A cosmetic dentist is not the ordinary general practitioner dentist that you always bump into when you have minor dental issues such as toothaches. Cosmetic dentists are dental professionals who have gone through advanced formal training in reconstructive dentistry. Cosmetic dentists who have received formal training and have been accredited to perform cosmetic procedures are referred to as Prosthodontist. Cosmetic dentists perform a wide range of complex dental procedures such as Teeth whitening that can give you that confident smile boosting your self-esteem, gum contouring and dental implants among others. It is quite a daunting task finding the right qualified cosmetic dentist that will meet all your dental requirements as they all claim to be the best and everyone claims to be a professional cosmetic dentist. Here are some tips that will help you find the best cosmetic dentist.
Accreditation by AACD
Cosmetic dentistry in the US has not yet been recognized as a specialty by the American Dental Association. This is to say that any general dental practitioner can claim to be a cosmetic dentist provided that he has some few cosmetic procedure skills and knowledge. This complicates things for patients who are seeking a professional cosmetic dentist. However, all is not lost as there is an association for cosmetic dentist known as American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) that accredits members who have completed a five-year program that involves rigorous training, extensive written exam, and attended required seminars among other requirements. It is the patients right to ask the cosmetic dentists if they are a member of AACD and whether they have been accredited.
Flexible Financing Option
After finding the right cosmetic dentist, the first thing that you think of is the cost of the treatment. Seeing the best cosmetic dentist does not come without a price. It is therefore essential that before you seek any form of procedure, you first inquire if they offer flexible financing options that will help you afford the treatment. Insurance mostly doesn’t cover cosmetic dentistry procedures. It is therefore advisable that you first agree with your cosmetic dentist on the payment plan if you are not in a position to clear all the cost at once.
Patient Testimonials, Reviews, and Referrals
Another essential thing to look out for when looking for a cosmetic dentist is the recommendations from satisfied or dissatisfied patients. Almost all cosmetic dentists have a website where they advertise their services. Please do your research by visiting their website and look for what others are saying about the dentist. Positive testimonials or reviews are an indication that the cosmetic dentist is worth a visit. You can also seek referrals from relatives and friends who have previously had an encounter with a cosmetic dentist.
Make a Trial Visit
Once you have identified that perfect cosmetic dentist based on your research, then it is time that you make an official visit to their place of work. Be on the look on out for aesthetics, are they appealing? How about the hygiene of the place? The office ambiance reflects on the quality of services being provided by the dentist. Also be on the lookout for modern technological equipment. Successful cosmetic dentists always keep up with the latest technology and techniques in the industry.
Before and After Photos
They say history doesn’t lie. During your first visit make sure you request for a portfolio of past successful procedures that the cosmetic dentist conducted. A good cosmetic dentist will always be proud to showcase his/her work. While looking at the photos pay attention specifically to those cases that resemble yours. It is from those photos that you can be able to make a sound judgment of whether to continue seeking the dentist services or find elsewhere. Always ensure that the pictures you are going through are genuine and are not just stock photos from somewhere else.