Paul R. Gardner, DDS in Chattanooga: Cosmetic Dentistry with a Focus on Veneers and Smile Design
Paul R. Gardner, DDS operates Emerald Dental, a cosmetic-focused practice in the East Brainerd area of Chattanooga that emphasizes porcelain veneers, smile makeovers, and tooth whitening rather than providing full-scope general dentistry or serving primarily as a referral lab.
What Emerald Dental actually is
Emerald Dental is a cosmetic dentistry practice where Gardner, a DDS, works on aesthetic outcomes: brightening, reshaping, and aligning teeth through bonding, veneers, and whitening. It is not a general dentistry office where you go for cleanings and cavity fillings as a primary service, though Gardner does perform restorative work. The practice operates as a destination for people who have already had foundational dental care elsewhere and want to improve or transform their smile. Because cosmetic dentistry in Chattanooga is concentrated across a handful of practitioners, rather than mainstream, understanding where Gardner fits helps you navigate the local market.
Services and pricing
Porcelain veneers typically range from $1,200 to $2,500 per tooth at Emerald Dental, depending on complexity and material. A full smile design involving 6 to 10 veneers costs between $7,500 and $25,000 without insurance. Professional tooth whitening ranges from $500 to $1,200 for in-office treatments; take-home trays are lower. Composite bonding costs $300 to $1,000 per tooth depending on size and extent. Cosmetic veneers and whitening are elective and not covered by dental insurance. Gardner offers payment plan options; confirm current terms by calling directly, as financing availability and rates shift quarterly.
How Emerald Dental compares to other Chattanooga cosmetic options
Chattanooga's cosmetic dentistry market is narrow. Cosmetic dentists who advertise or maintain active practices in the city include practitioners at general dentistry offices (such as some providers at larger Chattanooga-area groups) who offer whitening or bonding as an add-on service but do not specialize in smile design. Gardner's practice differs because veneers and smile makeovers are the core focus, not a sideline. A general dentist may quote $300 to $800 per veneer if they do the work; Gardner's higher per-tooth pricing reflects specialization in the design and placement of smile-altering cases. Choose Emerald if you want a dentist whose reputation and daily work center on cosmetic outcomes; choose a general dentist's cosmetic service if you need veneers alongside ongoing preventive care and want one provider for both.
Who it suits and who it does not
Emerald Dental suits people who have healthy teeth and gums and want to brighten, reshape, or close gaps without braces. People age 30 to 65 make up much of the cosmetic veneer market. Adults seeking whitening before a major event or wedding are also a good fit for the practice's in-office service. Emerald Dental is not ideal for patients who need root canals, periodontal therapy, or routine cleanings; you will need to refer elsewhere or maintain care at another practice. It is also not the right choice for people without foundational dental health, because veneers and cosmetic bonding require sound underlying teeth and gums.
What the first visit involves
An initial consultation at Emerald Dental includes a digital smile analysis, where Gardner uses imaging software to show you how teeth would look after veneers or bonding. He discusses the number of teeth to treat, the shade, and the shape. Impressions are taken if treatment is planned. The appointment typically lasts 45 minutes to one hour. Gardner explains what is achievable and the cost per tooth. If you decide to proceed, a second appointment is booked for preparation (shaping the tooth surface) and fabrication. Veneers are sent to a lab and placed on a return visit, usually 1 to 2 weeks later. Whitening happens in one appointment.
Hours, parking, and logistics
Emerald Dental is located in East Brainerd, off Highway 153. Office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with limited Saturday hours; verify current hours on the practice website or by phone, as cosmetic dental offices sometimes adjust scheduling seasonally. Parking is on-site. The practice is not on a major public transit line; a car is necessary. Confirm address and accessibility details directly, as office locations in East Brainerd have changed in recent years.
Gardner's practice fills a genuine gap in Chattanooga's cosmetic dentistry landscape by centering on veneers and smile design rather than treating cosmetics as an afterthought to general care. If your goal is a full smile transformation, this specialization is a major asset.
