Cosmetic Dentist – Columbia, MO

Create a More Confident Smile

It’s very important to have a healthy smile – but what about teeth that look wonderful too? If you’re dissatisfied with your facial appearance, contact our cosmetic dentist in Columbia, MO today to schedule a consultation. Dr. Batson and Dr. Abe offer several services to transform your look for the better, erasing common flaws like stains, gaps, misaligned teeth, broken or decayed teeth, and much more. Our dental team wants to help you feel fully confident about your smile, so let us help by contacting us today.

 

Why Choose Columbia Healthy Smiles for Cosmetic Dentistry?

  • Beautiful, Lifelike Veneers
  • Multiple Teeth Whitening Options
  • SureSmile Treatment Available

Veneers

Woman's smile compared with veneers color options during cosmetic dentistry visit

A veneer is often the ideal cosmetic solution for patients who’d love to correct a variety of aesthetic flaws all at once instead of having to undergo multiple, time-consuming procedures. This thin shell of dental porcelain is designed to closely match the natural shade and translucent quality of your teeth, and Dr. Batson and Dr. Abe can even design them to correct the length or shape of certain teeth, depending on your input. The porcelain material is even more resistant to staining, allowing you to maintain your gorgeous look longer than ever.

The process for receiving a dental veneer typically requires two to three appointments. First, we’ll discuss what you hope to accomplish with the cosmetic procedure, followed by the preparation of the teeth and impressions. Our Columbia, MO team will also provide you with a temporary veneer so that you can become accustomed to its look and feel. Once we’ve received the final product, you’ll be brought back so Dr. Batson and Dr. Abe can fit it securely in place and ensure your complete satisfaction.

Learn More About Veneers

All-Ceramic Dental Restorations

All ceramic dental restorations prior to placement

Everyone deserves to improve their smile’s health and structure in a beautiful fashion. With crowns, inlays, onlays, and other restorations made of high-quality ceramic materials, you can get back to enjoying a completely natural smile faster than ever.

Learn More About All-Ceramic Restorations

Teeth Whitening

Man sitting in dental chair receiving teeth whitening

Even when teeth are well-cared for, they can still become discolored or stained. Luckily, a professional teeth whitening treatment can go a long way toward helping you brighten your grin. Our practice is proud to offer KöR® teeth whitening for creating more dazzling smiles. There are two main kinds of KöR® teeth whitening that both yield dazzling results: in-office and take-home. We also offer KöR® whitening strips that can be used while traveling.

Learn More About Teeth Whitening

SureSmile Clear Braces

Hand holding a Sure Smile clear braces tray

Many adults wish they could achieve a straighter smile later in life, but the idea of wearing metal braces in the professional world is just too much of a hurdle. Thankfully, you can find an alternative solution here at Columbia Healthy Smiles – SureSmile. This orthodontic treatment relies on a series of clear, customized plastic aligners that are virtually unnoticeable when worn. All patients have to do is wear each one for a certain amount of time before moving to the next. Regular checkups with Dr. Batson and Dr. Abe will allow them to make sure you’re progressing smoothly. And that’s it! Within 8-18 months, you’ll have achieved a straighter smile in a virtually seamless fashion. Contact our Columbia dental office today to schedule an SureSmile consultation.

Learn More About SureSmile Clear Braces

 

Understanding the Cost of Cosmetic Dentistry

Woman in white tanktop smiling in front of light blue background

Many dental insurance policies don’t include coverage for cosmetic procedures because they’re usually intended to enhance your appearance rather than preserve your oral health. As a result, many patients hesitate to move forward with procedures that can boost their confidence because they’re worried about the cost.

Fortunately, our team at Columbia Healthy Smiles offers several services at various price points so that you can upgrade your grin without breaking the bank. Continue reading to learn more about how the rate of your cosmetic services is calculated, and feel free to reach out for additional information.

Which Cosmetic Dental Service is Right for Me?

