Although a cosmetic procedure might not be major surgery, it still requires some careful thought if you want to get the best results. When trying to schedule cosmetic dentistry, there are so many dentists to choose from that it can sometimes be overwhelming. While you might want to find the most affordable dentist, you still want to consider their experience, qualifications, work and more.
If you are wanting to find the best cosmetic dentist near you, below are some things you should consider.
What to Look for When Searching for the Best Cosmetic Dentist Near You
Ask for a Recommendation
One of the easiest ways to choose a dentist would be to have someone you know give you a referral. When you choose to go this route, you are able to see their work up close and personal, and have much of your concerns put to rest.
If you don’t know anyone who has had cosmetic dentistry done, you can always ask your regular dentist if he or she can recommend someone. You can also go online and read reviews as this too can tell you much of what you need to know before moving forward.
Make Sure They Have the Right Credentials
Choosing a dentist based on what your friend said or even the pictures you see online is not enough. You want to make sure that anyone who does work on your teeth is qualified to perform the procedure. Just because a dentist is licensed, doesn’t necessarily mean that he or she is qualified to perform specific cosmetic procedures. Therefore, make sure your dentist is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry as this will ensure that they are well-versed in the latest technologies and procedures.
View Their Portfolio
In order for you to get a good idea of what your results might look like, it is important that you be able to see the work that your dentist has done on other people. However, make sure the pictures you are looking at are of actual patients and not commercial photographs.
A dentist with an extensive portfolio will have more experience, and will typically provide better results. You can typically see before and after photos on their website, or you can ask for patient referrals as well. If you want to make sure you are looking at real photos, people who leave reviews online will typically post photos as well.
Consider Their Level of Expertise
While a dentist might have all of the right credentials, it is also important that they are putting that knowledge to practice on actual patients. You should ask them how many times they have performed the procedure that you are inquiring about, and ask if they have photos. It should go without saying that the more times a dentist performs a certain procedure, the more skilled he or she will become at it. Explain your desired results, and pay attention as to whether or not the dentist offers any input.
Communicate All of Your Needs
Do not let anyone rush you into making a decision or not allow you to ask as many questions as you’d like. It is your right to be able to make a fully informed decision; therefore, you should take your time during the consultation.
Prior to meeting with a dentist, you should write down all of your concerns and desires, so you can be sure that all of your needs are addressed. At the same time, if you want to receive the best possible results, it is important that you consider the dentist’s suggestions as well. As a professional, they will be able to make suggestions based on their expertise, your mouth shape, and other factors.
When it comes to choosing a cosmetic dentist, there are a lot of things that you must consider if you want to get the best results possible. One of the last things that should be a deciding factor when choosing a dentist is the costs as you want to make sure you end up with a smile that you can live with. There is nothing worse than having to redo a cosmetic procedure because you would end up spending way more money all because you tried to spend less.
If you want to receive the best results possible, let the dentist’s work and experience be your number one selling points.
