Your smile says a lot about who you are. It may also boost your confidence and open the doors to a world of opportunities. While most dentists may offer cosmetic dentistry options to their patients, you want to find someone who you feel comfortable working with and can meet your expectations.
The following are five important things to consider when looking for a cosmetic dentist.
Your friends, neighbors and family members may offer their own referrals. To ensure you choose a reputable and expert cosmetic dentist, you want to do your own research. Qualifications are important, so you want to determine where they went to school, and the extent of their training. A well-trained candidate will have taken courses focused on laser dentistry, porcelain veneers and other common cosmetic dental practices. They will also complete continuing education courses throughout the course of their work life. Select a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry as they are offered training on the most current products, techniques and procedures. This important accreditation keeps the cosmetic dentist at the forefront of the industry and ahead of their peers. This is also a win-win situation for the patient as they benefit from the high level of care and expertise.
Time is precious, and you may not be able to schedule an appointment during normal work hours. A dentist should offer day, evening and Saturday appointments to their patients. Flexible payment options are another area of importance as your insurance provider may not cover smile enhancement procedures such as Invisalign, teeth whitening, bonding, veneers and implants. You will probably find it easiest to work with a dentist who accepts credit cards or offers financing and other payment plans.
You may have your own perceptions as to what constitutes a great smile. But when choosing a candidate, select a professional who has the abilities to integrate their expertise while keeping your wishes in mind. Remember, they have gone through extensive training and can offer you an experienced and trained eye. You should also choose someone who can educate you on the various procedures that will assist you in making your own personal preferences. During your initial consultation, you want to get a feel for the office staff, and its associates. Good chair side manner will boost your experience.
The field of cosmetic dentistry is ever changing. The right dentist will be interested in advanced technology that can better enhance your smile effortlessly and as pain-free as possible. Choose a cosmetic dentist who has the latest gear such as intraoral cameras, lasers and digital X-ray equipment. They should also offer sedation and anesthesia methods that will bring comfort to the patient.
An experienced cosmetic dentist will have worked with numerous clients before you. During your preliminary consultation, speak with the office about a referral contact list. The Internet will also have a wealth of information where you can research online reviews and get recommendations. Before and after photos should also be available through the practices online website or picture gallery. Ask the dentist for photos of work that has been performed similar to what you want.