Finding a competent cosmetic dentist may be done in a variety of methods, some of which are less than ideal. I will outline several effective strategies, as well as those that aren't quite as effective, below.
The ideal approach is:
Doing some research beforehand is the most effective method for choosing a cosmetic dentist. Don't be in a rush to make a choice because this one could affect the rest of your life.
Talk to a minimum of two or three different cosmetic dentists, and make sure you ask to see before-and-after images of the work they've done.
Make sure that the outcomes of the doctor's work satisfy your expectations. Are the teeth of each of the patients identical in appearance?
Do they appear to have been naturally occurring, or do they look like someone has their mouth full of Chiclets?
How well do the contours of the patient's teeth complement the appearance of their face?
Make sure to ask the dentist to show you some samples of the various tooth forms.
You also need to make sure that you communicate properly with the dentist and that he comprehends what it is that you want from the procedure.
Where exactly did the dentist obtain his training in aesthetic dentistry?
Dental schools do not often provide courses in "true" aesthetic dentistry. A postgraduate course in advanced dental studies, such as the one offered by the Las Vegas institute for Advanced Dental Studies, should have been taken by the Dentist.
It is not merely a weekend lecture course on how to perform veneers; rather, the dentists participating in these sorts of programs bring in actual patients for the students to work on.
Make sure the dentist takes the time to explain everything to you and answers all of your questions. This is the single most essential thing you can do. After you have completed all of these steps, you will be in a position to make an intelligent choice.
Because the person who recommends a cosmetic dentist to you has a far smaller investment in the result of the procedure than you have, the burden of selecting the right dentist falls squarely on your shoulders.
1.A suggestion coming from your primary care physician. This can serve as a jumping off point, but keep in mind that your primary care physician is usually rather busy. Typically, he does not have the time to research and assess a large number of various cosmetic dentists. It's possible that he knows a couple of different dentists that specialize in cosmetic dentistry, but it's also possible that these dentists aren't necessarily the finest in the city.
2. A recommendation from a patient who has already seen a cosmetic dentist for treatment. If you are pleased with the outcomes, it may be worthwhile to look into working with this individual. Learn more about educational opportunities and postgraduate programs.
3.A reference from a beauty professional or a barber or stylist. These individuals are involved in the fashion and appearance industry. They are aware of who has had what done to them and have most likely witnessed both the good and the ugly that your area has to offer. This may really serve as a very decent launching point for your investigation into the matter.
4. The yellow pages will offer a list of dentists in your area; bear in mind that the size and quality of the ad are not an indication of the quality of the work that the dentist does. If you want to use this as your starting point, you need to exercise extreme caution.
The In-Person Interview
When you walk in for a consultation, here are some things you should keep in mind:
1. Give your best effort to unwind. It's merely a consultation that you need to attend. You are under no compulsion to undergo any form of therapy. Explain to the dentist what it is that you need help finding. Pay attention to what it is that he has to say.
2. Keep in mind that you are the one who is going to be paying the dentist; not the other way around. Make sure that he addresses each and every one of your concerns.
3. Bring examples of smiles that you like to your meeting with the dentist. It won't be possible to recreate every smile on every patient, but it will provide the cosmetic dentist with some insight into the general direction in which you want to move. Make sure you tell him exactly what it is about his grin that bothers you so much and why. He has some things to say about the way you grin, and you should listen.
What it is that you hope to achieve through the consultation:
1. Obtain as much information as possible concerning the procedure that is advised to you. What will be done; veneers? Crowns? Implants? bridges? Where are the opportunities for advancement? What is it that the dentist cannot make better? What are the potential obstacles that might arise? Where can I find out the prices? After the surgery, will you be able to get up and leave the hospital immediately? Move on to the next doctor if you get the impression that he is not addressing your inquiries or that he thinks you are wasting his time. It is the responsibility of the cosmetic dentist to ensure that you are well informed about the operation and that he responds to each and every one of your inquiries.
2.How experienced and skilled is the cosmetic dentist? Examine the "before" and "after" photographs of people who had conditions comparable to yours. This is one method that may be used to evaluate the quality of his work. Make sure you question the dentist if the patients whose images you are looking at are ones that he has worked on personally. Some cosmetic dentists will use stock photographs of patients rather than taking their own. If the dentist is unwilling to show you images of previous patients' work, it is in your best interest to go elsewhere.
3. If you like what you see but are still a little bit apprehensive about it, ask the dentist if you may contact any of his cosmetic patients who have had treatment that is similar to what you are considering having done. The vast majority of qualified cosmetic dentists will be pleased to make these arrangements for you.
Cosmetic dentists are the same as any other professionals in the sense that some of them are exceptionally skilled while others are not as skilled. The most convincing evidence of a dentist's competence is a gallery of examples of their previous work.
You wouldn't employ someone to rebuild your home without first seeing examples of their previous work, would you? A skilled aesthetic dentist looks at more than just the patient's teeth; they consider the individual as a whole.