Are you frustrated by dental problems like stained, chipped, cracked, or otherwise damaged teeth? Thankfully, you don’t have to live with your aesthetic concerns forever! Your dentist can provide one or several cosmetic treatments to improve your appearance and oral health.
However, enhancing your smile is an incredibly personal endeavor, and it’s only natural to want to find the best person for the job. If you’re unsure how to find the right cosmetic dentist to help you achieve your goals, continue reading to learn 3 pointers that can help!
Tip #1: Seek Personal Referrals
Cosmetic dentistry isn’t an official specialty that’s recognized by the American Dental Association, so any provider can claim to be a qualified practitioner. With so many options available, how do you find a dentist you can trust?
One great place to start is by asking your family and friends. If you’ve noticed that someone had work done or their teeth seem to be looking brighter and healthier than ever, you can inquire who they saw and which procedures they underwent. They can also let you know whether they enjoyed their experience with the doctor, staff, and office environment and how they feel about their results.
Tip #2: Schedule a Trial Visit
Before starting any elected procedure, you must consult with your dentist so they can update your medical history, establish your smile goals, and examine your current dental condition to suggest solutions. There’s no reason that your consultation must be your first visit to a new dental office, though.
You can visit a potential provider’s location ahead of time to get an idea of what to expect. For example, you’ll notice whether the space is clean and if it feels safe and inviting. You’ll also get a feel for how the staff treat patients, what their available hours are, and whether they offer any additional amenities for patient comfort, like sedation options if you’re overly anxious about dental appointments.
Tip #3: Ask for Images
Another great way to understand whether a potential dentist is qualified to make the changes you want to see is to browse their before and after photos. Many of them post first-hand accounts from patients and pictures of their treatment results on their website. If not, you can ask in person whether the office has any example of real work they’ve done so you can see for yourself what outcome to expect.
The good news is that all dentists are highly educated, qualified professionals. However, taking a few extra steps to learn more about a provider’s experience with cosmetic treatments can give you peace of mind that you’ve found the right one to meet your unique needs!
Meet the Author
Dr. James Greer has more than 40 years of experience helping people improve their lives by enhancing their smiles. He earned his Doctor of Dental surgery from the University of Texas at Houston and is a respected member of several prestigious professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. He offers a comprehensive array of services under one roof, including cosmetic procedures, and is happy to meet with you to discuss potential upgrades. You can request an appointment on the website or call (281) 357-4337.