The Top 5 Things To Look For In a Cosmetic Dentist
Are you looking to get a cosmetic dental procedure done? Are you looking for a cosmetic dentist? There are many dentists who claim to have the knowledge and experience when it comes to cosmetic dental procedures. If this is your first time looking for a cosmetic dentist, here are the top 5 things to look for in a cosmetic dentist.
Education and Association
Obviously, any patient would want a highly-educated and highly-trained cosmetic dentist. Cosmetic dentists will normally earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) degree from a university. Cosmetic dentists should also have a verifiable license through the state’s dental board. Cosmetic dentists who are serious about cosmetic dentistry should also have invested in being a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Also, it is recommended to ask or check to see if the cosmetic dentist regularly attends continuing education classes to ensure they are up-to-date in procedures and techniques.
Specialty
In line with education and association, cosmetic dentists will normally state their specialty. Check if the cosmetic dentist specializes in the type of cosmetic procedure you interested in getting. For instance, a procedure called dental bonding is considered a cosmetic dental procedure. It does not require surgery or anesthesia. It is recommended to seek a cosmetic dentist who has honed their skills in this type of procedure. It will require the cosmetic dentist to mold a piece of material to a patient’s tooth or teeth. This molded piece must be molded perfectly to ensure a natural looking smile. Ask the cosmetic dentist about his experience and knowledge about the procedure.
Technology
Cosmetic dentists will pride themselves in having the latest technology for cosmetic procedures. These types of instruments are costly and require extensive expertise to utilize the instrument correctly. Some of these technologies may include digital x-rays, dental lasers, and intraoral cameras with monitors that a patient can see during a procedure. If a cosmetic dentist has this type of equipment in their practice, chances are they want the best equipment to provide the best service for their patients.
Reviews
So you’ve got it down to a few cosmetic dentists. You’ve checked their background, education and the types of equipment they have in their practice. Now it’s time to check for reviews, testimonies, and before-and-after pictures. In today’s modern society, everyone checks reviews for virtually anything and everything. Checking reviews for a cosmetic dentist is no different. In fact, this is one of the best ways to know what you’re getting into. It is recommended to check a few sources and read reviews from different patients. It will give you a general idea about the cosmetic dentist and his office. You should read about follow-up visits, customer service, scheduling, and payment options. Most reputable and legit cosmetic dentists will offer more than one payment option. They will also tell their patients in advance about their policies and procedures. Be wary of dentists who ask for payments up-front and on a cash-only basis.
Consultation
The best way to get to know a potential cosmetic dentist is to go in for a consultation. As the saying goes, “the first impression is a lasting impression”. Professional and experienced cosmetic dentists are seasoned and have acquired the necessary skills in their profession. By interacting with them, you will immediately know by their demeanor how they behave when you ask them questions. You may want to ask them about their educational background, their training, and their experience. Compare it to the research you have done on your own about them. An honest cosmetic dentist will also do honest work.
These are the top 5 things to look for in a cosmetic dentist. You may also use additional criteria when choosing a cosmetic dentist. The first important factor when starting your research is the cosmetic dentist’s verifiable credentials.