How Will Your Smile Change as You Get Older in Age

June 22, 2026

Older woman smiling after cosmetic dental treatment

As you get older, your body will start to change. From your eyesight to hearing, those are just a couple of things you might expect to dwindle. That said, did you know your smile will also look a bit different? It might not look as aesthetic as it once did, but you might wonder what you can expect. Here is what may happen and what your dentist can do to transform your grin.

How Will My Smile Change as I Get Older?

Starting off with stains, this is a common flaw that you may already know will happen. Dark-colored foods and drinks, like coffee and berries, can linger in your enamel and make it look a bit yellow. Smoking can also do this over time.

A few people might develop a chip or crack from eating hard items, using their teeth as tools, or grinding or clenching their jaw. Tooth loss is also possible, which can happen from a wide range of dental problems and accidents.

Not only that, but your gums will change as well! They might start to recede or become thinner, increasing their risk of infection. This can make the pink soft tissues noticeably red or inflamed, which can detract from your smile.

What Can I Do to Get Back My Aesthetic Smile?

With that said, your grin will change, but there are ways you can keep it looking aesthetic. These are a few cosmetic and other dental treatments you may consider to fix the flaws that may develop as you get older:

  • Professional teeth whitening is the go-to for stains as it can give you up to an eight-shade difference with an in-office visit or a take-home kit.
  • Veneers are thin, durable shells that cover multiple imperfections at once, while also lasting for up to 15 years or longer. They are great if you want a dramatic transformation.
  • Dental implants can give you a full set of teeth once again that are reliable and give you up to 90% of your original bite force back. They aren’t technically a cosmetic service, but they do have aesthetic benefits.
  • Gum disease treatment can be helpful against an infection; that way, the soft tissues complement your grin.
  • BOTOX might also be effective at reducing fine lines and wrinkles around your mouth; that way, you enjoy a smoother, more youthful look!

In the end, your dentist is here to help you. They will understand your goals and come up with a game plan to get you to them; that way, you feel confident in your results.

About the Author

Dr. Carla Bustillo-Gonzalez earned her dental degree from the Goldman School of Dental Medicine at Boston University. She has since undergone advanced training and has over 20 years of experience, meaning she can transform your smile with effective, reliable solutions.

Dr. Bustillo-Gonzalez is proud to offer a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments, plus Invisalign. By tailoring a plan to the dental flaws you have, you can trust that you get results you feel your best in. If you have any questions, schedule an appointment or call her office at (978)851-7112.