Choosing the Right Cosmetic Dentist

When you choose your cosmetic dentist, there are more aspects to consider than just how close the dental office is to your home or how cheap the costs might be. Remember the old adage that “you get what you pay for”.

In decades past, dentists were all much alike. They took a reactive approach, providing fillings or gum work to correct existing problems, and they did not place much value on patient education. Times have changed and dentistry has been transformed. Cosmetic dentistry has emerged as a high-tech and sophisticated form of dentistry offering a new array of services and a new approach to its patients.

Cosmetic Dentistry Training

While any dentist can offer a cosmetic procedure, the first question is: does he or she have the training and expertise to do it well? Most undergraduate dental schools do not offer cosmetic dentistry training. A qualified cosmetic dentist has done a lot of post-graduate work and many have trained at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies.

To practice excellent cosmetic dentistry, a dentist must learn to use different technology and materials, must learn new techniques, and must learn to develop a more artistic eye than is required of a general dentist. Cosmetic dentistry is a mix of science and art. To enhance your smile, the dental work must suit you, must match your facial shape, facial expressions, your coloring, and even your personality.

Schedule Consultations

When you have a list of possible cosmetic dentists (from online research, family and friends, or even just the phone book), call each one and schedule a consultation. Make sure that the consultation will be with the dentist rather than an assistant. You want to meet and talk with the dentist to get a sense of how well you could work together.

You can take a list of questions with you and if the answers are not clear, ask more questions until you understand. You would want to choose a cosmetic dentist who communicates well and who is willing to take time with you. Ask about the procedures you are considering, whether they are cosmetic dentistry procedures like a smile makeover or more regular procedures like fillings. Remember that a cosmetic dentist offers white fillings rather than the old amalgam fillings, and can replace those metal fillings for you to vastly improve your dental health and your smile.

At each consultation you will probably be given an office tour and introduced to some of the team members. Notice how well-organized the office seems to be and how pleasantly people seem to get along with each other. If you will be returning regularly to this dental office, you will want to be happy to go there, pleased to speak again with the team, and confident that you are safe and well-cared for.

Related Cosmetic Dentistry Training Videos

Cosmetic dentist Dr. Jeff Gray in San Diego ( www.smilesandiego.com ) has received specialized cosmetic dental training ( http ) and now is a mentor to train other dentists in cosmetic dentistry. The results from cosmetic dentistry procedures ( www.smilesandiego.com ) need to be beautiful, functional, and long lasting.