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Cosmetic dentistry covers a wide range of treatments — from a quick professional whitening to a full smile makeover. The right option depends on what you specifically want to change. A short consultation at Christiansen Dental in Centennial (just up the road from Lone Tree) will narrow it down quickly.
Cosmetic Treatment Options
Teeth Whitening
Professional whitening lightens overall tooth color. In-office whitening produces results in about an hour. Custom take-home trays produce results over one to two weeks. Best starting point when teeth are healthy but dull or yellow.
Cosmetic Bonding
Tooth-colored composite resin is shaped onto a tooth to fix small chips, close minor gaps, or reshape uneven edges. Usually completed in one visit, often without anesthesia. Lasts 5 to 10 years.
Porcelain Veneers
Custom-made porcelain coverings bonded to the front of teeth. They change shape, color, length, and overall appearance. Best when several front teeth need attention at once. Last 10 to 20 years or more.
Clear Aligners
A series of nearly invisible, removable trays that gradually move teeth into a straighter position. Treatment usually takes 6 to 18 months. A good fit for mild to moderate crowding, gaps, and minor bite issues.
Tooth-Colored Fillings and Crowns
Replacing old silver fillings with composite or upgrading older crowns to porcelain can make a noticeable cosmetic difference, especially on teeth that show when you smile.
How to Choose
A simple framework helps most patients narrow it down:
• Bothered by color? Start with whitening.
• Bothered by a small chip or gap? Bonding is usually the answer.
• Bothered by crookedness? Clear aligners.
• Bothered by multiple front-tooth issues at once? Veneers.
• Combination of issues? A coordinated plan, sometimes called a smile makeover.
What a Cosmetic Consult Looks Like
A cosmetic consult at our office is mostly a conversation. We take photos and X-rays, listen to what you'd like to change, and walk you through realistic options — including costs and timeline. There is no pressure to commit. Some patients leave with a treatment plan. Some leave with a take-home whitening tray and a much smaller decision than they thought they were facing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does insurance cover cosmetic dentistry?
Most insurance plans don't cover purely cosmetic procedures. Some procedures (like crowns that are also restorative) may be partially covered. We verify benefits before any work begins.
Can I see what my smile would look like before I commit?
For larger cases like veneers, we often create a wax model or a "trial smile" so you can see and approve the result before any permanent work is done.
How long does cosmetic treatment take?
From an hour for in-office whitening to several months for clear aligners or a multi-step smile makeover.
Cosmetic Consultations Near Lone Tree, CO
Call Christiansen Dental at (303) 790-9323 or book online for a cosmetic consultation. We'll help you figure out the smallest change that gets you what you want — which is usually less than people expect.
About the Authors
Drs. Bart & James Christiansen, DDS are brothers practicing in Centennial, CO. Bart has been practicing since 1988 and James since 2009. They offer general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry for the whole family.
