Cosmetic dentist

Are you thinking about getting veneers, dental implants or crowns? Or, perhaps you’re interested in having your teeth professionally whitened. All of these procedures along with many others are done by a cosmetic dentist. Once you decide to get this type of dental work done, the next step involves finding a good cosmetic dentist in your area.

Look at a few easy ways to go about your search for the best professional for the job.

Ask Your Friends, Coworkers and Neighbors

Today, there are many people who visit a cosmetic dentist on a regular basis for teeth whitening. Others go to a cosmetic dentist to get veneers or crowns to improve the appearance of their smile. So, there’s a very good chance that one of your coworkers, friends or neighbors has visited a cosmetic dentist.

Not surprisingly, there’s nothing better than a personal recommendation of any professional including a cosmetic dentist. You can ask your friend, coworker or neighbor questions about their procedure and the professionalism of the dentist.

Find out first-hand about a local cosmetic dentist and get an honest perspective on their work.

Visit Several Websites of Cosmetic Dentists

Another way to find a good cosmetic dentist in your area is to check out the websites of a few of these professionals. Many cosmetic dentists put a frequently asked questions section on their website to give visitors more information about what they do. Some cosmetic dentists put photos of themselves and their office area on their website. According to the team at Smiles By Rizzo, it’s also a great idea to look at the office hours on the website to be sure they fit into your schedule.

Smiles by Rizzo offers some very early morning and some Saturday hours but many dentists only offer the 9 am – 5 pm appointment times. They also suggested that you check the insurance section and check with your insurance to be sure the dentist you are looking at is covered. There’s nothing worse than getting that first appointment and arriving only to find it will all be out-of- pocket

All of the information on the website can help you to decide whether to contact the dentist or move on to another option.

Check the Online Reviews of a Cosmetic Dentist

In the 21st century, lots of people post online reviews of professionals. This includes cosmetic dentists. So, check out some reviews for specific dentists to see what the general consensus is on the professional’s work. Of course, your decision to visit a cosmetic dentist shouldn’t be made based only on online reviews. But, these reviews add to the picture of a dentist’s overall quality and professionalism.

Check Credentials

Checking a cosmetic dentist’s credentials is a critical step in ensuring that you receive safe and high-quality dental care. To begin, you should verify that the dentist is licensed to practice in your state or country, which can be done by contacting the relevant dental board.

Confirming their educational background, such as holding a DDS or DMD degree from an accredited dental school, is also crucial.

Specialized training in cosmetic dentistry, including courses, certifications, or memberships in reputable organizations like the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), is another vital aspect of their credentials. Additionally, it’s essential to review the dentist’s professional memberships, investigate their experience in the specific cosmetic procedure you’re interested in, and ask for referrals or before-and-after photos to assess their work.

Furthermore, you should check for any disciplinary actions or malpractice claims and consult online directories for additional information. Seeking second opinions from other dentists can provide an added layer of assurance.

By diligently checking a cosmetic dentist’s credentials, you can make an informed choice and increase the likelihood of achieving the desired results with confidence.

Call a Few Cosmetic Dentists to Ask Question

Find the contact information of the cosmetic dentists in your area using a resource such as Google or  Your Smile Becomes You. Have a list of questions on-hand to ask the receptionist or a dental assistant over the phone. You may want to ask about the different procedures offered in the office, the qualifications of the cosmetic dentist, office hours and more. If you don’t want to call the office, many dentists provide an email address for people who have inquiries about their services.

Inquire About Costs

Inquiring about the costs of cosmetic dental procedures is a crucial part of the decision-making process. The financial aspect of cosmetic dentistry varies depending on the type of procedure and the dentist’s location and experience.

During your initial consultation with the cosmetic dentist, it’s essential to have an open and candid discussion about the expected costs. This conversation should encompass the total expenses, including the procedure itself, anesthesia, follow-up appointments, and any potential post-treatment care.

Ask whether the dentist accepts your dental insurance, as not all cosmetic procedures are covered, and if not, inquire about available payment plans or financing options to make the treatments more manageable.

Understanding the costs upfront allows you to budget accordingly and make an informed decision based on both your desired outcome and your financial situation.

Visit Offices of Cosmetic Dentists in Your Area

Once you have a list of three or four local cosmetic dentists, you can pay them a visit to see the office in-person. Are you greeted by the staff and provided with a tour of the offices? Are you introduced to the cosmetic dentist? Take note of the way you feel in the office. Are you at ease and comfortable while you’re there? Do you feel welcome? Sometimes the impression you get when you visit an office can be the final deciding factor in your search for a good cosmetic dentist.

Lastly, be sure to ask if a cosmetic dentist is accepting new patients before completing your search. Sometimes a cosmetic dentist is so popular that he or she isn’t taking on new patients! You want to find someone with enough space on their schedule to see you in a timely manner.