Cosmetic Dentistry - Columbia, TN

Which Cosmetic Dental Service Is Right for Me?

Often, the goal of cosmetic dentistry is to make at least one of three types of changes: whiter teeth, straighter teeth, or better-shaped teeth. Depending on the improvements you’d like to make, the cost of cosmetic dentistry can vary, as different services are designed to correct different aesthetic issues. Here are some basics about the prices of various cosmetic dental treatments:

• Teeth whitening – Professional teeth whitening is an effective and fairly quick way to dramatically brighten discolored or stained teeth. It’s typically on the cheaper end of the list of cosmetic dental treatments, but it may not fit every patient’s situation. Whitening can only improve your teeth’s color, so if you’d also like to correct their shape or size, you may need a different option.
• Dental bonding – One of the most inexpensive cosmetic dentistry choices, dental bonding can fix several types of minor flaws in your teeth. However, it doesn’t provide the longest-lasting results.
• Veneers – Veneers tend to cost more than most other treatments, but they’re a great solution for concealing virtually every aesthetic imperfection your smile could have. They also have the potential to last for 15+ years.
• Smile makeovers – Since a smile makeover combines various other services, it tends to have a higher price. With that being said, it’s the most efficient method of meeting your smile goals when you wish to make several improvements.

Cosmetic Dentistry Can Be a Worthwhile Investment

Although the cost of cosmetic dentistry in Columbia can feel overwhelming, keep in mind that it’s an investment that will more than pay for itself over the years. Not only will you feel more comfortable flashing your grin, but you’ll get a major confidence boost that could improve various aspects of your life. For example, you might be confident enough to apply for a promotion or your dream job, form more friendships, or even meet the love of your life!

How to Make Cosmetic Dentistry Affordable

As you may have guessed, dental insurance doesn’t typically cover treatments that are purely about aesthetics. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean your dream smile is inaccessible. At Beck Dental Care of Columbia, we offer low- to no-interest financing through CareCredit – a third-party financier that has helped millions of Americans break up their medical and dental costs into monthly payment plans. If you qualify for CareCredit, you can revamp your smile without breaking the bank!

The only way to know for sure how much cosmetic dentistry will cost for you is to schedule a visit with our team. We’re offering FREE consultations to make the process even more affordable!

Is Cosmetic Dentistry Expensive?

It is true that cosmetic dentistry does come with a somewhat higher price tag; however, it is no longer only for the rich and famous. Dentists throughout the country make it possible for anyone to receive these transformational services. No matter the budget, our team at Beck Dental Care can recommend affordable solutions to help rid your smile of chips, cracks, stains, and other imperfections. Also, because dental insurance will not cover the expenses, most dental offices offer alternative payment options, such as financing through CareCredit.

How Can Cosmetic Dentistry Change Your Life?

You might think that meeting with your dentist in Columbia to discuss cosmetic dentistry is only geared to improve the aesthetics of your smile, but it’s not. Yes, cosmetic care is designed to address the flaws that exist in your teeth, but it does more than just beautify your appearance. Choosing to pursue cosmetic dentistry also allows you to take charge of your oral health. How so?

When you feel good about the way you look, you’ll begin to take better care of your teeth and gums, which means being more proactive about your oral hygiene routine. Also, if you’re filling in gaps with veneers or dental bonding, you lower your risk of bacteria spreading throughout your smile. There are countless ways these cosmetic services can help you achieve more than just a beautiful set of pearly whites.

How Do I Know If I Need Cosmetic Dentistry?

The only way to know 100% is to schedule a consultation with your dentist in Columbia. When looking in the mirror, you may not like what you see. Stained, discolored, chipped, cracked, or gapped teeth can leave you feeling self-conscious about your appearance. These imperfections can also make you vulnerable to bacterial accumulations and possible infections.

If you’re tired of being unhappy with your teeth and want to do something about it, make sure to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists. During your appointment, we’ll go over your smile goals and any concerns you might have. You’ll need to be free of any gum disease or any other serious oral health issue before we discuss the available treatment options to help you embrace a newer, more vibrant smile.

What is the Difference Between a Dentist and a Cosmetic Dentist?

All licensed dentists must receive their undergraduate degree before obtaining a DDS or DMD from an accredited university. Once they graduate, they can either enter into general dentistry (once they receive their license), or they may opt to pursue additional academic and professional training in one of the many specialty fields. This can include everything from orthodontics and pedodontics to endodontics and periodontology. Although cosmetic dentistry is not a specialty, it is a specialized field that requires additional training and experience.

At Beck Dental Care, Dr. Beck, Dr. Hart, Dr. Williams, and Dr. Matthews have all spent hundreds of hours taking various continuing education courses to hone their cosmetic dentistry skills. This ensures that patients are seen by trusted professionals who know how to properly place veneers, perform teeth whitening, and offer complete smile makeovers.

Are There Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures That Are Suitable for Children or Teenagers?

It goes without saying that infants, toddlers, and very young children are not candidates for cosmetic dentistry. With that said, there are some smile-enhancing services that are suitable for growing smiles, including braces! Another example is dental bonding, which can address minor chips, cracks, and gaps quickly and painlessly. In short, if your child or teen is feeling self-conscious about their smile, don’t hesitate to bring them in for an appointment to see what their treatment options are.

How Long Does Cosmetic Dentistry Last?

There are two things that impact the longevity of your results: the smile-enhancing service itself and how well you care for your smile. Let’s start with the first point. There are some treatments, like teeth whitening, that typically last for several months. Then, there are more long-term services, such as veneers, which have the potential to last for well over a decade. As for the second point, if you adopt unhealthy dental habits, your results won’t last. That’s why it’s of the utmost importance that you adopt best practices like visiting us twice a year for a checkup and cleaning, keeping your consumption of added sugar to a minimum, and not using tobacco products.

What Causes the Discoloration of a Tooth?

The most common causes of dental discoloration are diet, tobacco use, age, injury, and certain medications. That’s one of the reasons why over-the-counter whitening kits don’t deliver reliable, noticeable results; they don’t consider the source of the stains. Conversely, when you meet with our Columbia cosmetic dentists, they will conduct a thorough oral exam, learn more about your medical history, and ask you several questions to determine both the root of the problem and the best way to deliver the gorgeous smile you desire.

How Can Cosmetic Dentistry Improve My Oral Health?

There’s no denying the aesthetic benefits of cosmetic dentistry. However, many of the services we offer can also improve your oral health as well! For example, if you have gaps between your teeth, then food particles, plaque, and other debris can get trapped, increasing your risk of serious oral health concerns, like gum disease. If we use veneers to close the open spaces, we can improve the look and health of your smile in the process.

It's also worth mentioning that teeth whitening, dental bonding, and the other services we offer can also indirectly improve your oral health. After all, if you are proud of your smile, you’re more likely to take care of it by flossing consistently, brushing twice a day, and rinsing with mouthwash regularly.

Is Cosmetic Dentistry Worth It?

It’s common for patients to pause and think, “Is cosmetic dentistry really worth it?” To help you answer that question, we’re going to share a few of the many benefits that come with investing in the appearance of your smile. To start, your smile is one of the first features people notice. So, whether you need to make a good impression on a first date or job interview, a gorgeous grin can make all the difference. Furthermore, research has found that job applicants who underwent teeth whitening before their interview were more likely to get a job (and at a higher salary too!). Lastly, if you are happy with the shade, shape, and size of your teeth, you’re more likely to smile throughout the day, which can boost your overall mood and outlook on life.