How To Choose A Cosmetic Dentist

Cosmetic procedures are both an art and a science.  As a result this is not something that a dentist can learn in school or take a couple of week end courses.  On the technical side, the dentist has to be able to keep up on the latest materials and techniques so there is study and course work. The dentist has to have experience with the various cosmetic materials such as composite, feldspathic porcelains and cast ceramics so they can select the right materials for your individual case.  The dentist has to have and be able to use the proper equipment such as the various lasers to shape the gum and teeth as well as to be able to properly bond the restorations to the teeth so that they last a long time.  
On the art side, the dentist has to have a flair for shape, color and symmetry so they can accurately diagnose and solve your individual cosmetic challenge.  Many people think that cosmetic dentistry is just a matter of making teeth look whiter and straighter, but it is so much more. 

The best way to select a cosmetic dentist for your personal needs is to “judge by results”.  Any good cosmetic dentist will have lots of experience and many satisfied patients.  Although some patients do not want to display examples of their work, a dentist who does many cosmetic cases will have dozens of cases of various types so that you can easily see examples of before and after that are similar to your situation.

Look for a web page that itself looks attractive,  neat and well organized with a great variety of cases arranged by category, such as spaces filled in, crooked teeth made straight, dark teeth lightened and old discolored fillings replaced.  A dentist needs to have the permission of their patients to show their pictures, so one case displayed is probably representative of a dozen cases performed.
 
When you go to the office, look for the same types of things.    Attractive surroundings, nice but not over done decorations, and lots of pictures on the walls of people with great smiles will set a mood that says this dentist does a lot of cosmetic work.   feel comfortable in asking if the photographs displayed are patients who were actually treated in the office.  Look at the smiles of the dentist and employees.  If the dentist and the staff have ugly crooked teeth, that is certainly not a good sign.  Ask them about the types of cases that are performed at the office.  Dentists who do a lot of cosmetic work are excited about what they do and will show enthusiasm in talking about their cases and have lots to show you. 

Lastly you can ask about the techniques to be used.  Will you be able to see photographs of your smile with simulated before and after?  Will you be able to see models of your teeth as they are now and altered to look like you want them to be?  Will you see temporary crowns or veneers so you can see the direction that the dentist is going before the final restorations are fabricated?  Do they have experienced technicians doing the work who have a very good reputation in the dental community?

If you can work through this process comfortably you can rest assured that the dentist is the one that can solve your cosmetic needs.

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