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 type of cosmetic dental procedure. 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’. Why? Because these days, any general dentist who does things as simple as whitening teeth can claim to be a cosmetic dentist. 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 a 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 advise, which our patients have found helpful during the selection process. From discussions with our patients, 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 will pay great dividends in terms of your understanding. If in doubt, see a couple different accredited cosmetic dentists for a consultation. This will clarify in your own mind those personal characteristics that you would like your cosmetic dentist to have.

2) POST GRADUATE COSMETIC DENTAL TRAINING

To perform cosmetic dental procedures at the highest level, technical skill, an artistic eye, and a rigorous program of post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry is needed. It may surprise you to learn that the vast majority of dental schools don’t teach any courses in cosmetic dentistry. For the few that do, they are usually limited to only a few introductory courses. Your mouth is not the place for on – the – job –training. Therefore, it is crucial that the cosmetic dentist that you select continually completes hands-on-training courses in cosmetic dentistry. The field changes rapidly and keeping abreast of what was state-of-the –art five or ten years ago is not anymore. The significance lies not only in developing the dentist’s clinical judgment and technical skill, but also in demonstrating his/her commitment to practicing cosmetic dentistry at the highest level of excellence.

3) A CARING APPROACH AND GREAT COMMUNICATION

Find a doctor with a good chair side manner who conveys to you that they care about you as a person as well as a patient. Cosmetic dentistry is a process not a single operation. Find someone with whom you can talk to easily. It is just as important that he understands what you desire and that you understand what they are describing. To accomplish these goals, the first thing the dentist should do is listen and make sure he understands all of your 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 patient.

4) PERFECTIONISM

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

5) AN ARTISTIC EYE

While technical virtuosity is necessary to produce a great clinical result, alone it is not sufficient. Excellent cosmetic dentistry demands a highly sophisticated artistic sense. In order to achieve an optimal aesthetic result, one must have a clear vision of what is artistically possible and appropriate. In this regard it helps greatly if the dentist has a master ceramist that also understands the requirements of the patient. Great cosmetic dentistry is an art.