Not everyone has the talent to transform an imperfect smile into a perfect one. To be considered a cosmetic dentist, general dentists undergo several years of training beyond dental school. During this time, they are introduced to new materials and the art of making a smile beautiful. Despite the years of training to become a great cosmetic dentist, these dentists are not considered specialists. Some dentists believe there are economic and political reasons for this. Regardless, most general dentists perform cosmetic dental procedures, but not all are equally talented.
To be recognized as a dental specialty, an organization must:
- have a fully-functioning sponsoring organization.
- be a distinct and well-defined field.
- require advanced knowledge and skills
- have scientific documentation of its contribution to dental knowledge and the profession and public oral health services
- benefit clinical patient care
- have two-year formal advanced education programs
Since cosmetic dentists aren’t considered specialists, choosing a dentist to improve your smile is even more difficult. We’re here to make the process easier!
Follow these five guidelines to find a great cosmetic dentist near you:
1. Ask Around
Most people know at least one person who has undergone cosmetic dental treatment. Ask about their experience and the dentist they chose. If they have a good recommendation, Google that dentist to learn more. You can ask for referrals on Facebook as well. You’ll reach a lot more people than you could by mouth and receive many more recommendations to check out.
2. Read Reviews
Once you’ve compiled a list of cosmetic dentists, read each one’s Google, Facebook, or Yelp reviews to learn what other patients have to say about their treatment and experience. Be sure to consider the patient’s whole experience, not just the outcome of their cosmetic procedure. A dentist who listens to their patients’ needs and concerns is a must. These treatments can also take multiple appointments, so you want to choose a dentist that makes their patients feel welcome and comfortable.
3. View Their Work
Reading reviews should narrow down your list quite a bit. Choose two dentists to visit in person and ask to see before-and-after pictures from previous patients. The dentist should have several available for you to look at (if not, you’ll probably want to look for a different dentist). These photos will show the dentist’s precision and skill.
4. Ask About Credentials
During the consultation, ask questions about the dentist’s education, training, and experience in cosmetic dental procedures. After dental school, dentists complete additional training in different procedures. Make sure cosmetic dentistry was a part of their additional training. Dentists are also required to complete several hours of continuing education each year—cosmetic dentistry should be a part of this as well.
Remember, you’re the one paying for the work, so don’t worry about asking too many questions! The right dentist will understand your concerns.
5. Communicate Your Expectations
Explain to the dentist exactly what you want your smile to look like. You can even bring pictures of the smiles you want yours to look like.
While you probably have an idea of what treatment or treatments you need to achieve your perfect smile, the dentist may have other recommendations. Listen to their recommendations and consider all of the risks and benefits of each before making a decision. The dentist should help you choose the path that’s most beneficial.
By this time, you should feel comfortable enough with the dentist to trust their expert opinion. If for some reason you feel uneasy, remember nothing is set in stone! Visit another dentist just to see what the experience is like.
Start the Journey Today
Your perfect smile doesn’t have to be a distant dream. Start searching for the best cosmetic dentist near you today. Once you have chosen a dentist based on her ability, experience, personality, and quality of care, we can guarantee your satisfaction.
To meet with our Lombard, IL cosmetic dentist, call our office today at 630-629-5700.
