Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on transforming the appearance of your smile—while still honoring the importance of good oral health. At Tri-Cities Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we believe that a beautiful smile should also be strong, functional, and long-lasting.

While general dentistry is centered on prevention and maintenance (such as cleanings, fillings, and checkups), cosmetic dentistry combines art and science to improve how your smile looks and feels. Treatments are highly personalized and may include:

• Smile makeovers
• Professional teeth whitening
• Tooth contouring and reshaping
• Bonding
• Tooth-colored fillings
• Porcelain veneers
• Dental implant-supported restorations
• Natural-looking bridges and crowns

Dr. Kathy Sanders —a nationally recognized cosmetic dentist and Tennessee’s only AACD-accredited Fellow—brings decades of experience and advanced training to every smile she transforms.

Your journey begins with a comprehensive oral exam to assess both the health and appearance of your smile. From there, you’ll meet with our new patient coordinator for a private treatment conference, where we’ll walk you through your personalized plan.

We’ll discuss:

• The recommended cosmetic and restorative treatments
• Estimated timelines and sequencing
• Financial considerations and payment options
• Any necessary referrals to trusted specialists (such as orthodontists or periodontists)

Our team works closely with you to coordinate your appointments in the most efficient and stress-free way possible—so your path to a confident smile is clear and simple.

If you’re unhappy with how your smile looks — or how it functions — Dr. Sanders and Dr. Lovett can help restore both confidence and comfort. Whether you’re missing a tooth, dealing with discoloration, or exploring alternatives to braces as an adult, cosmetic dentistry offers solutions that are not only effective but often life-changing.

Our expertise in functional aesthetics means your treatment plan won’t just focus on surface-level improvements. Our dentists take time to understand your bite, jaw alignment, and long-term oral health needs — so your new smile works just as beautifully as it looks.

Every smile is unique, and so is every treatment plan. Some cosmetic procedures—like in-office whitening or bonding—can be completed in just one visit. Others, such as full smile makeovers or implant-supported restorations, may take several weeks or months depending on complexity.

At your consultation, we’ll explain exactly what to expect so you feel confident and informed every step of the way.

Insurance coverage for cosmetic dentistry varies depending on the procedure and your provider. While most plans do not cover purely aesthetic treatments, certain procedures that also restore function—like crowns or implant-supported bridges—may qualify for partial coverage.

Our team will help you understand your benefits and provide a detailed estimate before any treatment begins. We’ll also walk you through flexible payment and financing options to ensure your new smile fits comfortably within your budget.