Choosing the RIGHT cosmetic dentist

Today more than ever, the choice of a cosmetic dentist is a critical decision that should be made with the utmost care. So, how do you choose a cosmetic dentist? After all, in today’s marketplace, many general dentists perform at least some types of cosmetic dental procedures. Over the past few years, there has been a dramatic influx of “cosmetic dentists” into the field, so much so that in the industry being a “cosmetic dentist” is almost a cliché… passé. Why? Because these days, any general dentist who does things as simple as whitening teeth can claim to be a cosmetic dentists. So when someone is looking to get a Hollywood smile, what should they expect? Are all dentists the same?

Choosing the right cosmetic dentist for you, one with substantial experience in complex cases, extensive hands-on training and gentle approach that compliments your needs and wants is critical to achieving the most successful outcome – your gorgeous new smile. Educated and discerning people will realize that most “cosmetic dentistry”, if done properly, is a complex and precise set of operative procedures that will dramatically affect their lives for years to come.

Selecting a cosmetic dentist can be a difficult and confusing process. In the end, it is a personal decision that each person must make for himself or herself. We can, however, offer some advice, which our clients have found helpful during the selection process. From discussions with our clients, we believe the most important of these tips include the following:

1. Take your time.

Most cosmetic dental procedures are elective procedures, not emergencies. Time spent learning about the dental procedures, different techniques and materials and cosmetic dentists you are considering will pay great dividends in terms of your understanding and emotional comfort later. If in doubt, see a couple of different accredited cosmetic dentists for a consultation. This will clarify in your own mind those personal characteristics that you would like your cosmetic dentists to have. Our office is happy to provide second opinions.

2. A caring approach & great communication.

Find a doctor with a good chairside manner who conveys to you that they care about you as a person as well as a client. Cosmetic dentistry is a process, not a single operation. Find someone with whom you can talk easily. It is just as important that he/she understand what you desire as they you understand what they are describing. To accomplish these goals, the first thing the cosmetic dentist should do is listen and make sure he or she understands all you concerns, needs and desires as they relate to your dental health and the look of your smile. Only then should they spend time diagnosing and consulting on the recommended treatment plan, which should be individualized for each client.

3. A sense of perfectionism.

Find a cosmetic dentist who is accurate in his/her evalution of your needs, precise in the execution of their operative plan and meticulous in their craftsmanship. Although perfectionism is in the eye of the beholder, this doctor will do whatever it takes without cutting corners, not only to satisfy you, but also to meet their own personal standards of excellence. Make sure the cosmetic dentist addresses not just the teeth, but also the guns, lips, facial structure and your specific requests.

4. Extensive smile design experience.

Before you randomly select a dentist out of the phone book or rely on your long-time family dentist to give you the smile of your dreams, think again. Great cosmetic dentistry is an art. The fact is, many dentists are generalists who have not performed cosmetic smile designs very many times or with a regularity that leads to mastery of this art. So, if you are considering veneers for example, you should ask exactly how many veneers the dentist has placed. Our dentists have placed many many veneers each year. Placing this number of veneers allows our dentists to see a wide variety of many different types of smiles and bring this experience and expertise to enhance your case.