How Do I Choose A Cosmetic Dentist?

With the ever-increasing number of cosmetic dentists in the dental industry, it takes careful consideration and due diligence to select the right one here in Long Island. Additionally, there is a wide range of services that cosmetic dentists offer in order to help you restore your smile and improve your self-confidence in the process. Unfortunately, when it comes to choosing the right cosmetic dentist Long Island professional, individuals do not have access to a 3rd party insurance administrator or referral system to help them choose the right one.

Obtaining Referrals

One of the primary considerations for choosing a cosmetic dentist in Long Island is the recommendation that your family dentist provides you. If you have good oral hygiene habits and have been getting regular check-ups from your family dentist, they are a good source for referrals since they know the condition and status of gums, mouth, and teeth. So it is vital that you consult with your family or general dentist first before proceeding.

If your dentist feels the need for further evaluation prior to visiting a cosmetic dentist, they will most likely refer you to one of the following specialists:

• Endodontist
• Oral maxillofacial surgeon
• Orthodontist
• Periodontist
• Prosthodontist

Keep in mind that any cosmetic dental procedure’s efficacy and longevity is impacted by the condition of your gums, supporting jawbone structure, and teeth. So you may be required to undergo treatments that address these conditions prior to seeing a cosmetic dentist Long Island and having a procedure performed.

Narrowing Down Your Choices

Before making your final decision, you should consider doing some research and discuss your needs with several cosmetic dentists. It is important that you consider each one’s level of experience prior to making your final list to consult with. For instance, you should ask each dentist if he or she is experienced and skilled at performing full mouth reconstruction or will they refer you to another specialist? Additionally, ask them if their American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) membership is current.

Additional Considerations

Another important consideration is the amount of time that each cosmetic dentist Long Island has been in practice. There are certain questions you should ask them including:

• Are there certain dental technologies that they employ in order to facilitate your cosmetic dentistry needs?
• Do they have “Before and After” photos of their patients that you can look at?
• How extensive is their length of cosmetic dentistry practice?
• If there is an emergency, what provisions do they make?
• What “comforts” do they provide (comfort chairs, headphones playing relaxing music, sedation, etc.)?

These are all important questions to ask each cosmetic dentist that you are considering for your procedure. Stony Brook Family Dentistry wants to ensure that you make the right decision when selecting a Long Island cosmetic dentist. Contact us today to schedule your evaluation appointment and to determine which cosmetic dental procedure will address your specific needs.