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Originally Posted On: https://www.smileessentialsdental.com/how-to-pick-a-cosmetic-dentist-everything-you-need-to-know

51% of Americans hate how their teeth look; if your household has four people, then chances are, you and one other loved one don’t like smiling and laughing.

We all have imperfections in our teeth, but some feel more self-conscious about them than others. Plus, these imperfections can be serious enough to cause issues with eating and speaking, so intervention is necessary.

Going to a cosmetic dentist can solve your problems. However, with so many around, how can you ensure you choose the right one?

Read on to find out how to pick a cosmetic dentist who’s perfect for you.

Find Out Their Credentials

Any reputable cosmetic dentist will have an educational background from fantastic institutions. Read through biographies to find out where these dentists received their degrees from, as well as what other ongoing education they’re receiving. They should strive to provide the latest in cosmetic dentistry and improve your dental health.

These dentists should also be part of national dental organizations. This shows they’re proactive in learning the latest news in the industry.

Ask About Their Experience

It’s essential that you choose a professional with lots of cosmetic dentistry experience.

When inquiring about this, make sure you specify “cosmetic dentistry”, as this number can differ from general dentistry. For example, they might’ve started out with general dentistry 20 years ago, but only started offering cosmetic dentistry five years ago.

The more years of experience and specific training in this field, the better.

See What Technology They Use

New technology is constantly coming out for all industries, and dentistry is no exception. Not only do these things make a dentist’s job easier, but they also make procedures quicker and less painful, as well as more affordable.

So you want to choose a dentist who strives to use the latest technologies. This shows a real commitment to providing the best service for their patients. Those who are on the opposite spectrum will try to pinch pennies by sticking with outdated and old equipment, so steer clear of these professionals.

Ask for Before and After Pictures

One of the best ways to see if someone’s good at a cosmetic dental procedure is to ask for before and after pictures. These will give you hard evidence of how well a dentist can do the job.

If the dentist gives you lots of images to look through, then this is a great sign. However, if they barely have any, or none at all, take it as a red flag. Either they don’t have experience with the treatment or they didn’t get positive results with their patients.

Check Out Their Online Reviews

To see what previous patients think of a dentist, turn to the internet. There are several avenues where you can check reviews, with Google being one of the easiest ones.

Sort through what people say are the dentist’s strong and weak points; take their words with a grain of salt though. Not only are some people tough to please, but we’re more inclined to leave a review if we’re unhappy rather than if we’re satisfied with services.

In any case, these testimonials can give you an excellent picture of how the dentist works with patients. You can get a better idea of whether or not they’re the right fit for you.

Find Out What Amenities Are Available

Around 36% of Americans have a fear of dental treatment, and 12% have an extreme fear. Needless to say, a decent part of the population isn’t comfortable with dental procedures, and you might too.

The dentist you pick should go above and beyond to ensure their patients feel safe and comfortable, as even the bravest person can feel scared with certain treatments. Only choose a dental practice that has the amenities you need to melt away your fears.

Consider Their Payment Options

Unfortunately, many cosmetic treatments aren’t covered by insurance. Plus, they can have hefty price tags.

Some lucky patients may have their procedures completely covered by their insurance plans, or they may have enough cash saved to pay for it at once. However, if you need to pay for treatments on your own, then you might want a dentist that accepts payment plans.

While researching, it’s also a good idea to find someone who accepts credit card payments and/or works with third-party financing.

Get a Consultation Appointment

A cosmetic dentist may seem excellent on paper, but you can’t be sure until you meet them in person and interact with them. Many offer free consultations, so schedule one to have a brief chat.

While at this appointment, you can see their bedside manner and communication style. If anything, go with your gut if it doesn’t feel like the right fit.

Ask for Written Treatment Plans

It can be difficult to remember everything a dentist says, especially if you see a few of them for initial consultations. So do yourself a favor and ask for written treatment plans.

With these pieces of paper, you can see what exactly needs to be done, how long they’ll take, and approximately how much they’ll cost. It’ll make comparing dentists easier once you’re home.

Pick a Cosmetic Dentist Who Suits You

With this information, you should now be able to pick a cosmetic dentist.

The most important thing is to schedule initial consultations. These meetings are worth the time spent, even if you don’t end up with your first choice. Getting a good feel for a dentist and feeling completely comfortable is vital to receiving the care you deserve, so don’t skip this step!

If you need an excellent cosmetic dentist in Greenwood Village, CO, then schedule an appointment with us now. Our experienced and compassionate dentists will give you an unparalleled experience.