If you want to enhance your smile, then you need to find a reputable cosmetic dentist that can meet your needs. Remember that the majority of dental boards do not offer regulation and licensing of cosmetic dentistry services. This means that even general dentist may offer these services.
For one to become a dentist, he or she must complete a relevant and accredited degree. This includes training on new technologies that are associated with cosmetic dentistry services. The following are the questions to ask a cosmetic dentist before seeking his or her services:
What experience does the dentist have?
A professional dentist with a bias on cosmetic dentistry will provide the following services:
- Teeth whitening treatments
- Crowns and bridges
- Dental implants
- Composite tooth fillings
- Orthodontics such as aligners and braces
- Cosmetic bonding and veneers
Other than looking the photos of the past patients, you need to inquire about the experience of the dentist on the above-listed areas. Remember that you cannot compromise oral health and functionality to improve visual appearance. How you can achieve the three requires extensive hands-on experience of a dentist. Also, you can ask how many patients he or she has handled in the past.
Where did the dentist get experience?
Just like any other profession, training and mentoring by experts has a great influence on how one becomes a cosmetic dentist. Start by looking at recognized and accredited dental schools. Such schools have professors who are familiar with latest technologies. Other than the university education, you need to know whether the dentist has other training.
Does the dentist offer sedation dentistry?
If you experience medical anxiety, want quick results, have a busy schedule, or require extensive cosmetic dentistry procedures, you will need to find a reliable cosmetic dentist who performs sedation dentistry. Some dentists can perform several procedures in a single appointment without compromising your health and quality of the results. Remember that there are different levels of sedation.
Can he or she develop a detailed treatment plan for you?
Due to lack of experience, certain dentists are not flexible when it comes to the services they provide. Unfortunately, the proposed plan might not suit your needs taking into account your budget, desired outcome, and oral health. If you get a professional cosmetic dentist who is experienced and adept on this dental practice, he or she can strike a balance between budget and outcome, without compromising the quality of oral health service provided.