Cosmetic Dentistry Smile Brighter, Smile Better, Smile Longer in Houston, TX
Dr. Cher Rich and our team understand that the appearance of your teeth is just as important as their health in many ways. A strong, beautiful smile can help people pursue their goals with enthusiasm and confidence, while a compromised one can have the exact opposite effect. After we have made your teeth as healthy as they can be, we can go to work giving you the smile of your dreams. Our cosmetic services can deliver everything from a subtle to a dramatic result, and the only true limitation is your imagination. What would you like to change about your smile? Whatever it might be, we’re certain we can help, so contact our office today.
Porcelain Veneers
With porcelain veneers, we can:
- Instantly whiten your teeth
- Fix chips and cracks
- Close obvious gaps
- Make slightly misaligned teeth appear straighter
These extremely thin porcelain shells fit directly onto the front of your teeth, and they can enhance your appearance in every single way. With just a few easy visits, Dr. Rich can completely makeover your smile. If you’re looking for the kind of teeth you typically see in movies and TV, porcelain veneers are your answer!
Metal Free Restorations
When one of your front teeth has become damaged or decayed, we will always take special care to restore both its functionality and appearance. To ensure this, we will only use metal free restorations. These crowns, typically made of porcelain or ceramic, can completely mimic the shape, size, color, and strength of a natural tooth so that they can give you your complete smile back. They’re the best kind of dental work: the kind no one will even notice!
Direct Bonding
Small chips and cracks can have a surprisingly big impact on your smile. To fix these little imperfections, we use a quick and easy treatment called direct bonding. Dr. Rich will apply a putty-like composite resin to your tooth and literally sculpt it to perfection. Then, she’ll quickly harden it using a special curing light. Even though the treatment is fast, with the right maintenance, it can easily last up to 10 years.
Teeth Whitening
If you’re like most people, the color of a person’s smile is probably one of the first things you notice about them. So, when you notice that your OWN teeth are looking dull, yellow, and discolored, you surely want to get them fixed FAST. For the person on the go with just an hour to spare, we offer Zoom! Whitening, which can make your smile up to 8 shades whiter in just one visit. We also offer take-home whitening kits so you can lift stubborn stains on your own time!
Understanding the Cost of Cosmetic Dentistry
Most insurance policies don’t cover cosmetic services intended to boost your looks more than your oral condition, so many patients worry they won’t be able to afford their desired upgrades.
However, Dr. Rich and the rest of our team in Houston believe you deserve a beautiful, healthy smile you can feel proud of, regardless of your finances. That’s why we offer multiple treatments at varying price points. Continue reading to learn more about how the cost of cosmetic treatments is determined, and please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.
Which Cosmetic Dental Service is Right for Me?
Are you frustrated by flaws in your smile but are unsure which procedures can help address them? Once you’ve consulted Dr. Rich, she might recommend one or more of the following options to help achieve your goals:
Porcelain Veneers. These thin ceramic shells are a versatile way to mask chips, cracks, stains, and misalignments, but they tend to cost more than other options initially.
Metal Free Restorations. If you still have amalgam fillings or crowns detracting from your appearance, our team is happy to remove them safely and replace them with tooth-colored materials, often for $200 to $800+ per tooth, depending on your needs.
Direct Bonding. Dr Rich can apply tooth-colored composite resin to your enamel to address many of the same concerns as veneers, but for a fraction of the price. This can range from about $100 to $600 per tooth.
Teeth Whitening. We offer both in-office services for instant results as well as take-home kits with ultra-concentrated gels and custom-fitted applicator trays, often for several hundred dollars.
How Cosmetic Dentistry Is an Investment Worth Making
It’s natural to wonder whether it’s worth the investment of both time and personal resources to improve your appearance, but there are additional benefits to cosmetic dentistry you might not have considered.
For instance, did you know that having dental problems is negatively associated with the probability of being employed? Refining your grin can boost your confidence, which in turn can contribute to better professional opportunities, more meaningful relationships, and a busier social calendar.
How to Make Cosmetic Dentistry Affordable
Are you worried that your desired enhancements are outside of your price range? Dr. Rich and the rest of our team believe that fixing aesthetic flaws can improve your daily quality of life, and we don’t want your budget to hold you back.
If you’re afraid you can’t afford your desired services, you can apply for a flexible financial plan through CareCredit. If approved, you can divide your final invoice into more manageable installments over a designated period.
Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
Is Cosmetic Dentistry Expensive?