Nose-to-chin view of woman smiling with dental mirror next to teeth in front of blue background

Because everyone’s situation is unique, we can’t provide a quote for your desired procedures until you’ve consulted with one of our providers. Once we’ve had a chance to examine your mouth and learn more about your goals, we can provide a detailed estimate. Then, we’ll walk you through the information and await your approval before proceeding.

We provide several treatments so that you can find options in your price range, including:

  • Teeth Whitening. Those eager to brighten their grins might benefit from our professional-grade KöR® teeth whitening services. Typically, for a few hundred dollars, we can lift your teeth by several shades with a single in-office visit or provide take-home kits for optimal results from your living room.
  • All-Ceramic Dental Restorations. If you have a decayed or damaged tooth or an old metal amalgam restoration you want to replace, we can help. We can repair damaged teeth with color-matched composite resin so no one can tell there was an issue with this cost-effective solution.
  • SureSmile Clear Braces. Many patients want straighter smiles without the inconvenience of awkward metal brackets and wires. When you invest in clear aligners, you can get the same results without the hassle.
  • These thin shells are customized to match your teeth then bonded to their front surface to mask chips, cracks, discoloration, and other minor aesthetic concerns. Though they usually cost more upfront, they can last 25+ years with the right care.

Is Cosmetic Dentistry an Investment Worth Making?

Model tooth on a desk next to calculator and dollar bills

It’s natural to hesitate to move forward with dental cosmetic procedures when they require a personal investment of time and resources. However, upgrading your grin can boost your self-esteem, greatly increasing your daily quality of life. When you can smile confidently, you enjoy a more active and rewarding social life and higher chances of success in professional and romantic endeavors.

How to Make Cosmetic Dentistry Affordable

Shiny model tooth on a pile of coins on a wooden surface

We believe that you can’t put a price on happiness and that everyone deserves to have the picture-perfect grin they’ve always dreamed of. If you’re concerned about paying for your cosmetic services, you might benefit from one of the following options:

  • Flexible financing. We’ve partnered with third-party financers such as CareCredit and Cherry. If your application is approved, you can break up your total invoice into smaller, more manageable monthly installments.
  • In-house membership plan. For an affordable fee, you gain access to discounts on our in-office services, potentially saving hundreds of dollars on your dental care.

Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs

Is Cosmetic Dentistry Expensive?

Cosmetic dentistry is often thought to be too expensive for the average person, but you don't have to be rich to revamp your smile. Many factors affect the cost, but your cosmetic dentist in Columbia offers various flexible financial solutions to keep an attractive smile affordable. You have more options than ever before, which means there's a procedure to fit your budget. Our office also accepts various payment methods, including third-party financing. You can pay any out-of-pocket expenses using a monthly payment plan, based on your credit approval.

Does Cosmetic Dentistry Hurt?

Your comfort is always your dentist's top priority. Depending on your treatment, they may use a local numbing medication to block pain. You may feel some unusual sensations or pressure, but you won't have any outright pain. Some procedures can cause temporary discomfort after the effects of any numbing medications wear off. You can manage it with an over-the-counter pain reliever and eating soft foods. Your dentist will review any additional aftercare instructions before you go home.

How Long Does Cosmetic Dentistry Last?

Every cosmetic procedure has a different life expectancy, and many things may influence the duration of your results. No matter the treatment, you can get the most from your new smile with a commitment to good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. It's best to moderate your consumption of sugars and starches to prevent tooth decay. Limit how often you have hard or chewy foods to prevent wear and tear. Wear an athletic mouthguard to protect your smile if you play sports. If you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, ask your dentist for a nightguard. Break any bad habits that may damage your teeth, like chewing on your fingernails or crunching ice. Visit your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. They will help you keep your mouth healthy to ensure your investment thrives for years.

Is Cosmetic Dentistry Covered By Dental Insurance?

Dental insurance does not cover cosmetic dentistry unless the treatment is medically necessary, like fixing a chipped tooth with dental bonding. However, your benefits may cover your consultation and any prep work, like gum disease therapy or dental fillings. We will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize any appropriate coverage to lower the amount you will pay out-of-pocket. A member of our dental team will explain how your coverage is being used and your payment options for any remaining balance.