The braces are gone, your adult teeth grew in decades ago, and you practice excellent oral care habits by brushing and flossing every day. Once you’ve made it this far into adulthood, do you still need to see a dentistry professional twice a year? Many Americans don’t seem to think so — a 2014 Gallup poll showed one-third of U.S. adults hadn’t seen a dentist in at least a year. However, a visit to the dentist every six months is essential at any age.

Making dentistry a priority as an adult is crucial to your oral health, providing these benefits:

• Catch Problems Early: Even if sugary foods no longer tempt you the way they did in childhood, you still can get cavities. In fact, you become more susceptible to them with age as the enamel on your teeth weakens. Regular visits to a dentist ensure small problems are caught and fixed early, saving you the cost and stress of a more complicated dentistry procedure like a root canal or dental implant installation.

• Address Age-Related Issues: As the enamel on your teeth wears down, your pearly whites become more susceptible to stains. A dentist will help you combat the resulting yellow hue with teeth whitening. This simple cosmetic dentistry procedure can eliminate dullness and restore your smile to its former glory.

• Make the Most of Your Smile: Maybe you wanted braces when you were younger but your parents couldn’t afford them, or you’ve always dreamed of transforming your uneven grin with Hollywood-worthy veneers. As an adult, you can spiff up your smile exactly as you’d like.

You’re never too old to benefit from effective dentistry treatments. If you’re looking for a dentist in the Eagle River, AK, area, turn to Legacy Dental Arts. Their professionals provide an array of general and cosmetic dentistry procedures for patients of all ages. Visit their website for more information about their services and call (907) 622­-7874 to schedule an appointment.