How to find a good cosmetic dentist

Wednesday, January 7, 2009
How to Choose a Cosmetic Dentist
Author: Patricia Woloch

If you are like most people, you’ll start your search in the yellow pages, on the Internet, or ask a friend or family member to recommend a dentist. If you already see a general dentist for your cleanings and regular checkups, be careful not to assume that he or she is also the best choice for cosmetic dentistry. You can use this list of questions to put cosmetic dentists and practices to the test, and to narrow your list of choices.

Here are a few things to ask either over the phone or during your first consultation.

• Do you use the latest technology in the office, and how does this make a difference in the cosmetic dentistry results you deliver?

• How experienced is your cosmetic dentist? Did he or she receive years of post-graduate training?

• How do the dentist and staff members stay current on the latest cosmetic dentistry techniques and treatments?

• Do you offer sedation dentistry for patients who experience anxiety or have had a negative dental experience in the past? Are you a member of respected organizations like the American Dental Association (ADA), American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) or the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)?

• Do you have patient testimonials available from patients who’ve undergone the same treatments I’m interested in?

• Do you diagnose and treat TMJ/TMD disorders with state-of-the-art neuromuscular dentistry services?

• Do you offer a variety of flexible cosmetic dentistry financing options to help me fit treatment into my budget?

• Do you have several smile makeover photos to give me an idea of the kind of results that are possible with cosmetic dentistry?

Here’s a hint to finding the right cosmetic dentist for you: Make a list of all the things you’d like to know before you call the practice and before you visit for a consultation. Remember, it is OK to evaluate the office environment, staff capabilities and general attitude of personal service to help you pick the practice that will not only give you great results, but treat you right every step of the way, too!


Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/dental-care-articles/how-to-choose-a-cosmetic-dentist-400581.html

Jill Haldane of The Harley Street Smile Clinic couldn't agree more about the importance of finding the right cosmetic dentist to tackle your smile. Here are her tips to help you in your search:

How to find a good cosmetic dentist

Surprisingly there are no qualifications a dentist can get in the UK for cosmetic dentistry. It has never been a specialised field in this country. This means that and any dentist can call himself a cosmetic dentist whether he is just a general dentist or truly an expert in the field. Dentists who wish to gain this level of expertise can do so through the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry - the masters of the art of cosmetic dentistry. The A.A.C.D. was founded back in the early eighties and is the most recognised specialist of the art. Dentists from all over the States and a handful from the UK attend their annual general sessions to pick up all the latest skills and techniques being used and what the best materials are. If you want to find one of the best cosmetic dentists, here are a few tips:

:) Get on the Internet if you have access. Go to several search engines and enter a search for ‘cosmetic dentist’, ‘London cosmetic dentistry’, ‘Hollywood smile’ etc. Most modern practices concerned with being at the forefront of cosmetic dentistry will have a website. The site should give you a good idea of what they have available.

:) Find out if the dentists are members of the AACD. Members of this body will have much more knowledge on the subject than non-members.

:) Find out if the practice is up to date in terms of technology and equipment. Dentistry has advanced enormously in the last 5 or 10 years so make sure the practice is keeping up.

:) A good cosmetic dentist will have a portfolio of his work. Ask the dentist to see his portfolio. This should take the form of actual photographs of his clients’ before treatment and afterwards. Any dentist who is proud of his cosmetic work will want photographic evidence of it.

:) Does the dental practice use computer imaging? This is an excellent tool from the clients’ point of view. It gives you the opportunity to see what you would look like first if you went ahead with treatment. You then have a photo of what the cosmetic work will look like. Although this could never be 100% accurate – it’s pretty close. Not only that, it gives you the opportunity to explain to the dentist exactly how you would like your teeth to look – getting you what you want. The dentist’s ability to provide you with a good imaging picture will give you a good idea of how artistic he is naturally – this should follow through with his cosmetic dentistry.

:) Ask your dentist if any of his clients would be willing to talk to you about how they felt about having their teeth done. You’ll feel much more relaxed knowing someone is happy with the cosmetic dental work carried out by the dentist you are considering to do your teeth.

Above all, make sure you are comfortable at the practice. You need to know that the dentist you are entrusting with your pearly whites is confident that the treatment he has outlined is going to be just as he says. You need to ask yourself:

:) Do you like the dentist and feel you could trust him? You may be taking a big step so make sure you have the right man for the job.

:) Do you think he’s going to be able to give you what you want? Anyone can have cosmetic dentistry done at most practices, but will the results be as anticipated?

:) Does he make you feel relaxed? If you are a nervous patient you will want to know that the dentist understands, otherwise it will end up an uncomfortable experience for you.

:) Are there any guarantees with the cosmetic dentistry? Good quality porcelain work should come with a guarantee. Ask your dentist what would happen if in 3 years time, you chipped a porcelain veneer he did for you.

:) What kind of ‘aftercare’ do you get? You should be advised on how best to look after your new smile – after all, it may have cost you a few bob, and you want to know that it will still look good years on.

Alternatively, if you want to achieve all the points mentioned above without any trouble – just check www.harleystreetsmileclinic.co.uk or email info@harleystreetsmileclinic.co.uk