Rick B. Ratchford DDS in Chattanooga: Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry with Implant Focus
Rick B. Ratchford DDS operates a general and cosmetic dental practice in Chattanooga focused on smile reconstruction, tooth replacement, and cosmetic enhancement. The practice serves patients seeking everything from routine cleanings to full-mouth cosmetic rehabilitation and has built its reputation around implant work and smile design.
What This Practice Handles
Ratchford offers both cosmetic and restorative services. Cosmetic cases include tooth whitening, porcelain veneers, bonding, and smile design consultation. Restorative work encompasses dental implants (single tooth, multiple teeth, and full-mouth cases), crowns, bridges, and complete smile makeovers that combine cosmetic and structural repair. The practice also performs routine preventive care and cleanings, treating the office as a full-service facility rather than cosmetic-only. This dual focus means a patient can address decay, misalignment, or damage alongside aesthetic concerns in one location.
Cosmetic Services and Pricing
Tooth whitening typically runs between $150 and $300 depending on method (in-office professional vs. take-home trays). Professional whitening delivers faster results than over-the-counter strips and is calibrated to your tooth structure; Ratchford's in-office option usually shows results in a single appointment.
Porcelain veneers, which reshape the visible front surface of a tooth, range from $800 to $1,200 per tooth. Veneers suit patients with permanent discoloration, chips, or shape concerns that whitening alone will not fix. A typical smile redesign uses four to eight veneers on upper front teeth.
Bonding (composite resin applied directly to the tooth) costs $150 to $400 per tooth and addresses smaller cosmetic flaws quickly, though it does not last as long as veneers (5 to 10 years vs. 10 to 15 years for porcelain).
Dental implants, which replace missing teeth with a titanium root and custom crown, run $4,000 to $6,000 per tooth at this practice. Full-mouth implant cases (typically four to six implants supporting a fixed bridge) can reach $25,000 to $35,000. Verify current pricing directly; implant costs vary by bone quality, sinus lift needs, and material choices.
How Ratchford Compares to Other Chattanooga Cosmetic Dentists
Ratchford's practice stands out for implant specialization and does not limit itself to cosmetic veneers and whitening; this makes it suitable for patients who need structural tooth replacement alongside aesthetics. Many Chattanooga cosmetic dentists (such as those in general practices with a cosmetic side menu) excel at whitening and bonding but refer implant cases elsewhere. Ratchford handles the full implant pipeline in-house, which simplifies treatment planning and continuity.
For veneers and whitening alone, a dedicated cosmetic practice may offer faster appointments and specialized aesthetic training. For patients missing multiple teeth or considering an implant-supported bridge, Ratchford's implant expertise and restorative capability provide one-stop care that avoids referral delays.
Who This Practice Suits and Who It Does Not
Ratchford is ideal for patients missing teeth who want a permanent replacement option, for those pursuing a complete smile makeover combining cosmetic and restorative work, and for people comfortable with longer treatment timelines (implants typically require 3 to 6 months as bone integrates). Adults of any age with adequate bone density are candidates.
Patients seeking quick cosmetic fixes (same-day bonding or bleaching alone) may prefer a high-volume cosmetic or general practice. Those with severe gum disease or uncontrolled diabetes may require periodontal treatment first and may be advised to wait for implant surgery. Families needing pediatric dental care should look elsewhere; this practice focuses on adult restorative and cosmetic work.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
New patients typically receive an exam, full-mouth X-rays (digital, limiting radiation), and a consultation. If cosmetic work is the goal, the dentist will discuss smile design, show before-and-after photos, and outline a treatment timeline. For implant candidates, a CBCT scan (advanced 3D imaging) determines bone structure and optimal implant placement; this scan costs $200 to $400 separately and is often included in the implant planning fee.
Most first visits run 60 to 90 minutes. The dentist will review your goals, existing dental work, and any concerns, then propose a phased plan with cost and timeline. Insurance coverage varies; cosmetic procedures are typically not covered, while implants may be partially covered if they replace a tooth lost to disease or injury (not cosmetic choice).
Hours, Location, and Logistics
Ratchford's office is located in Chattanooga and accepts most major insurance plans alongside cash-pay and financing options (CareCredit, in-house payment plans). Office hours run Monday through Friday, typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with occasional Saturday hours; verify current scheduling by calling ahead. Parking is available on-site or nearby street parking depending on the specific location. Treatment often spans multiple appointments (implant cases require surgery and restoration in separate visits weeks apart), so accessibility and parking ease matter for longer cases.
Rick B. Ratchford DDS fills a gap in Chattanooga's cosmetic and restorative landscape by centralizing implant care and smile design, reducing patient burden when missing teeth and cosmetic goals overlap.
