Dental Cosmetics North Little Rock, AR
Dental cosmetics is a branch of dentistry dedicated to improving the appearance of teeth, gums, and overall smile. A beautiful smile can do wonders for your confidence. There is a wide range of dental cosmetics procedures to help people smile with confidence.
It is important to consult a cosmetic dentist to learn more about the available treatments and services. Dental cosmetics are available at Edward E Sherrill, DDS in North Little Rock and the surrounding area. Call us at (501) 588-8942 to schedule an appointment and learn more about how dental cosmetics can improve your smile.
Cosmetic vs. General Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is different from general dentistry as it aims to improve people's appearance rather than bettering oral health. There are various dental cosmetic procedures people may choose from depending on their wants and needs. Whitening procedures help with stained or discolored teeth. Some possible whitening services are chemical whitening, veneers, bonding, or cosmetic crown placement. The right whitening option often depends on the reason for the staining. For example, a tooth with a dead root may have a grey tinge and appear darker than the surrounding teeth. Whitening may not fix this, as the discoloration is on the inside. In this case, a better option may be a veneer or a crown.
Other cosmetic procedures aim to create a more even, pleasing tooth shape. Services can include placing a crown over a misshapen tooth, enamel shaping, or orthodontic treatment. In some cases, these cosmetic procedures can also improve the patient's oral health. Some distorted teeth configurations, while aesthetically bothersome, can also negatively affect the health of the teeth and jawbone.
“Cosmetic dentistry is different from general dentistry as it aims to improve people’s appearance rather than bettering oral health.”
Dental Restoration Services
Restorative dentistry improves the appearance of teeth and helps support oral health. Dental restoration involves various methods of dealing with missing or non-functional teeth. For example, a tooth may be broken, worn down, or very decayed. A cosmetic dentist will select crowns or replacement teeth that match the other teeth in color and shape. Although the function is important, appearance remains an important factor in dental restoration. Options for dental restoration include:
- Crowns: While some crowns are placed over healthy teeth to improve aesthetics, in many cases, placement is needed to support a weak or broken tooth. In those cases, crowns enable patients to continue chewing comfortably. Crowns also help maintain proper spacing for the surrounding teeth.
- Fillings: This is a common type of dental restoration. Fillings are necessary to prevent further decay and maintain the structural integrity of the tooth. When selecting filling materials, dentists are also mindful of visible filling placement. Patients can also opt for fillings made of porcelain or other composite materials that look more like the color of natural teeth.
- Tooth Replacement: A common tooth replacement option for missing or damaged teeth. Tooth replacements include bridges, crowns, dentures, and dental implants.
“Restorative dentistry improves the appearance of teeth and helps support oral health.”
Exclusively Cosmetic Procedures
Other dental cosmetic procedures serve purely cosmetic purposes. Cosmetic dentistry continues to empower people to improve their smiles. Some common purely cosmetic procedures include:
- Enamel Shaping: A cosmetic dentist can shape the enamel to improve its appearance. People with crooked, overlapping, irregular, or damaged teeth will often get enamel shaping. Patients will commonly combine enamel shaping with other treatments like bonding.
- Teeth Whitening: Teeth become stained over time from consuming foods and drinks, smoking, or taking certain medications. People can choose between getting teeth whitening under the supervision of a dental professional or at home using less effective over-the-counter products. Some professional teeth whitening options are tray-based tooth whiteners and in-office bleaching.
- Veneers: When getting a veneer, a patient will have a small amount of enamel shaved down to improve the tooth’s appearance. A wafer-thin ceramic shell replaces the shaved enamel. A bonding material then attaches the ceramic shell to the tooth and allows normal tooth function.
“Cosmetic dentistry continues to empower people to improve their smiles.”
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Dental Cosmetics and Oral Health
Dental cosmetics can enhance oral health and function as straighter, cleaner teeth can greatly improve hygiene. The Oral Health Foundation states that an incorrect or uneven bite can cause the face to sag, the chin to stick out, and the smile to droop. This, in turn, can lead to problems in the jaw and result in increased or frequent headaches, neck pain, and body pain.
Dental cosmetics allow patients to exercise better hygiene habits such as flossing. Constant care and maintenance provide a clean and healthy oral cavity in which bacteria is always washed away, eliminating plaque buildup and reducing the likelihood of many oral health conditions and diseases. Cosmetics and restorations also promote self-confidence and well-being, increasing one's willingness to keep up an oral routine.
“…an incorrect or uneven bite can cause the face to sag, the chin to stick out, and the smile to droop.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What are some examples of purely cosmetic procedures?
Q. What differentiates cosmetic dentistry is from general dentistry?
Q. What is dental restoration?
Q. How can dental cosmetics improve oral health?
People Also Ask
Q. What are dental care routines for cosmetic treatments?
Q. What is a health savings account?
Q. What are composite fillings?
Q. What home care routine should I follow?
Q. What should I look for in choosing the right dental practice?
Q. Where can I learn more about my dental diagnosis and treatment?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who can benefit from dental cosmetics?
A. Anyone who is not happy with their smile can benefit from dental cosmetics. People experiencing problems with their teeth or gums may need to get treatment first. Patients should discuss their goals with a dentist to determine which procedure is right for their particular situation.
Q. When do insurance companies cover cosmetic dentistry?
A. People sometimes assume insurance will not cover a cosmetic procedure. However, this may not be true if the dentist identifies a health-based necessity. Patients should speak with their insurance provider and cosmetic dentist to clarify coverage for a particular procedure.
Q. How long will my teeth stay white after whitening treatment?
A. Teeth bleaching is a popular type of cosmetic dentistry. Most chemical whitening processes help teeth stay white between one and two years. Eating and drinking certain foods and drinks that result in staining can shorten this period.
Q. Is there any reason to get cosmetic dentistry for healthy teeth?
A. Patients who are unhappy with the appearance of their teeth can gain a lot from dental cosmetics. A person with healthy teeth can still have poor health in terms of self-confidence. In these cases, cosmetic dentistry may improve a patient's confidence and self-esteem.
Q. How long does it take to get dental implants?
A. Most patients will need at least two appointments that are four to six months apart to complete their dental implant. In some cases, a cosmetic dentist may be able to do everything in one appointment. In other cases, a patient will need additional visits to complete the dental implant placement.
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Dental Terminology
Schedule an Appointment
If you want to improve the appearance of your teeth, dental cosmetics may be for you. Our team is here to help you love your smile. Call (501) 588-8942 to schedule an appointment at Edward E Sherrill, DDS.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
About our business and website security
- Edward E Sherrill, DDS was established in 1992.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Pulaski County, Saline County, Faulkner County, Lonoke County, Jefferson County, and Prairie County
- We serve patients from the following cities: North Little Rock, Little Rock, Sherwood, Jacksonville, Benton, Conway, Bryant, Lonoke, Cabot and Pine Bluff
- National Provider Identifier Database (1699845834). View NPI Registry Information
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We are committed to providing quality service to residents located In the North Little Rock, AR area. Our website has additional information about the following topics: Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, General Dentist, Family Dentist, Dental Bridges, Restorative Dentist, Preventive Dentist, Dentures, Partial Dentures and Dental Crowns.
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