Understanding how to choose a cosmetic dentist is the most important part of beginning your adventure to a better smile. Whether you’re looking for teeth whitening, veneers, laminates, or some other procedure, knowing how to find the right dentist will ensure you get great care and the procedure can yield the best results for you.
Referrals
Talk to friends and family members who have had cosmetic dental work done and ask for their recommendations. This is the best way to see the work a doctor does in an unbiased way. Once you have some referrals, go online and check out their website to see what they offer.
Ratings
A quick online search will likely yield several results for cosmetic dentists in your area. Be sure to read each review – good and bad – to get a whole and clear picture of the dentist you’re looking at. Ratings can help you narrow down which dentists you want to consult with and who you plan to stay away from.
Training
Cosmetic dentistry is not a recognized specialty by the American Dental Association. Any general dentist can perform cosmetic procedures. With that in mind, dentists can still be members of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). This association helps provide educational opportunities, promotion, and support of a respected credential, and are a place to exchange ideas.
Photos
Most dentists will have before and after photos of work they’ve done. This will allow you to see the different procedures they’re skilled in and gauge expectations. If you don’t see anything that is similar to your case, ask the doctor for additional examples.
When you’re looking at these photos you’re inspecting for quality work from real patients. Make sure the photos you’re shown aren’t from a certain cosmetic brand or procedure’s website and they’ve actually been done by your dentist.
Look Out For
Beware of dentists offering miracle treatments that solve all your problems in just one visit. Many cosmetic treatments require an extensive treatment plan that takes place over several weeks or even months, depending on the procedure. Dentists offering these quick fixes are usually compromising on quality and even your safety.
When consulting with a dentist, it’s important to see if you are compatible. You need to feel totally comfortable and at ease with whoever is providing you with care. If you’d don’t feel totally comfortable, it’s wise to get a second opinion so you can keep your options open.
If you’re looking for an experienced cosmetic dentist who is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), contact us. We are committed to providing you with the best care possible, and getting you the best results from your cosmetic dentistry appointment.
