There are now over 37,600 professionals employed in the cosmetic dentistry industry. Choosing an inexperienced dentist could leave you with unsatisfactory results. Rushing could cause you to make these common mistakes in selecting cosmetic dentists.
Instead, use these tips to find an experienced dentist you can trust with your smile. Read on to start your search for reliable, knowledgeable cosmetic dentists today.
1. Ignoring Referrals
The easiest way to find a reliable cosmetic dentist is to talk to friends, family members, and coworkers in the area. Ask if they can recommend you to a cosmetic dentist. If they can, ask what cosmetic dentistry services they received in the past.
Learning from their firsthand account will help you gather information you won’t find anywhere else.
Prepare a list of questions you want to ask each patient about their experience at the cosmetic dentist’s practice. For example:
- What are their credentials
- How long have they owned their practice
- What services do they offer
- Do you have before and after photos of your smile
- How much did their services cost
- Did they accept your insurance
Ask each patient if they encountered any problems or weren’t satisfied with the results of their cosmetic treatment. If they had an issue, ask if the practice tried to resolve the problem. Look for local cosmetic dentists who prioritize their patients.
New to the area? Begin building a list of options for dentists by searching for local practices online. Don’t make the mistake of choosing the practice closest to your home or work, though.
Instead, start reading online reviews. Reading patient reviews will help you find a reputable cosmetic dentist. Don’t rush to believe five-star ratings indicate a great dentist, though.
Take your time to read the reviews and note any problems that repeat between different patients. For example, some patients might complain about long wait times, messy offices, or unprofessional staff members.
Use referrals and reviews to start your search. Then, use the rest of these tips to narrow your list of options for dentists down to one.
2. Not Prioritizing Experience
Once you have a list of local cosmetic dentists to research further, look into their professional history. Visit each cosmetic dentist’s Healthgrades.com listing. Check their website for an “About Us” page, too.
Determine when each dentist started working in the industry. If you can, determine when they opened their own local practice as well. Prioritize dentists who have years of hands-on cosmetic dentistry experience.
Are you interested in a specific cosmetic dentistry service? Look for dentists who specialize in that service. Otherwise, ask how often they provide that service to patients.
Finding dentists with years of relevant experience will give you peace of mind. They’ll leverage their experience to offer you customized patient experiences.
3. Never Checking Credentials
It’s not enough to find a cosmetic dentist with years of cosmetic dentistry experience. Instead, confirm they have the proper credentials before scheduling your consultation appointment.
Confirm each dentist graduated from an accredited institution (and note when they graduated). Consider where they completed their training as well.
New cosmetic dentists might have more up-to-date knowledge. However, you can feel more confident choosing an experienced dentist. If the dentist graduated a few decades ago, determine if they continued their education.
Ask each dentist about the latest techniques and technologies. Determine if they’re trained to use the latest equipment, too.
Dentists who remain up-to-date and informed can offer a higher standard of care to their patients.
4. Neglecting Services
Before choosing a cosmetic dentist, take the time to review their service offerings. For example, the dentist might offer:
- Teeth whitening
- Veneers
- Dental bonding
- Invisalign
- Dental implants
- Dental restoration
- Crowns
If you’re not sure which cosmetic dentistry services you need, schedule a consultation appointment. The dentist shouldn’t push you to choose services you don’t need. Instead, they should ask about your concerns and goals.
Look for a dentist who can create a customized treatment plan based on your needs. You can find a cosmetic dentist located here to streamline your search.
5. Getting Allured by Discounts
Don’t make the mistake of choosing a dentist solely because they offer discounted services. Instead, ask more than one local dentist for an itemized list of the cosmetic dentistry services they offer. Comparing dental treatment costs will help you determine the average cost in your area.
Costs can vary based on your location or the dentist’s experience.
Falling for discounts could cause you to trust an inexperienced cosmetic dentist.
6. Never Reviewing Photos
To make sure the dentist can meet your expectations and standards, look for before and after photos. Review photos of patients who received the treatments you’re interested in.
Reviewing before and after photos can help you find a dentist who does high-quality work.
If they don’t post photos online, ask the dentist if they can share photos during your consultation appointment.
7. Neglecting Equipment
Ask each dentist if they use the latest equipment. Outdated technology will provide low-quality services.
Don’t forget to ask the dentist if they have the training to handle the newer equipment. If not, determine if someone else at the practice does.
8. Not Asking About Financing
Dental insurance doesn’t always cover cosmetic dentistry services. Check ahead of time and determine if the dentists on your list accept your insurance.
Ask each dentist if they offer financing options. You could find an option that suits your needs and budget.
Mistakes in Selecting Cosmetic Dentists to Avoid
Don’t make these mistakes in selecting cosmetic dentists. You don’t want to trust an inexperienced dentist with your smile. Instead, use these tips to find a local dentist you can trust.
With their help, you can improve your teeth for a stunning, healthy smile.
Searching for more tips? You’re on the right blog.
