For many people, their teeth may be a source of embarrassment. For others, there might be a small defect they want corrected. And in some others cases, people just want to enhance their overall appearance and get the smile they’ve always dreamed of. In of all these cases, finding a reliable cosmetic dentist is the first step to reaching your goal; going for the wrong dentist could actually make matters worse. However, if you know how and where to look, finding a great cosmetic dentist becomes pretty simple. In this article, we’re going to give you a few tips on how you can find the perfect clinic for your cosmetic dental procedure.
Know What You Want First and Foremost
The first thing you should do before you start looking for a dentist is to identify what your needs are exactly. Did you suffer a serious injury and need reconstructive treatment? Do you have issues with teeth spacing or the appearance of your gums?
If you’re going for a purely cosmetic procedure, what type of results are you looking for? Are you looking for something more natural or the classic movie star look? These are all things you’ll have to take into consideration before you start your search since different cosmetic dentists may be specialised in different areas.
Get Referrals
Getting referrals is a great way to start your search. If you know people around you who have had work done and you like the results, you could always ask them for their dentist’s credentials. Or you could check a few top clinics in your area and see what other people are saying about them online. Look at their reviews and check out their social media as well. This should give you a clearer idea of what type of clinic you’re dealing with and how much they care about their patients.
Make Sure That They Have the Proper Training and Education
While most cosmetic dentists are qualified, you have to make sure that they have the proper education and certification needed to perform the procedures they advertise. Try to find out if they’re pursuing continuing education as well. It’s always great to know that a dentist is constantly trying to stay updated on the latest techniques and technology.
You could also check if they’re a member of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry as well. The BACD’s main goal is to promote excellence in the field of cosmetic dentistry and members have to show that they are dedicated to maintaining the highest quality standards and staying up to date with the latest technology. Member clinics like Perfect Smile Spa, for instance, only use the latest methods and state of the art technology in all of their procedures.’
Check their Website
Just looking at their website should tell you a lot about their practice. You should be able to see what kind of services they offer, get a general idea of how much you can expect to pay, and some background information about their team. You should also be able to see some galleries and testimonials.
You cannot go with a particular clinic before seeing some before and after photos. Cosmetic dentists, just like any artists, will gladly show their best work, so check if you can see pictures. However, you should be aware that these types of pictures can be faked or lifted from somewhere else. If you have any doubt, ask for photos when you visit their clinic and ask for a few referrals you could follow up with as well.
Know What Type of Technology They’re Using
It’s also important that you don’t go with a dentist that is using outdated methods, treatment options, or technology. You want to work with someone who’s abreast of the latest changes in the industry and only uses the latest and best equipment. Ask them how and if they use things like dental lasers, CAM/CAD restoration, and intraoral imaging among other things.
Don’t Rush Your Consultation
At the end of the day, you’ll only truly know if a cosmetic dentist is really the best for you once you step into their clinic. They might have the right referrals and have been in business for a long time, but there are things you’ll only be able to find out once you get on the premises.
Try to get a general sense of the ambiance at the clinic. Do people look stressed or angry, or do they seem pleasant and eager to please? This should give you an idea of what type of service you should be expecting and if you’ll be treated as a patient or just another number. This is especially important since chances are that you’ll have to come back for follow ups later on.
During your visit, take the time to explain your issues with your dentist and listen to their recommendations. Also, try to gauge whether you’re on the same page and if they respect your opinions as well. While a dentist will always give you recommendations on what they think would be best, a good dentist will always respect your decision.
Conclusion
Finding the right cosmetic dentist is all about doing your due diligence and going with someone with a solid track record who actually cares about their patients. Make sure that you use the few tips in this article to narrow down your search and find the best professional for your procedure.
