Why Seniors Should Have Cosmetic Dentistry

The last generation-our parents and grandparents-accepted the idea that they would have no teeth in their later years. They accepted the embarrassing moment when the grandkids would ask why teeth are floating around in a glass by the bed. And they would accept that they sometimes they would have to chase the dog around who snatched the dentures and ran off with them.

But those of us who are in our 50s and 60s don't have to accept bad or no teeth as we grow older. Advanced cosmetic dentistry has made it possible for us to keep our teeth for a lifetime and keep them attractive, too.

Here's why you should consider cosmetic dentistry when you get older:

1. There are many different methods to make permanent or semi-permanent improvements to your natural teeth. You don't have to live with stained, crooked or missing teeth or receding gum lines anymore. These products include porcelain crowns, acrylic veneers, advanced whitening, and bonding procedures and implants.

2. Good-looking teeth usually mean healthy teeth and gums. More research shows that unhealthy teeth can lead to certain systemic diseases, including heart disease and Alzheimer's. Rotten teeth not only look rotten, but can result in rotten health and rotten self-esteem in later years.

3. You can stall some of the signs of aging for a while-face lifts, Botox and hair coloring, but these don't last forever. But getting your teeth done can last you the rest of your life.

If you have to choose one part of the body to fix as you age, I would choose the teeth. Yes, it's a financial investment-and can be a hefty one at that. But a great looking and feeling smile--and the confidence that comes with it--is priceless.

Ilene Springer lives in Malta and is author of An-American-in-Malta.com