Helpful Advice on How to Get a Natural-Looking Smile that Lasts a Lifetime
Helpful Advice on How to Get a Natural-Looking Smile that Lasts a LifetimeDeciding on the right cosmetic dentist can be a challenging process. You may already know that you need to do a little homework before selecting a cosmetic dentist. But where do you begin?
Your choice will affect your looks and self-confidence, possibly for a lifetime. Not to mention, selecting the wrong cosmetic dentist is a costly and potentially painful road that you do not want to travel down. (Bonus Tip: Download our free eBook: 6 Essential Steps to Choosing a Cosmetic Dentist for a more in-depth look into the selection process.)
Recently, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of cosmetic dentists. Today, almost every dentist refers to him or herself as a “cosmetic dentist.”
Why? Because any dentist can claim to specialize in cosmetic dentistry. Several general and family dentists justify calling themselves cosmetic dentists because they did not intend any of their dental work to look unattractive. So their dentistry must be cosmetic.
This creates the problem of dentists masquerading as cosmetic dentists but, in reality, they aren’t properly trained.
If you want a natural-looking smile that is both worth your investment and gives you lasting results, how do you choose a real cosmetic dentist?
Below is some advice that can help you start to narrow down your choices during the selection process:
How to Choose the Right Cosmetic Dentist
There are several determining factors you can base your selection on.
For some patients, it simply comes down to convenience and cost. However, take caution when selecting the cheapest cosmetic dentist. Cosmetic dentistry is like a fine art that requires time, skill and practice to perfect – and it doesn’t come at a bargain price.
1. Ask for Referrals
One of the best ways to is by talking to family, friends, and co-workers who have experienced cosmetic work and already done their research. You can also ask your general dentist for any recommendations. Another good place to get referrals is by reading online reviews.
2. Ask About Continuing Education
Dental school provides general dentistry education, but very few provide cosmetic dentistry education. You want to look for a dentist that has pursued post-graduate training. Methodical ability, a good eye, and an intensive program of post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry are all essential to perform cosmetic dental procedures.
3. Ask How Much Time They Devote to Cosmetic Dentistry
Beyond education and training, it’s important to know how many years of experience in cosmetic dentistry a particular candidate has practiced and how many smile makeovers they do a day. You’ll want to select one who sees a significant number of patients for cosmetic and restorative treatments a day.
4. Ask for Before and After Photos
Remember our fine art comparison? To continue the theme, just as a painter has a gallery of his or her work, a cosmetic dentist should have before and after photos to show off their best work. Be sure to ask to see examples of cosmetic dental work. In the age of Photoshop and stock photography, if you have concerns about a photo’s legitimacy, ask for a few referral patients of the before and after photos that you can call.
5. Ask for a Consultation
Your consultation is the time to truly meet your candidates. You don’t want to rush through the process or skip over anything, so take your time to clearly explain what you’re looking for and carefully listen to his or her recommendations.
Choosing the right cosmetic dentist for you isn’t something you will want to rush. Download our free eBook, 6 Essential Steps to Choosing a Cosmetic Dentist, today. Arm yourself with the knowledge you need on selecting the right cosmetic dentist so you don’t waste your time (or money) in the long run.
