You’re looking for a positive change for your teeth. Whether it’s a straighter smile, a color correction, or even a more advanced procedure like replacing missing teeth, you want something that can help add the extra spark to your smile you feel that you’re missing.
Cosmetic Dentistry can do just that for you, but even further, it can help boost your confidence, give your appearance the positive results you’re looking for, and change your everyday life. Once you’ve decided cosmetic dentistry is for you, you’re left with this question: How do I go about picking the best cosmetic dentist for me?
We have you covered. Check out our Top 5 factors to consider when picking a cosmetic dentist. A quick read-through will get you on the right track to a straight, pearly-white smile in no time!
Training is Everything (Associations are Good, Too)
When it comes to do picking the right cosmetic dentist for you, the most crucial factor to consider is their training. Where did your dentist get his or her degree? Does your dentist just practice cosmetic dentistry, or does he have other specializations, too? A trained cosmetic dentist will likely have taken postgraduate courses in things like porcelain veneers, Invisalign, laser dentistry, white restorations, and more. Never shy away from asking your dentist about his or her training. Additionally, it’s always a bonus when your prospective dentist is a member of well-known associations like the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. While this membership never puts the seal of approval on a dentist’s skills, it does indicate they take their cosmetics seriously enough to invest in a membership.
Time is Money, but Money Pays Bills – Why Not Consider Both?
Always talk with your dentist about these two factors: time and money. Don’t be shy asking your dentist how long they believe the procedure will take, what kind of healing period you’re looking at, and how long you’ll have to wait to schedule the procedure. Even so, ensure that your dentist doesn’t have any vacation or away-time during your healing – if they do, check to see if another dentist is scheduled to assist you. Further, be frank with your dentist about cost and payment options. Talk with your dentist about how much they charge for a procedure, why they charge what they do, and discuss the myriad of payment plans and options they offer. Have these things worked out before committing to a cosmetic procedure.
Look at the Evidence: Those Before and After Photos Matter
Any cosmetic dentist worth his or her salt will have plenty of before-and-after photos on-hand to showcase their work; we definitely recommend asking to see these photos before agreeing to a cosmetic procedure. Further, ask your dentist to show you a case he’s done that’s similar to yours – this way, you’ll get an idea of his or her skill and experience working with a case like yours. Ask yourself, after seeing these photos, if you’re comfortable putting your cosmetic procedure in the hands of this particular dentist.
How About Previews?
Another super-helpful feature that some cosmetic dentists have are digital previews, mock-ups, or wax-up software so you’re able to see the predicted results before you commit to the cosmetic dentist. Request that your prospective dentist take images of your jaw, teeth, or smile – or whatever aspect you’re looking to have adjusted – and then see if they’re able to create a digital mock-up of what your predicted results will be.
Comfort is Key
While it’s always important to find a dentist with the proper training, plenty of experience, and the right tools, it’s equally important you find a cosmetic dentist you’re comfortable with. Ask yourself when you walk into the dentist’s office, “Am I comfortable?” How do you feel about the doctor? Do you think they’ll make your procedure easier, or do you think you’ll be uncomfortable – making the procedure more stressful? Does the staff make you feel welcome and secure? All these comfort questions are important when committing to a specific cosmetic dentist, so don’t glaze past these just because your prospective dentist has the experience and prices you’re looking for! Essentially, this is the factor pertaining to your gut instinct.
Most importantly, before committing to a dentist, give Matthew Wimmer DMD a thoughtful consideration. You owe it to yourself to leave your teeth in the best hands. His online reviews are a strong indicator of his track record.