. Permanence is a valid consideration in both cost and comfort. We suggest putting it high on your list of pros and cons.
Riding the Wave of Innovation
The dental industry is well-aware of the fears and phobias that fuel their market. People avoid treatments if they are painful or uncomfortable. It makes sense that dentistry would strive to find ways to make it more accessible and welcoming. The results have been incredible on several fronts. They involve both the patient experience and the technology of the correction methods.
Would you have ever considered lavender aromatherapy with ocean waves playing in the background while you get your teeth cleaned? It’s a thing! Science has confirmed that these things can relax patients and reduce their anxiety in undoubtedly a tense situation. The results are profound because people are getting the necessary dental work.
Other innovations involve the process of reducing pain and providing quicker results. They address two of the primary concerns while giving individuals more control. That factor is often a stumbling block with dental care. After all, you’re in the dentist’s chair with someone that is in your face, doing things you don’t understand.
That speaks to a vital but deceptively simple way to make strides in dental health. Talking to your patients can relieve a lot of the anxiety that comes from the known unknowns. They understand that something is going to happen, but they are uncertain about what it means. You have the power to change that with ways that can build trust with your clients.
Final Thoughts About Facial Aging
Facial aging is inevitable. However, there are many ways to empower your patients, starting with giving them the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. It’s unfortunate that it affects a person’s mental attitude, but it also represents an opportunity to make positive changes in your attitude and body. After all, age is just a number.
