A Guide To Choosing A Cosmetic Dentist

Although the American Dental Association doesn’t consider cosmetic dentistry an official area of specialization, there are a lot of dentists out there who choose to refer to themselves as cosmetic dentists. When deciding which of these dentists to visit, how can you be sure which ones are trustworthy and qualified? Before choosing a cosmetic dentist, consider reading through the following tips.

Education

Cosmetic dentistry often involves advanced techniques that aren’t taught in standard dental school. A good cosmetic dentist will have taken extra courses after graduation to familiarize themselves with these techniques. These courses usually focus on advanced cosmetic procedures such as placing porcelain veneers, using lasers and using corrective devices like Invisalign. Before choosing a dentist, research their background and education to find out whether or not they have completed additional training.

Professional Affiliations

Ideally, you should look for a cosmetic dentist who is a member of one or more well-respected professional organizations. The American Academy of cosmetic dentistry is one of the more well-known associations that cosmetic dentists can join. Although a membership to this group doesn’t automatically guarantee that a particular dentist is a good choice, it does indicate that they take their job seriously otherwise, they wouldn’t have been willing to invest in a membership.

Payment Methods

Cosmetic dental procedures usually aren’t covered by health insurance. That means that you will need to pay for any work you have done out of your own pocket. When evaluating dentists, ask them about the payment options that they have available.

Availability

Look for a dentist whose office hours work well with your schedule. You may also want to consider a dentist who is qualified to provide services to every member of your family.

Office Location

Most cosmetic procedures require more than one appointment. Having to go back for future visits is easier when you choose an office that is conveniently located.

Scheduling Time

Many cosmetic procedures take a long time to finish. It is important to choose an office where your appointment window is long enough that your dentist doesn’t have to rush.

Access To Technology

Dental technology has come a long way over the last few years. By choosing an office that incorporates modern tools such as digital x-rays, lasers, intra-oral cameras, and monitors in the exam room, you can be sure that you are getting the most advanced care available. Don’t forget to discuss the type of anesthesia that the dentist uses during procedures.

Patient Comfort

When you visit a dentist, you should remain comfortable throughout the entire procedure. Look for a dental office that makes patient comfort a priority.

An Excellent Portfolio

Any good cosmetic dentist should be happy to show you before-and-after photos of some of the patients they have worked with in the past.

Digital Imaging

Many cosmetic dentists use imaging programs to digitally demonstrate to their patients what the final results will look like.

It is important to put careful thought into choosing a cosmetic dentist. If you choose a dentist who is not qualified, you could be exposed to safety issues or you may wind up having problems or complications after your visit. Don’t be afraid to ask for a consultation before deciding on a dentist. This will give you a chance to talk about your situation and to get a feel for how qualified the dentist is.

Before the dentist begins work, have a plan in place regarding your treatment. Talk about how often you will need to return for additional appointments and how you will pay for the work.

Ultimately, the dentist that you choose should give you a great sense of confidence and should make the process of having dental work done as easy as possible. Even though cosmetic dental procedures can be time-consuming and expensive, they are usually worth it when you consider all of the ways that they can increase your self-esteem and self-confidence.