Many people associate cosmetic dentistry with costly treatments because generally, most dental insurance plans won’t cover elective dental care. The good news is that while you may have to pay for your treatment out-of-pocket, that doesn't mean it has to be expensive. We offer many treatments at various price points and accept flexible financing to help make your care more budget friendly.
Improving your smile may seem costly at first; however, it is important to consider the investment you’re making in your self-esteem, confidence, and quality of life. In fact, studies have shown that an attractive smile can often lead to improved job opportunities, so your smile makeover could end up paying for itself!
Is Cosmetic Dentistry Covered by Insurance?
In most cases, dental insurance will not cover elective procedures, and most cosmetic dentistry treatments are considered elective. However, there may be exceptions to this rule if the treatment also provides oral health benefits. For example, a dental crown or veneer may receive partial coverage if it builds up or protects a damaged tooth.
Typically, about 50% to 80% of the cost is covered by dental insurance in these cases, but this will depend on the individual treatment and policy. Our team will be happy to help you understand your specific plan, file your claim paperwork, and maximize your benefits on your behalf.
Does Cosmetic Dentistry Hurt?
Even patients who are eager to transform their smile with the help of cosmetic dentistry can be worried about their procedure being painful. Dr. Rich understands this, which is why she works hard to ensure your treatment experience is as comfortable as possible.
Because most cosmetic dentistry treatments are non-invasive, this is not usually an issue. However, rest assured that before any work begins on treatments that may cause pain or sensitivity, the area to be treated will be numbed first.
Will Cosmetic Dentistry Make Me More Attractive?
A beautiful smile is often listed by adults of all demographics as one of the most attractive assets a person can have. In fact, people who frequently smile are generally seen as friendlier, more confident, more trustworthy, and more approachable by others. This can be extremely helpful when meeting new people, earning trust, building rapport, and making friends.
Cosmetic dentistry is an excellent way to cover up flaws in your smile like stains, discoloration, chips, cracks, gaps, and even worn-down or misshapen teeth. All these restorations can help you achieve a gorgeous, glowing grin you’ll be proud to show off!
Generally speaking, people find positive people more attractive. The more eager you are to show off your smile, the more frequently you’ll do it, and studies have shown that the physical act of smiling lowers your stress by causing your body to produce endorphins, feel-good chemicals that can keep you feeling happy!
Am I a Good Candidate for Cosmetic Dentistry?
Most patients who are in reasonably good oral health are candidates for some form of cosmetic dentistry. That said, any underlying issues, such as tooth decay, gum disease, or untreated damage to teeth, need to be addressed before any cosmetic work can begin. It’s similar to building a house; you need a strong, solid foundation before you can even think about painting or decorating! That said, during your consultation, we'll take a close look at the current state of your smile, listen to your goals, and recommend treatments that are appropriate for you.
Can Cosmetic Dentistry Fix Multiple Issues at Once?
Absolutely, and in truth, this is where cosmetic dentistry really excels! Many patients choose to address several concerns at the same time. For example, a patient might whiten their teeth, repair a chipped tooth with bonding, and replace an old metal crown with a tooth-colored restoration, all as part of one coordinated plan. Plus, some treatments like veneers are designed to address multiple flaws in multiple teeth simultaneously. However, if you only have one particular flaw that you’d like to fix, rest assured, it’s still quite easy.
How Long Does Cosmetic Dentistry Last?
The longevity of cosmetic dentistry in Houston depends on two main factors: the treatments administered, along with a patient’s commitment to maintaining their oral hygiene. Teeth whitening results can last anywhere from several months to a couple of years, depending on your diet and oral hygiene habits. Direct bonding typically lasts five to ten years with proper care. Porcelain veneers and metal-free restorations are among the most durable options, often lasting ten years or longer. With all of these solutions, the best way to protect your investment is consistent brushing, flossing, regular dental checkups, and avoiding habits like smoking or using tobacco, nail biting, or chewing on hard objects.
Will My Cosmetic Dental Results Look Natural?
One of the most common concerns patients have about cosmetic dentistry is ending up with a smile that looks overdone or artificial. The good news is that modern cosmetic dentistry is designed with natural aesthetics in mind! Materials like porcelain and composite resin closely mimic the light-reflecting properties and texture of natural enamel (the outer layer of your teeth), and advanced dental technology ensures precision and lasting results. Not to mention, Dr. Rich and our team will always take into account your facial features, skin tone, and personal preferences to ensure your new smile is uniquely yours.