Cosmetic Dentist - Topeka & Silver Lake, KS

Why Choose Michel Dental for Cosmetic Dentistry?

• Metal-Free Restorative Materials That Look Seamless
• In-Office & Take-Home Professional Teeth Whitening Available
• Custom, Comprehensive Smile Makeover Plans

Porcelain Veneers

Are you ready for a total smile transformation? Porcelain veneers are thin pieces of ceramic that we permanently attach to the fronts of teeth. Their purpose is to disguise a wide range of cosmetic flaws, including cracks, chips, discolorations, and minor misalignments. The process for placing veneers usually only requires two appointments in our office, and the results of the treatment can last for 20 years or longer with proper care.

Learn About Porcelain Veneers

Metal-Free Restorations

In today’s modern world, patients no longer have to choose between dental restorations that are reliably functional and ones that are aesthetically pleasing. All-ceramic, metal-free materials provide the best of both worlds! They’re so lifelike in appearance that these types of crowns, inlays, and onlays even reflect light in the same way as natural tooth enamel. They’re also fully biocompatible, which means there’s no risk of allergic reactions or severe oral sensitivity.

Learn About Metal-Free Restorations

Cosmetic Bonding

If you’re interested in making relatively small corrections to your smile (like filling in a thin gap between teeth or repairing a crack in the enamel), cosmetic bonding may be the perfect solution. This procedure typically only takes a single appointment, during which one of our doctors will apply a tooth-colored composite resin to the dental surface and sculpt it into a pleasing, subtle addition that blends right in. The beautiful results can last for several years at a time.

Learn About Cosmetic Bonding

Inlays & Onlays

Inlays and onlays, also called “indirect fillings,” are restorations use to treat decayed teeth, helping them maintain their function and appearance (an inlay goes between the cusps of a tooth, while an onlay covers one or more of the cusps). These porcelain pieces are custom-made to fit in with your teeth, and their color is so close to that of natural enamel that they’re virtually invisible once they’re in place. Inlays and onlays are often used to treat cavities that are too big for a filling to correct but not so extensive that a crown is necessary.

Learn About Inlays & Onlays

Teeth Whitening

Teeth naturally become discolored over time due to daily habits like drinking coffee and snacking on dark foods. Genetics and environmental factors can also contribute to a smile that is a little lackluster. Fortunately, our dentists offer both in-office and at-home whitening treatments that can remove even deep-set stains from your teeth. The in-office treatment takes only about one hour, whereas the at-home process requires several days to deliver the most dramatic results.

Learn About Teeth Whitening

Understanding the Cost of Cosmetic Dentistry

Are you worried about undergoing the cost of cosmetic treatment? Patients are often concerned because aesthetic treatments aren’t usually covered by dental insurance because it is considered elective. The good news is that we’re happy to help you navigate the cost of your treatment, and we offer a variety of cosmetic solutions to help you achieve a wide array of smile goals. Until your consultation, here are some things for you to consider.

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What Cosmetic Dental Service is Right for Me?

Patients are usually trying to achieve teeth that are whiter, straighter, or shaped differently. Here are how some of our services can help:

• Direct Bonding – This is a minimally invasive procedure that can be completed in just one short visit to the practice. It is one of the most affordable options out there and can correct a variety of minor imperfections, like chips and stains. Depending on how well they maintain the results, direct bonding can last anywhere from 3 to 10 years.
• Teeth Whitening – Teeth can become discolored in numerous different ways, but with professional teeth whitening, stains can be lifted. This is another more affordable cosmetic option, and results can last anywhere from a couple months to a few years before you may want to have them touched-up.
• Veneers – Veneers aren’t the cheapest option out there, but they do tend to be the easiest way to transform numerous aspects of your smile at the same time. This includes the color, shape, and minor misalignment issues. The process can be completed in as few as two appointments, and they can last up to 15 years or longer.
• Invisalign – If you have alignment issues, Invisalign is an excellent option for correcting these without the use of metal brackets and wires. This treatment costs several thousands of dollars, but is an ideal solution for fixing misalignment.
• Smile Makeover – This treatment simply combines several services together for a more dramatic change. It may not be the most affordable option, but it is a comprehensive way to help you achieve your smile goals.

Cosmetic Dentistry Can Be an Investment Worth Making

Cosmetic dentistry can feel like quite a commitment, but it’s also an investment that will pay off over time. If you are feeling self-conscious about your smile, making changes can lead to significant improvement when it comes to confidence and self-esteem. Ultimately, this can mean better relationships, a more vibrant social life, and a higher overall quality of life. By taking a look at the entire picture, you can better determine if this is a worthwhile investment.

