Did you know that the American Dental Association doesn’t officially recognize cosmetic dentistry as its own specialty? That means any licensed provider can claim to be able to improve your appearance. Enhancing your appearance is an incredibly personal matter, and it’s only natural to want to find the best person for the job. But how do you find a skilled practitioner?
Continue reading to learn 3 traits to look for that can help you find the right provider to help you meet your unique smile goals!
Consideration #1: Proper Qualifications
Services that are intended to boost your looks more than your dental health aren’t recognized in an official capacity by the ADA, so how do you find an expert to help you achieve the desired results? A simple internet search can provide a list of results, though you’ll need to complete some additional research to narrow the results.
For example, you can browse a potential provider’s ‘About the Dentist’ page on their website, if they have one, to learn about their education and experience with certain treatments. Dentists often list additional certifications, specialty programs, continuing education, and additional skills so you can find someone to meet your needs. You can also check to see if they participate in prestigious institutions, like the American Dental Association or the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Consideration #2: Various Services
Although some people might only have a single, minor imperfection in their smile, many folks wanting to improve their grins have multiple issues they hope to address. You can help ensure that you achieve the desired outcome by selecting a dentist who offers a range of services to enhance your appearance.
For instance, stubborn stains in your enamel may respond to external topical teeth whitening treatments, but if pigmented particles have penetrated the lower layers of your teeth, you may require a different procedure. Sometimes, porcelain veneers or dental bonding are necessary to conceal deeply rooted discoloration. Finding a provider who offers multiple choices at varying price points means you’re more likely to find solutions that meet your goals within your budget.
Consideration #3: Advanced Technology
The field of dentistry is constantly evolving, and ongoing advancements to materials, technology, and techniques have led to more accurate and comfortable treatments than ever! However, not all dentists have the same level of experience or comfortability using more modern equipment to optimize results.
You can learn more about the details of the procedure, including the type of technology involved, during your cosmetic consultation. Otherwise, many dentists also share this information on their websites.
Another great way to find out if your dentist can give you the upgrade you’ve been wanting is to ask them! Usually, they’re happy to share their experience so you feel confident about moving forward with your elective treatments.
Meet the Author
Dr. Brent Whittaker enjoys helping people of all ages improve their lives by helping them build and maintain their healthiest, most beautiful smiles. He earned his dental degree from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry and has additional training in a variety of specialty topics. Today, he’s a trusted member of the American Dental Association, and provides a complete array of services to meet all your needs under one roof, including cosmetics. He uses state-of-the-art equipment, like virtual smile design, to improve your comfort while increasing the accuracy of treatment results. You can request an appointment on the website or call (740) 725-8000.