The cosmetic-focused dentist behind Pearl Aesthetics & Dentistry in Chicago’s Lincoln Park, who takes the time to explain your options and does even a small filling with how it looks in mind.

Meet Dr. Colby

Dr. Colby grew up on a horse farm in Southern Illinois and was drawn to science early. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, with minors in Chemistry and Business Administration, and took part in research published in the Journal of Morphology in 2017.

He earned his Doctorate in Dental Medicine at Midwestern University, began practicing in downtown Chicago in 2020, and opened Pearl in Lincoln Park at the beginning of 2025, a practice built around cosmetic dentistry and an experience that feels personal.

“For me personally, aesthetics and humanity are inseparable from healthcare.”
Dr. Colby

How was Dr. Colby trained?

  1. 01

    Doctorate in Dental Medicine (DMD)

    Midwestern University.

  2. 02

    Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences

    With minors in Chemistry and Business Administration.

  3. 03

    Certified in dental implants

    Certified through Hiossen for dental implants.

  4. 04

    Certified in facial esthetics

    Certified through the American Academy of Facial Esthetics (AAFE) for Botox and fillers.

  5. 05

    American Dental Association

    Member of the ADA.

  6. 06

    Invisalign provider

    Clear aligner treatment, planned with the iTero digital scanner.

  7. 07

    Published research

    Journal of Morphology, 2017.

  8. 08

    In practice since 2020

    In Chicago, first downtown, then at Pearl in Lincoln Park from 2025.

Dr. Colby in his loupes, reviewing a patient’s images

Natural-looking work, even for a small filling

“What really sets my practice apart is that we approach dentistry like an art form. Even something as routine as a small filling is done with aesthetics in mind. We believe every detail matters, and we only deliver work that looks beautiful and natural.”

A lot of dental care feels rushed now. At Pearl we take longer. We talk through your options, plan results around your face, and recommend only the treatment you need, so you leave knowing what was done and why, with work that looks like it was always yours.

“Over time, I learned that trust is built through authenticity, results, and the patient experience.”
Dr. Colby
Dr. Colby in the dark corridor at Pearl

Where his eye for detail comes from

“Being involved in research gave me a strong appreciation for detail and the importance of constantly learning and evolving.”

Since 2021, Dr. Colby has also worked as a model, signed with BMG Models in Chicago and New York, and has walked in shows during Chicago and Los Angeles Fashion Weeks.

“Modeling has given me a unique perspective on beauty, branding, fashion, and self-expression.”

For you, that means a smile planned around your face and the way you present yourself, so it looks like you, not like dental work.

Google reviews

What patients say about Dr. Colby

5.0 Read every review on Google
Cleaning & X-rays
“Dr. Colby took the time to hear me out and ask questions.”

“Since moving to Chicago, I had such a hard time finding a trustworthy dentist. I tried a big corporate popular office here and did not feel heard at all. … Im usually very anxious at dental offices but this office is incredibly inviting, clean and doesnt have the sterile look. I went in for my cleaning and xrays and had the best experience.”

Venezia NicolettaGoogle · May 2025
Botox
“He listened carefully, respected that I wanted a natural result, and didn’t try to upsell.”

“I went in for Botox, and Dr. Colby really took his time to understand the look I was going for. He listened carefully, respected that I wanted a natural result, and didn’t try to upsell for any unnecessary treatments. The procedure itself was smooth and painless.”

Stephanie StaudoharGoogle · Jun 2025
Family dentistry
“Everyone in our family now goes to the practice.”

“Dr Gerth is a wonderful dentist across a variety of dental needs. He is skilled, professional, and caring, and really goes the extra mile to make sure we are comfortable with the dentistry as well as in the treatment experience. … Everyone in our family now goes to the practice.”

Claudia RosenGoogle · Aug 2026
Botox, then Invisalign
“Dr Colby listened to all of my concerns and had such a light touch.”

“I first came here for Botox appointments, specifically for my crows feet and to get a lip flip. Dr Colby listened to all of my concerns and had such a light touch. … As someone who has extreme dental anxiety I know I will be in good hands at pearl.”

Madisson GillespieGoogle · Sep 2025
Dental anxiety
“If you ever had fears about going to a dentist, Dr. Colby will put them all to rest!”

“If you ever had fears about going to a dentist, Dr. Colby will put them all to rest!! … I highly recommend him as your dentist!! His staff is wonderful and welcoming!!”

Daniel CrossGoogle · Apr 2026
Dental care & Botox
“It’s exactly what I asked for and looks so natural!”

“He’s very thorough, knowledgeable and professional. The office is so cozy and inviting! Not only do I trust him 100% when it comes to my dental health he also gave me the best Botox ever! It’s exactly what I asked for and looks so natural!”

Kat BurkeGoogle · Jun 2025

From Dr. Colby

Dr. Colby explains

Short answers to the questions patients ask most, from whitening to teeth that shift after braces, so you understand your options before you decide anything.

Will my teeth shift even if I’ve had braces?Video · 0:34
Rating TikTok dental trendsVideo · 0:54
The correct oral hygiene orderVideo · 1:19
Dental advice that sounds right (but isn’t)Video · 0:15
Can small changes enhance my smile?Video · 0:52
Care for every stage of lifeVideo · 0:10
How you’re ruining your teeth without knowingVideo · 0:48
Professional teeth whitening: what to expectVideo · 1:12
A look inside PearlVideo · 0:09
Model by day, dentist by dayVideo · 0:06
Tooth nail polish? Dr. Colby reactsVideo · 1:47

Book a visit with Dr. Colby

Book online in a minute, or call us. Your first visit starts with a conversation.