How to Make Cosmetic Dentistry Affordable

Cosmetic dentistry isn’t usually covered by dental insurance, but this doesn’t mean that you’re completely out of luck. With our Smile Savings Plan, you can save 15% on cosmetic services completed at our practice. We also work with CareCredit – a third-party financing company that can help to break the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly installments with little-to-no interest. Talk to one of our friendly team members to learn more.

To find out exactly how much you can expect cosmetic treatment to cost, schedule a consultation with us. We’re eager to help you achieve your smile goals!

Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs

If you’re dissatisfied with your smile, you don’t need to feel insecure about your imperfect teeth. You can choose the trusted cosmetic dentist in Topeka and Silver Lake to enhance your smile. It’s normal to have a few concerns before you’re ready to get started, but there isn’t any reason to worry. Dr. Michel will explain his recommendations and treatment process. While you wait for your consultation, here are the answers to a few of the most common questions patients ask us to help ease any apprehensions.

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What Are Common Cosmetic Treatments?

Nowadays, you have more options than ever to achieve the exact smile you crave. Our office embraces the latest technological advancements to create a plan tailored to your exact needs. Depending on your specific issues and your goals, you might benefit from one or more procedures, including:

• Porcelain Veneers: A thin shell is bonded to the front surface of a tooth, improving its overall color, size, and shape using just one treatment.
• Metal-Free Restorations: Fillings, crowns, bridges, and other restorations are crafted to match the color of your enamel. No one will know it isn’t your natural tooth.
• Cosmetic Bonding: A composite material is customized to match your enamel to fix minor aesthetic flaws, like chips or cracks.
• Inlays & Onlays: Restore the health and function of a tooth using tooth-colored inlays or onlays.
• Teeth Whitening: Get your teeth as much as 8 shades brighter with an in-office or at-home professional whitening system.
• Invisalign: Invest in a healthy, straight smile using clear aligners. You’ll enjoy a nearly invisible alternative to brackets and wires.

How Long Will the Process Take?

There isn’t any way to know how long your treatment process will take without first performing a consultation to establish your plan. We know your time is valuable, which is why we have convenient office hours and use state-of-the-art technology to streamline your care. Dr. Michel will explain the estimated timeframe it will take to achieve your dream smile.

Can I Use My Dental Insurance to Pay for Cosmetic Dentistry?

It is rare for dental insurance to pay for cosmetic dentistry because they are elective treatments; however, there are some exceptions. Some cosmetic procedures also provide restorative benefits. As a result, if it is necessary to restore the health of a tooth, your insurance policy might help offset the cost. After reaching your annual deductible, your dental benefits can be used to lower the amount you need to pay. We’ll help you maximize your dental insurance when applicable to keep your new smile affordable.

What Are My Payment Options?

Besides using your dental insurance, our office accepts many payment options, like third-party financing. You can get the funds you need for your treatment, which you’ll repay using a plan that accommodates your budget. A member of our team will take the time to work with you to find the solutions you need to achieve a radiant smile without worrying about any added financial strain.

Why Is Cosmetic Dentistry So Popular?

For most of history, the focus in dentistry has been treating oral health issues. While this is still our number one priority today, in the last few decades, modern dental techniques and technology have led to better overall dental health for the average person. Because more people have healthy smiles, many choose to focus more on the appearance of their teeth rather than just fixing damage. Cosmetic dentistry has also become more affordable over the years, so it isn’t only accessible to wealthy and famous people anymore. Naturally, people want to correct the flaws in their teeth so they can feel more confident.

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

Technically, “cosmetic dentistry” isn’t considered to be a dental specialty in the same way that orthodontics, pediatrics, and other areas of dentistry are. However, many dentists choose to dedicate more of their time and continuing education to cosmetic dentistry. Often, a cosmetic dentist will have an artistic touch that you may not get with a general dentist.

What Causes the Discoloration of a Tooth?

There are a variety of ways that teeth can become discolored. As one ages, their teeth can become more brittle, allowing staining and yellowing to occur. Pigmented foods and beverages are another common cause of discoloration. Some of the most common culprits include red sauces, red wine, tea, coffee, and chocolate. Using tobacco products can also cause the teeth to appear yellow or brown over time. Professional teeth whitening from your dentist can help lift many years of stains in as little as an hour!

Is Cosmetic Dentistry Safe?

As long as you are being treated by a trained professional, most cosmetic treatments are perfectly safe for most patients. That being said, not every treatment is right for every patient. That’s why Dr. Michel will examine your smile and give you an honest assessment of which treatments may or may not be ideal for you. Some cosmetic services may cause a risk if there is an underlying oral health issue that isn’t treated first. For example, if a veneer is placed over a decayed tooth, this can make the issue much more difficult to treat in the future.