Cosmetic dentistry is a growing industry, but that is not necessarily a good thing for those individuals looking for a cosmetic dentist, since there are so many dentists to choose from. Because your smile is such an important part of you, you need a professional you can trust. Cosmetic dentistry is not recognized as a specialty area by the American Dental Association, so you must consider a cosmetic dentist’s experience and level of training before entrusting her or him with your smile.
Use the following guide on how to choose the right cosmetic dentist:
- Experienced – you can measure experience by the number of years that the cosmetic dentist has been practicing. You can further inquire about the types of dental procedures that the dentist most commonly performs.
- Use of updated technology – the cosmetic dental technology should be advanced, and if you don’t know much about the latest technologies used in an aesthetic dentistry office, make sure you are armed with adequate information.
- Specialties that fit your individual needs – many cosmetic dentists offer some level of general dentistry, but you should find out whether their services cover your prospective procedures. A cosmetic dentist offering multiple services is preferable, which would allow you to stick to one dentist. On the other hand, a cosmetic dentist who specializes in only a few procedures, including those you require, would be even better. If you know what your smile requires, an aesthetic dentist who is skilled in those procedures is who you need.
- Successful previous results – a cosmetic dentist who shows you before and after photos of previous cosmetic work is offering a great way to observe his or her skill level. If you are happy with the quality and style used, then you might be at the right dentistry office.
- Positive patient testimonials and reviews – patient reviews and testimonials are an extremely important step in your decision to use a specific cosmetic dentist. An Internet search or reviews site, and the patient testimonials on a cosmetic dentistry website will yield a wealth of information.
- Commitment to continuing education – cosmetic dental procedures and technology are continuously advancing. You need to find out if your prospective dentist is committed to staying up to date on cosmetic dentistry through continued education.
- Patient centered – your prospective cosmetic dentist and his or her staff need to listen to your goals. This can be established during initial consultations. Make sure that your cosmetic dentist explains all procedures in easy-to-understand terms so that you know whether your goals are the same.