Porcelain veneers, professional teeth whitening, cosmetic bonding, and smile makeovers at the Apison Pike office with Dr. David Peterson, DDS
Meet Dr. David Peterson, Your Cosmetic Dentist in Ooltewah
Dr. David Peterson has practiced cosmetic and family dentistry on Apison Pike for 21 years. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in California and has cared for approximately 25,000 patients across his career. Many of them have stayed with the practice for five or more years.
Cosmetic work makes up a steady part of his weekly schedule. He has placed thousands of porcelain and composite veneers, completed hundreds of professional teeth whitening treatments, and handled hundreds of smile makeover cases that combine several procedures into one plan. He commits to 25 hours of continuing education per year and has accumulated more than 800 CE hours since dental school.
In 2025 Dr. Peterson was named a Top Dentist in Chattanooga by BusinessRate, an independent local-business rating service. He also serves as a lead dentist on mission trips with HELPS International in Guatemala and volunteers with AMEN clinics and Life Hope Centers locally.
How a Cosmetic Consultation Works
The first appointment is a conversation, not a sales pitch. You tell us what bothers you when you smile or look in photos. We take a few photos and an updated set of x-rays if you do not already have a recent set. Dr. Peterson examines your teeth and gums, talks through the options that match what you want, and gives you a written plan with cost ranges before you leave.
You take the plan home and decide. No one calls to pressure you. When you are ready to move forward, we schedule the preparation appointment and walk you through what to expect on the day.
Insurance, Financing, and New Patient Specials
We file in-network claims with most major PPO insurance plans. Purely cosmetic work like elective whitening and veneers is usually not covered, but restorative work that also produces a cosmetic result (such as a porcelain crown on a cracked tooth) often has restorative coverage. We verify your specific plan benefits before the consultation so you know what your out-of-pocket cost will be.
For patients without dental insurance, we offer two new patient specials at the Ooltewah office. The $125 new patient exam and x-rays gives Dr. Peterson the information he needs to plan cosmetic work. The $199 new patient exam, x-rays, and healthy mouth cleaning adds a cleaning when periodontal disease is not present. Both are first-visit-only and cannot be combined with insurance.
For larger cosmetic plans, we accept CareCredit financing. CareCredit offers six-month and 12-month no-interest options on qualifying balances.
Cosmetic Dentist in Ooltewah TN Office Tour
Our Ooltewah Dental Services Include:
Dental Implants Provider
FAQ Section
How does cosmetic dentistry differ from general dentistry?
General dentistry focuses on the health and function of your teeth and gums. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on how your smile looks. There is overlap. A porcelain crown, for example, restores a damaged tooth and improves how it looks at the same time. The conversation usually starts with what you want to change and then matches that to options that protect the tooth long term.
What cosmetic services does Peterson Family Dentistry offer at the Ooltewah office?
Porcelain and composite veneers, professional in-office teeth whitening, cosmetic bonding, dental bridges, porcelain crowns, and full smile makeovers. Dr. David Peterson has placed thousands of veneers over 21 years in private practice and completed hundreds of professional whitening treatments. Smile makeovers may combine two or more of these in a planned sequence.
How much do veneers cost in Ooltewah?
Veneer pricing varies based on the material (porcelain versus composite), how many teeth are involved, and whether any preparatory work is needed first. Composite bonding veneers are less expensive per tooth than porcelain. A consultation gives you an itemized treatment plan and exact pricing before any work begins. We file with most major PPO insurance plans and offer CareCredit financing for treatments insurance does not cover.
How long does professional teeth whitening last?
Most patients see results that last 12 to 24 months. The actual range depends on what you eat and drink, whether you smoke, and how consistent you are with brushing and flossing. Coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco are the main causes of repeat staining. A touch-up tray every 12 to 18 months is the usual maintenance.
Is cosmetic dentistry covered by insurance?
Most dental insurance plans treat purely cosmetic work as non-covered, which means whitening and elective veneers usually come out of pocket. The picture changes when the same procedure also restores damaged or decayed tooth structure. A porcelain crown placed to protect a cracked tooth, for example, often has restorative coverage. We verify your specific plan benefits before the consultation so you know what is covered and what is not.
Do I have to be in pain to schedule a cosmetic consultation?
No. A cosmetic consultation is for anyone who wants to talk about changes to how their smile looks. There is no pressure to commit to treatment on the first visit. The consultation gives you a written plan, options at different price points, and a timeline. You take it home and decide.
Does Dr. Peterson see patients from Collegedale, East Brainerd, and other nearby communities at the Ooltewah office?
Yes. The Apison Pike office is the primary location for patients from Ooltewah, Collegedale, Apison, and surrounding Hamilton County areas on the east side of the metro. Patients from East Brainerd and the Hamilton Place corridor are typically routed to the Jenkins Rd Chattanooga office, which is closer to that side of town. The receptionist will help you pick the better location when you book.
New Patient Specials
New Patient Exams
$125
No insurance? We offer a $125 Comprehensive New Patient Exam and X-Rays.
New patients only. Cannot be combined with insurance.
New Patient Exam & Healthy Mouth Cleaning
$199
No insurance? We offer a $199 Comprehensive New Patient Exam, X-Rays, and a Healthy Mouth Cleaning.
New patients only. Cannot be combined with insurance. Includes a Healthy Mouth Cleaning in the absence of periodontal disease.
Two Convenient Locations to Serve You
Peterson Family Dentistry
Ooltewah - Collegedale
Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Peterson Family Dentistry
Chattanooga
Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM