If you’re looking for a cosmetic dentist you can trust with your dental treatment, there are some tips you can follow to make sure you find the right cosmetic dentist for you. Of course, location is important. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry’s (AACD) online database can help you find cosmetic dentists near you and will also provide these dentists’ credentials and accreditations. Cosmetic dentists who register with the AACD tend to be more invested in their practice, and this database is a good place to start – but there’s more research to be done. Location is important, but so are training, experience, patient satisfaction, and other factors. To get the answers you’re seeking when researching cosmetic dentists near you, it’s helpful to call the dentist’s office and ask some important questions.
The best cosmetic dentists continue their training after dental school, taking post-graduate courses about different cosmetic treatments. Feel free to ask prospective dentists about their post-graduate training and additional studies, which could include specializations in a variety of cosmetic dental procedures like laser dentistry or porcelain veneers. Of course, it’s also important to ask about costs and financing options. Some cosmetic procedures, like complete smile makeovers, can be prohibitively expensive, and, because cosmetic dental procedures are considered elective treatments, they aren’t often covered by dental insurance. Many cosmetic dentists work with financing services and offer payment plans and credit options, which can be an important part of selecting a cosmetic dentist near you.
Just as the location of the dentist contributes to the overall convenience of your treatment, so does the dentist’s schedule. Make sure the dentists you’re researching offer treatments during hours that will work for you, and make sure they’re convenient enough to facilitate the multiple office visits that are often required for cosmetic dental treatments. You can also ask for an estimate of the duration of your treatment before deciding on a timeframe that suits your schedule. It can be helpful to visit prospective dentists’ offices to gauge your comfort level in their office, get to know their staff, and to ask questions and assess the answers. Communication between the patient and the dental staff is an important part of ensuring positive outcomes, and you should feel comfortable and respected in the place you’ll be spending a fair amount of time over the course of treatment.
If you’re investigating a more innovative procedure, ask about the technologies used at each practice. Many cosmetic dentists use digital imaging technology, lasers, and intraoral cameras to plan precise, custom treatment plans, and these technologies can help dentists plan aesthetically superior treatments. You may also want to ask about the types of anesthesia and sedation that are available, especially if you’re anxious about your potential treatments.
Many cosmetic dentists provide galleries of before-and-after photos, and prospective dentists can provide pictures of treatments that are similar to yours so you can gauge potential outcomes. There are also dentists who use digital technologies that allow patients to see their predicted results before signing on for treatment, and other dentists provide wax mock-ups of expected outcomes so you know what to expect before you commit to treatment. Choosing an experienced, qualified cosmetic dentist you feel comfortable with is integral to your overall satisfaction, and it’s okay to ask whatever questions you need to feel confident in your choice.
