Find a dentist who has been practicing cosmetic dentistry for some time. It is just logical that any dentist becomes more qualified and trustworthy when he or she has done many procedures or has been in the practice for long. This way, you can be sure the dentist is through with doing practical and uncertain professional experiments. It will also help if you will check the background, especially the dentist’s post-graduate dental education. Remember that cosmetic dentistry is hardly taught in dental schools. Most practitioners get their education from post-graduate programs. You can also check about his or her affiliations and other credentials linked to aesthetic dental practice.

You can know how good a cosmetic dentist is based on the success of his or her previous dental procedures. Many dentists keep copious photographs of their work to show the difference before and after patients undergo their cosmetic dentistry procedures. If such pictures are not available, you can rely on testimonials from other patients. Feedback is an important proof about the effectiveness and reliability of any cosmetic dentist. How can you entrust your teeth and mouth to dentists who have not done any successful dental procedure in his or her entire professional career?

A good cosmetic dentist knows that investing in new and reliable equipment is essential to the practice. Look around the clinic and see what technology is available. Specifically be mindful about the condition and the types of equipment found in the sterilization area. Aside from the amenities, also check out about the dentist’s ceramics or porcelain use. Is the clinic under a supply deal with a reputable master ceramist?

The reliability of the dentist should also get along with the reliability of the ceramist, who makes the dentures and veneers. Cosmetic dentistry and manufacturing of ceramics used should work hand-in-hand in creating beautiful smiles. Lastly, determine your level of comfort when being under treatment or procedure with the dentist. Rely on your instincts for good initial impressions.

You know you are comfortable with a dentist when during your first consultation you instantly give out your trust and compliance. You must develop a high level of communication with your cosmetic dentist.

Some of the procedures you will undergo are not reversible. The point is to ensure your comfort and confidence with the expertise of your cosmetic dentist. With such a mental frame, you will likely be happy and satisfied.

Referrals

Your general dentist should be able to recommend the best cosmetic dentist for you. He or she knows the current status of your teeth, gums, and your other related dental conditions.

Your friends or relatives who might have undergone a smile makeover could also recommend their doctors.

Pre-consultation

Before you set up a consultation appointment with your prospective cosmetic dentist, do your requisite investigation. Is your dentist skilled in providing full mouth reconstruction, or does he or she refers patients to other specialists for other treatments?

How extensive is his dental practice? Are you impressed by the before-and-after photos of his previous patients?

Does he have imaging technology and other aids when recommending procedure options? Does he have other modern dental technologies (lasers, caries detection devices, CAD/CAM restoration) used in his practice?

Is your candidate cosmetic dentist a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry? (The academy requires adherence to rigorous study, ethical standards and examination to qualify as an accredited member.)

Consultation

During your consultation with your cosmetic dentist, discuss what you like and do not like about your smile. This is the one time you and your cosmetic dentist will establish realistic expectations about your dental treatment.

You may be referred to smile design books with before-and-after photos of cosmetic dental procedures. There would also be a review of different tooth shapes and sizes to see what fits and appeals to you.

Nowadays, cosmetic dentists use computer monitors so both of you can review your smile tooth by tooth. This is also for your understanding on what can be changed and how.

Results, of course, may vary depending on the skills of your chosen dentist. Since you have been apprised of his or her skills beforehand, your expectations will not be much at variance with the outcome.

Records

Your dental records are also very important during consultations with your cosmetic dentist. They are important in developing a precise cosmetic dental treatment plan unique to your case and needs.

These would typically include the comprehensive intra-oral examination (including photos and X-rays), and teeth impressions.

Diagnosis and treatment plans

If a diagnosis and treatment plan is given during consultation with your cosmetic dentist, make sure you understand it completely, including any viable treatment alternatives.

Also, be sure you are completely comfortable with the thoroughness of the presented details given. This way, you can make an educated decision on the dental treatment you will pursue.

Costs

Finally, discuss the payment or financing options. (This might be undertaken with the dentist’s office manager.)

This is important because it can help you manage the cost of your cosmetic dentistry treatment. Cosmetic dental treatments are not typically covered by dental insurance. Dental clinics of some cosmetic dentists sometimes offer in-house payment options.