How to Find a Cosmetic Dentist
Cosmetic dentistry is more popular than ever with a number of procedures a patient can receive to feel more happy and confident in their smile! There are many resources available to help patients find the best Cosmetic Dentist for top-notch work while simultaneously making the patient comfortable. It is important that you are comfortable with the doctor you choose and that you trust their abilities and understand what to expect throughout your treatment.
It is important to understand that any Dentist can refer to themselves as a Cosmetic Dentist because cosmetic dentistry is not a recognized specialty. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry has a list of all of the certified Cosmetic Dentists in your area. Only true Cosmetic Dentists are members of the AACD and are privy to continuing education courses that keep them up-to-date on current trends and techniques. Cosmetic Dentists receive additional hands-on training after graduating from dental school.
Finding A Cosmetic Dentist
Friends and family can be a great source of information. If anyone in your social circle has had cosmetic dental work done, they can share their experience with you to help give you a better understanding of what you can expect. Once you gather a few names, do some online research for each doctor and review the smile gallery on each website to see the before and after photos of the cosmetic work that they have done on others.
You may also consider speaking with your general Dentist. They may be able to provide your entire treatment but in the event that they do not perform cosmetic procedures, they can help you find an excellent Cosmetic Dental that they trust with your care. Cosmetic dentistry is not cheap and good cosmetic dentistry can be very costly but if you are careful to choose a Dentist with great experience, that will ensure that you have high-quality work with a potential to last a lifetime!
One more factor to take into consideration is the geographical location of the office from your home or work place. Most cosmetic dentistry requires multiple visits so it is important that you find someone whose office is easily accessible to you.
If you have a few names that you would like more information on, schedule a consultation with each candidate. This is a great way to actually see the office and meet the doctor in person which will give you a feel of their bedside manner. A lot of offices offer a free consultation that you can take advantage of to compare treatment options and costs.
Review your lifestyle habits and oral hygiene routine with your Dentist honestly so they can present the best treatment options for your individual case. During the consultation, you will also get an idea of the overall cost and timeframe of treatment. This will also be the time to discuss financial arrangements if necessary. A lot of offices offer in-house financing or use a third-party financing company, like CareCredit, to help ease the burden of the out-of-pocket cost for their patients.