How To Choose Your Cosmetic Dentist

Pre-Consultation Considerations

  • The recommendation of your primary dentist is an important consideration. Your general dentist has a picture of the current status and condition of your mouth if you have been making regular visits for dental hygiene check ups. The condition of your teeth, gums, supporting bone structure and occlusion (bite) has an impact on the life expectancy of cosmetic dental procedures. Treatment for these conditions may be needed before the cosmetic treatment begins. An entire mouth reconstruction may be part of your cosmetic dentistry treatment in some instances.
  • Ask your friends or neighbors that have had dental work done who they would recommend.
  • Prior to setting up a consultation with a cosmetic dentist, make sure you know how experienced they are in the field.

What to Expect at your Consultation

You should consider the following criteria upon meeting for a consultation with a cosmetic dentist.The results may vary dependent on the skill of your cosmetic dentist.

  • Does the dentist have a high level of experience in general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry and full mouth reconstruction?
  • How long has the dentist been practicing?
  • How extensive is the dentist’s practice? Does he / she offer study models, imaging technology, and/or bonding previews for your procedure recommendations?
  • Does the dentist have before-and-after photos of past patients?
  • Does the dentist offer dental technologies to assist in your dental needs?
  • Ask about the dental assistant that the dentist plans on using during your visit. Do they communicate well with each other?
  • Ask about the different types of materials that the dentist has selected for your treatment plan.
  • How long are the results expected to last and what kind of maintenance is required in order to maintain the benefit of the procedures.
  • What is the cosmetic dentist’s diagnosis and what treatments are offered / suggested? It is important that you understand the treatment plan and any viable alternatives.
  • Are you comfortable with the atmosphere at the office? Specifically, are you comfortable with the cosmetic dentist’s manner in which he works on and communicates with you?? Is the staff friendly, welcoming, and quick to address your concerns? It is important to establish a relationship with everyone involved because cosmetic treatment is can take a lot of time.
  • Are there any special considerations that must be taken for patients when traveling. The patient might want to check if there are any cosmetic dentists in the area that are familiar with the cosmetic treatment you have received.
  • Record a list of the materials chosen for your cosmetic dentistry treatment. This information is very important if any of the components used in your procedure break, malfunction or even fall off. You could even have an allergic reaction to a certain material used in the procedure. Though there is a small risk of having an allergic reaction, it is still crucial to keep in your mind. It is always important to keep your own records with information about the procedure and the types of materials used.
  • Is there anything provided like headphones or comfortable chairs to provide comfort to the patient during the treatment?
  • Though unlikely to happen, is the emergency service provided by the dentist or a staff member and is it over the phone or in person?
  • What are the financial options?
  • Does your cosmetic dentist offer in-house payment options?