What Are the Cosmetic Dentistry Options In Little Rock, AR?

What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

It is a branch of dentistry that focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth, gums, and bite. It differs from restorative and general dentistry in prioritizing aesthetics over other factors. However, it does not mean cosmetic dental procedures undermine or completely ignore oral health and function. In fact, dentists will often employ cosmetic procedures that elevate oral function and improve appearance.

Generally, cosmetic dentistry in Little Rock, AR points to a range of dental treatments and protocols that can improve teeth’ appearance of teeth and enhance your smile, overcoming dental issues, such as discoloration, gaps between teeth, chipped or broken teeth, misaligned teeth, and missing teeth.

Key Cosmetic Dentistry Options Available at Little Rock, AR

Ideally, various types of cosmetic dental treatments can influence your teeth’ shape, size, color, and alignment. The common ones at Knight Dental Care are:

1. Teeth whitening : It is by far the most popular and most sort-after cosmetic procedure in dentistry. It involves using different approaches to remove stains and discoloration from the teeth. Usually, the go-to approach to achieve such changes is using a special bleaching agent on teeth to bleach the enamels, leaving your teeth brighter and whiter.
2. Dental bonding : It involves using a tooth-colored resin material called composite to repair minor imperfections on teeth. Dental bonding can help repair chips or cracks in teeth or generally improve their shape and appearance.
3. Dental veneers : They are thin, custom-made shells that bond perfectly to the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. Dentists in 72201 often employ veneers to correct different cosmetic-related issues, including chips, cracks, and gaps between teeth. They are ideal for patients needing alternatives to composite bonding.
4. Gum contouring : It involves procedures for improving the gum’s position relative to teeth size. The treatment entails surgery where the dentist removes excess gum tissue to better the appearance of a “gummy” smile or uneven gum line. Meanwhile, a cosmetic dentist can also recommend gum grafting to restore damaged portions of the gums, usually due to gum recession when you have periodontal disease.
5. Dental Crowns : They are tooth-shaped dental caps that usually go over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. Generally, dental crowns are restorative oral devices. However, they can also improve the appearance of the tooth, which is why cosmetic dentists can sometimes use them solely for aesthetic advancements. It is especially so for cases where dental veneers do not suffice for damaged teeth’ restoration and modification.
6. Full Mouth Reconstruction : It is a comprehensive approach involving multiple cosmetic and restorative procedures to improve the appearance and function of the entire mouth. The approach can involve one or two cosmetic treatments or comprise a combination of various protocols. It depends on the initial state of your oral cavity before treatment.
7. Invisalign : It is a transparent, removable dental aligner system that orthodontists use to straighten teeth. Usually, they are alternatives to their counterparts, traditional metal braces. Dentists recommend them for patients with a particular need for aesthetic elevation during orthodontic treatment. Unlike metal braces, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible braces you can remove when eating and brushing. These features make them unique and ideal for patients seeking to maintain a beautiful smile throughout the usually prolonged orthodontic treatment.

Does Cosmetic Dentistry Address All Your Oral Needs?

As incredible as cosmetic dentistry is in transforming smiles, it may not address all of your oral health needs. Cosmetic dentistry is solely focused on the aesthetic aspects of your teeth and gums, while general dentistry focuses on the overall health of your mouth, teeth, and gums. General dentistry will involve preventative care such as regular checkups, cleanings, and fillings, which are fundamental for optimal oral health, especially regarding preventing and treating cavities and gum disease. Besides, restorative procedures such as root canal therapy, dental crowns, and dental bridges are essential approaches for repairing damaged teeth and restoring function.

Therefore, you cannot bank solely on cosmetic dentistry to excel in oral health. It may only offer solutions to improve your teeth’ color, shape, size, and alignment. However, it is equally crucial to maintain good oral health through regular visits to a general dentist. A healthy mouth is a foundation for a beautiful smile.

Still, a few cosmetic dental procedures can improve oral health, such as dental implants for replacing missing teeth and preventing bone loss in the jaw, and orthodontic treatments, which can correct bite issues and prevent tooth decay and gum disease.