It's not just crow's feet or frown lines that are affected by so-called “anti-aging” cosmetics.
The smile and teeth are also impacted by aging and deserve just as much attention.
“Like any anatomical structure of the face, this area changes as we age.
Or rather, it involves,” says Doctor Sandrine Sebban, cosmetic doctor in Paris.
Loss of tone
The production of collagen, a protein naturally present in the body which maintains the suppleness and firmness of the skin, decreases from the twenties.
Around the mouth, this is manifested by a loss of tone in the lips and their contours, as well as a progressive relaxation of the cheeks.
"Small wrinkles and fine lines appear on the corners of the lips and on the perioral area, creating the dreaded "barcode" effect.
The nasolabial fold widens, a sagging of the face sets in”, explains Doctor Ralph Badaoui, dental surgeon and cosmetic dentist at the Le Palais du Sourire clinic in Paris.
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The right things to do in your bathroom to remedy this?
“Do specific lip scrubs and hydration baths at night.
These are gestures that preserve the youthfulness of the skin,” advises Magali Marx, Clarins Make-Up Expert.
"Apply the moisturizer generously to the mouth, going well beyond the contours, as they can become marked with age.
This assures you of plumper, smoother and more beautiful lips.
When this is no longer enough, injections of hyaluronic acid make it possible to easily fill in these wrinkles and reshape the lips.
Other more invasive cosmetic surgery techniques, such as lifting or tensor threads can also be considered.
“These help restore tension in the muscles of the skin.
The patient will be much more comfortable and in fact will smile "more broadly", which also helps to tone up the oral area", observes Doctor Badaoui.
In this sense, “facial gymnastics” exercises have every interest in entering our beauty routine to prevent sagging naturally.
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Less shiny teeth
Teeth that are not white enough are the subject of a complex for a quarter of French people (1).
Despite all our efforts and our good will, it is not only our lifestyle that deteriorates their color.
“By the time the teeth grow in, the enamel is 100% formed.
Then, this capital decreases over time.
The enamel will naturally wear and thin and the underlying dentin, which is yellow, then appears more and more”, reveals Doctor Badaoui.
Coloring drinks can amplify this phenomenon of yellowing such as coffee, tea or red wine.
To display a Hollywood smile, experts generally advise using dental whitening.
While it can be very tempting to turn to cheaper alternatives like 'whitening' toothpastes, pens and other UV lamps popular on social media, doctors warn of the fleeting nature of the 'whiter' glow. that illusory whiteness they provide.
Some products with dubious formulas could even damage the enamel and create the opposite effect.
Redraw the smile
As we age, we also experience overall bone loss which affects the shape of our face.
“This decrease in tissues, muscles and bones that occurs with age changes the external appearance of the jaw.
The structure of the face appears generally more hollow and the lips much narrower than on a young face.
Jaw contours also appear less defined,” says Dr. Lisa Hanrad, Dentist and collaborator for oral care brand Happybrush, before adding, “Physiological tooth movement shrinks the entire dental arch. by a few millimetres, which causes the teeth to move slightly forward.
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To restore the smile after a certain age, dental medicine and surgery take over.
“Patients usually resort to veneer reconstructions, which both redefine the shape of the teeth and restore their white color.
It's as if we were making a new facade”, describes Doctor Badaoui.
“We rebuild the smile according to several parameters: you have to find the right shape and the right position of the future veneers so that they correspond specifically to your face and your character.
Rather than asking a classic model, we analyze your facial criteria to know what angle and what direction to give to each of your teeth, so as to avoid the “fake” effect which would make you not recognize yourself.
"Rejuvenate" the smile
Another determining step in this smile “rejuvenation” procedure: “The surgeon will make sure that the upper teeth are visible when the smile is at rest, that is to say when it is not in motion. “, continues Doctor Ralph Badaoui, “Indeed, when a smile is “young”, we see much more the upper teeth.
As you age, the lower ones are more visible.
We adjust this by reconstructing the worn teeth and putting them back at the right height in order to put them back in harmony with the mouth.
If the teeth are badly positioned, a realignment with invisible aligners is generally recommended.
Orthodontic therapy can also be implemented at an advanced age.
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In images, in pictures
See the slideshow35 photos
See the slideshow35 photos
The importance of a good oral routine
The best way to keep a fresh and radiant smile is above all to maintain good oral hygiene.
In addition to brushing your teeth at least twice a day while sparing the enamel, “regular interdental care helps to avoid common dental diseases such as cavities and periodontitis, but also most unsightly stains.
Vitamins A, C and D, as well as folic acid, can in particular contribute to the maintenance of healthy gums, which are important for a radiant smile”, advises Doctor Hanrad.
“Avoid consuming acidic substances that can melt the enamel, such as lemon juice or sodas.
Obviously, alcohol and tobacco are to be avoided, since they cause loosening of the teeth.
Drink as much water as possible in order to clean the oral environment and restore a neutral space in the mouth”, adds Doctor Ralph Badaoui.
Finally, six-monthly check-ups and dental cleanings carried out by a health professional will amplify the benefits of these good habits.
(1) Study conducted by OpinionWay for the Regenerate brand in 2018.