Cosmetic dentistry is a rare combination of both, science as well as art. It can be particularly challenging to find a cosmetic dentist with the training, skill, and experience it takes to consistently deliver good results with their cosmetic dental procedures.
It gets frustrating to find so many results when you’re browsing on the internet searching for the “best cosmetic dentist near me”. Well, we’re here to help.
This article outlines exactly what you need to do to ensure you get quality treatments from qualified cosmetic dentists.
As we move on to those tips, you should identify what you want out of the procedure.
Let’s get started!
What Type of Cosmetic Dental Procedure Do You Want?
Take a look at the following cosmetic dental procedures. Which of these interest you?
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- Whitening: getting your teeth whitened by a professional
- Porcelain crowns: caps to conceal discolored, damaged, or misaligned teeth
- Dental implants: replacing the root and structure of a missing tooth (done in connection with a porcelain crown)
- Composite bonding: composite resin to improve the appearance and strength of a chipped tooth
- Porcelain veneers: masking tooth damage or discoloration with tooth-colored materials
- Inlays and onlays: tooth fillings that match the color of your teeth
- Contouring: smoothening or reshaping of teeth for a more aesthetic appearance
While you don’t have to be absolutely certain about what you want, it does help to have a general idea. For example, if you want porcelain crowns, you will be able to narrow down your search to a cosmetic dentist who is particularly experienced with that procedure.
Research: Look for Credentials, Training, and Expertise
When it comes to training and education a cosmetic dentist should have completed a bachelor’s degree in sciences or public health, followed by a four-year course at a dental school. A dentist must have a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) degree. They must also be licensed by their local state dental board.
Some dentists may also have taken advanced training specifically to improve their skills for cosmetic procedures, but cosmetic dentistry is not an officially recognized specialty of the American Dental Association. There are no set training requirements dentists must have in order to do cosmetic procedures or advertise as a cosmetic dentist.
You can either ask potential dentists where they trained and earned their certifications or look for this information on their websites.
Examine Portfolios and Evaluate Past Work
Next, make sure to look at a dentist’s portfolio. If you have a specific procedure in mind, ask them to show you before and after photographs of previous cases. If possible get in touch with previous patients and talk to them about their experiences.
You can also have a look at reviews on Google or social media pages, but be sure to explore more than one platform to get a fuller picture of their clients’ experiences.
Ask for a Referral
When it comes to referrals there are a few paths you can take. First, if you already know a friend, relative, or colleague who’s had a cosmetic dental procedure done, ask them to recommend someone to you. While you don’t have to commit to anything just yet, it does give you an option to consider during your screening process.
Second, you could also ask your general physician or another medical professional you see regularly for a recommendation. Finally, don’t be afraid to explore local forums online and ask for recommendations there. You generally find these groups or forums on Reddit or Facebook.
Consider Location and Timings
Now it’s time to narrow down your list. Consider where these potential cosmetic dentists are located and how easy it is for you to access them for treatments.
Additionally, have a look at their office hours on their websites and see how compatible they are with your work schedule. If information like this is unavailable on their website, call up to make an inquiry.
Consultations and Communicating Your Needs
Once you’ve narrowed down your final list of potential cosmetic dentists, it’s time to set up an initial consultation. Before you attend one, make a list of questions you have for your dentist. Start by attending a consultation with the most promising one on your list.
After your session ask yourself how comfortable you were during your consultation.
Did the dentist make you feel heard? Did they put you at ease? How satisfied were you with their answers?
Were you content with the treatment options they put before you? Are they an affordable choice? Are they an AACD member?
A consultation requires no commitments but it allows you to clarify any doubts you have and have your concerns addressed. A cosmetic dentist who is dismissive, inattentive, and unwilling to put you at ease is not worth considering.
If a dentist meets all of your requirements, all that matters next is cost. If their payment plans seem affordable to you, you’ve found yourself the right dentist. If not, it’s time to schedule a consultation with the next dentist on your list!
Find the Best Cosmetic Dentist Near Me: Begin Your Journey Today
Finding a cosmetic dentist is no walk in the park, but these tips will help make the process a lot simpler. At least now when you’re searching for the “best cosmetic dentist near me”, you’ll know exactly what to look for.
Want to get one step closer to finding a qualified, experienced, and skilled cosmetic dentist in Boise? Give us a call on 208-328-6700 to schedule a consultation with our dental health professionals or click here to learn all about our team!
