How Do I Find and Choose a Cosmetic Dentist?

How Do I Find and Choose a Cosmetic Dentist? Related Information:

Most general dentists also do cosmetic dentistry. If you need braces, you will have to visit an orthodontist because this is a specialized procedure. If you wish to have any cosmetic dentistry, such as teeth whitening, bonding, implants or veneers done, you need to discuss it with your regular dentist. He/She will be able to refer you to a dentist that does these procedures if he/she does not perform them. When dealing with a dentist other than the one you are used to using, there are some things to need to consider before you commit to the procedure:

Credentials. You need to verify that this dentist has the education and experience necessary to provide you with exceptional and quality cosmetic work. This includes looking at the diplomas and certificates in the office and evidence that the dentist participates in continuing education to learn the latest techniques.

Verification. You may want to verify that the dentist is licensed to work in your state/province and that the licenses are current.

Check performance. You can use the Internet to check the AAED website to see if there are any legal proceedings for malpractice against the dentist.

Once you have verified that this dentist is educated and experienced enough to give you the quality service you need, you have to ask questions to ensure that you will get what you need. Some of these questions include:

What does the treatment mean? The dentist may use terms such as implants, bonding or veneers that you have never heard before. You need to get a full explanation of what this means for improving the appearance of your teeth.

What procedures does the dentist prefer to use? All dentists have favorite procedures that they feel comfortable performing. If you want to have a certain procedure done and the dentist tries to talk you out of it, you need to know the reasoning behind it.

What other options are available? If you are not comfortable with the option the dentist recommends, you need to ask what alternative treatments you can have. You need to know that this treatment will give you the results you want.

Ask for a prioritized treatment plan: The dentist should be able to give you a list of the work you need done according to the ones that are the most urgent. Most likely the plan will be spread out over a period of time and you may have wanted it done sooner. You need to ask why the dentist recommends the period of time.

What is the cost? This is very important because with cosmetic dentistry for appearances, you will have to pay the bill. Therefore you need to know what you will have to pay and how you can pay it. Some dentists want you to pay for each visit while others will set up a payment plan for you where you make regular payments.

If you are unsure about anything the dentist recommends, you should seek a second opinion. This will give you a good idea of whether or not the dentist is overcharging for a procedure or if he/she intends to do unnecessary dental work. The choice is yours and you do not have to accept any treatment you don’t want.

If the nature of the cosmetic dentistry is urgent, as it would be if you had your front teeth knocked out in an accident, you don’t really have the time to ask all these questions. Such cases are usually referred to a dentist through the hospital, so you know that the dentist is qualified.