Tips for Choosing a Cosmetic Dentist

Tips For Choosing A Cosmetic Dentist

Many of us have cosmetic imperfections that we’d love to correct and the best way to do that is with a cosmetic dentist. However, you might be unaware of how to choose one and what you should even be looking for to ensure you’re getting the highest quality cosmetic care. 

‍In this blog from Morrison Cosmetic Dentistry, we’re going through some of the most important aspects of a cosmetic dentist that you should be vetting before committing to treatment at their dental practice. Read on to find out how to select the perfect cosmetic dentist for your needs.

Training & Credentials

Would you seek medical treatment at a hospital from someone who never went to medical school? Probably not. Likewise, you should verify that your cosmetic dentist has been extensively trained in their field and has obtained relevant certifications that demonstrate they have completed years of study, and that they have experience in performing cosmetic procedures.

‍While cosmetic dentistry isn’t considered a subspecialty like pediatric or orthodontic dentistry, you can still ascertain how serious a dentist is about staying up to date with the latest procedures and techniques by looking at their education background and credentials.

‍For example, if you’re interested in dental implants, you would rather see a dentist who has received additional education and training in oral surgery. The highest credential for a cosmetic dentist is from the American Association of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Testimonials from Real Patients

A dental office is always going to talk about why their services and expertise are the best, but it’s the results that do the real talking. If they don’t display any testimonials of their past patients with before and after pictures, that’s not a good sign. 

‍After all, if a dentist is proud of their work, they would want to cite their past successes. Look for before and after photos of specific treatments that you’re interested in, so you can get an idea of the results you can expect. 

‍You can also browse the dentist’s reviews, but take these with a grain of salt. There’s a participation bias when it comes to online reviews - people tend to only review things if they have a really good or really bad experience.

Check What Technology Is Used

You can’t expect amazing top-notch results from a cosmetic dentist that uses out-of-date equipment and techniques. Look for details on their website regarding what technology they have available. If this information isn’t available, you can reach out to them personally. 

‍A cosmetic dentist with modern or cutting-edge technology will be able to perform treatments more precisely. If they’re not staying on top of the latest trends or breakthroughs in dental techniques, you shouldn’t trust that they can perform cosmetic treatments of the highest quality.

Check for Patient-Centered Treatment

Most importantly, before making a decision, go in for a consultation. Does their philosophy of dental treatment seem to be patient-centered? A dentist should be prioritizing your goals, needs, and comfort, not the other way around. 

‍If you feel like they’re trying to sell you more unnecessary treatments to get more money out of you rather than developing a precise treatment plan that can meet your goals, budget, and schedule, you should get out of there. After all, you’re the one investing the time and money into your smile. 

Get Expert Cosmetic Care at Morrison Cosmetic Dentistry

At Morrison Cosmetic Dentistry, we’re highly experienced and committed to delivering amazing results that will improve our patients’ smiles and their confidence. Dr. Morisson has a doctorate in dental surgery and has received additional specialized training in gold restorations. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Morrison and transform your smile.