Cosmetic dentistry covers a variety of areas and services. From implants to whitening to veneers, the best cosmetic dentists provide solutions for patients. An expert cosmetic dentist who is concerned about your wishes and expectations will have the expertise to create a smile that you will love for years to come.
Your smile is a significant feature that uniquely expresses your personality. It is the first thing others will notice, so it’s essential that when choosing a cosmetic dentist, you find a professional that you can trust. Keep reading for four tips that will help you do just that!
Ask for referrals.
An excellent first step in your cosmetic dentist search to get recommendations from friends and family. Make a list of questions to ask. First and foremost, you want to ask what dentists have they had a pleasant experience with, and were they happy with the results? Some other important questions to ask include:
- Did the dentist make them feel comfortable and perform quality work?
- What technology do they have available in the office?
- Do they have any awards?
- Was the staff knowledgeable and professional?
- Is there financing offered?
Even if a dentist comes highly recommended and you see amazing pictures, you will want to ensure sure he or she is qualified. Do your due diligence and check to see where your potential cosmetic dentists went to school, what continuing education courses have they completed, and what professional organizations they are a part of.
Do your research.
It is essential to consider your dentist’s level of training and experience on your own before entrusting him or her with your smile. Check out the background and the list of dental services they offer. One way to measure experience is to find out how long the cosmetic dentist has been practicing and what they can do.
Also, most dentists who perform cosmetic dental procedures are proud of their work and will list it on their website. They will usually have before and after pictures, reviews, and patient testimonials readily available. Be sure to review all this with an open mind. Of course, a dentist is only going to list positive reviews on the website. So, go above and beyond and research other areas such as social media, google, and medical sites. On the flip side, keep in mind that every negative comment doesn’t necessarily mean the dentist isn’t skilled.
Set up a consultation.
Hopefully, by now, you’ve been able to narrow down your choices to one or two cosmetic dentists. Before you commit, visit your top picks for a consultation. This will be the best time to discuss the cost and any potential financing arrangements. This meeting will give you a chance to evaluate how comfortable you are with the dentist. It doesn’t matter how much experience they have or how many awards are on the wall if you don’t feel good when meeting with them.
[Check out our Smile Virtual tool here — it’s a consultation at your fingertips!]
Communicate.
A person’s perception of what looks good is essential in achieving a satisfying smile enhancement result. The art of improving smiles lies in a dentist’s ability to incorporate personal opinions of what is important with the dentist’s knowledge. With a professionally trained eye, your dentist will see more possibilities than you do. It is his or her responsibility to educate you so that you’re better able to make your personal choice. At the same time, you must have the trust and confidence that your dentist hears what you’re saying and understands your desires and concerns.
Your smile design makeover is a partnership between you and your cosmetic dentist. Finding the right person will be crucial for a positive outcome. So, do your homework and follow these steps to find the right cosmetic dentist for you.
When you are in the care of a skilled and trained professional cosmetic dentist like Michele Simpson, you can finally achieve the smile you want! To learn more about how we can help redesign your smile, contact our office today!