What To Look For in a Cosmetic Dentist

For those looking to improve how their smile looks, choosing the right cosmetic dentist is key. Because cosmetic dentistry is not a recognized dental specialty, any dentist can claim to be a cosmetic dentist. Therefore, finding the right professional for you can be a challenge. Fortunately, knowing what qualities to look for takes much of the guesswork out of finding the right cosmetic dentist.

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is the branch focused on improving the way the smile looks. The procedures it includes are quite broad, from simple bonding procedures to veneers and smile makeovers. Cosmetic dentistry even overlaps with restorative dentistry with dental fillings, crowns, and dental implants. Often procedures that improve the function of teeth also improve their appearance, and almost all general dentists perform some procedures that are considered cosmetic.

What to look for when choosing a cosmetic dentist

There is no set and consistent standard of education and training that all those claiming to be cosmetic dentists have. Dentists of all types and levels of experience advertise themselves as cosmetic dentists, and their skill levels can vary widely. So how is the cosmetic dentist considered skilled in producing the desired results? Here are a few key things to look for when seeking a cosmetic dentist:

Experience

How much experience does the dentist have in the procedure being considered and in cosmetic dentistry procedures in general? Often, this information can be discovered by reading the dentist's website or the dentist's bio. Look for information about courses of study and the history of their practice. If it needs clarification from the website, one can usually inquire about the dentist's experience by email or phone.

Professional Organizations

It is a good sign if the dentist participates in professional organizations focusing on cosmetic dentistry. Typically, members of these organizations are dedicated to continuing education in this branch of dentistry and updating their skills. For example, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) is recognized as a worldwide authority in the field. Its members can even become accredited.

Before and after pictures

Dentists dedicated to performing cosmetic procedures may have before and after images of teeth on the website to display the positive changes. Look for before and after photos and ensure they are from actual patients, not stock photos. They should note their authenticity in the photo captions.

Patient information

Look for information on the dentist's website regarding cosmetic procedures. Does it look like a large portion of their practice is dedicated to this branch of dentistry? The subject matter of the articles in the dentist's blog is also a good indicator of their practice's focus. It is also a good sign if the website provides detailed information about the procedures one is considering.

Other considerations

Getting recommendations from friends, co-workers, and family who have had cosmetic dentistry procedures is always a good idea. Also, thanks to the Internet, information about local dentists is available at most people's fingertips. Online there are a wealth of medical and dental review sites as well as general review sites where people can read a dentist's reviews. This should help to narrow down the list. Then, we recommend making consultation appointments with a few different dentists, so the patient can meet the dentist and ask questions in person. The Internet also makes this easier, as many dentists offer consultations online.