5 Tips to Choose a Skilled Cosmetic Dentist

Choosing the best cosmetic dentist is a complicated process. Why? Specifically, since, as one would anticipate, everyone claims to be "the best." Additionally, everyone claims to be a "cosmetic" dentist. However, there are five simple ways to assess a cosmetic dentist's capacity to provide you with the degree of dentistry you deserve and desire.

1. Stock Photographs vs. Real Patient Photos in Advertising
Look at the dentist's website and promotional materials. Is the dentist using stock pictures, commonly called "purchased photos" of models? Or are they utilizing photographs of their own patients, to whom they have performed "smile makeovers"? If you're unsure if the photos you see on a website or in advertising are of "actual" patients or paid stock photos, contact your prospective dentist.

2. AACD Accreditation vs. AACD membership
The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) is the world's leading cosmetic dentistry organization. Dentists go worldwide to attend the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry's annual scientific symposium. Is the dentist you're contemplating a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry?

After determining AACD membership, the second critical step is to inquire whether the dentist is "accredited." The AACD developed the accreditation procedure, which is the world's most recognized and advanced cosmetic dentistry credentialing program. 

Indeed, the accreditation, which takes at least five years to accomplish, comprises a comprehensive written exam, compulsory seminars, a peer evaluation of five cosmetic dentistry cases (evaluated by a panel of the world's finest cosmetic dentists), and a demanding oral examination.

A cosmetic dentist who has earned AACD accreditation is extraordinary. When hiring a dentist, inquire whether they are a member of the AACD and, finally, whether they have been accredited by the AACD.

3. Quality of Materials and Ceramists Used
Patients often choose cosmetic dentists based on cost. Assuming that "all cosmetic dentists are created equal," a patient will choose the dentist with the lowest price, regardless of quality.

Frequently, the lowest-priced dentists are the least trained and use inferior materials and dental laboratories. As a result of not investing in their own expertise and paying lower prices for products and services, they may charge their patients less.

When you consider this, you understand that they are passing along low prices and low quality.

An outstanding cosmetic dentist, trained by the world's leading cosmetic dentists, selects not only the best materials (which will last the test of time, saving you time and money over the years) but also the best dental laboratories. And this greatness comes at a cost.

When selecting a cosmetic dentist, inquire about the quality of the materials they employ. Find out if the dental ceramist (the person who produces the veneers and crowns) is accredited by the AACD.  

4. Commitment to Continuing Education for Doctors and Teams
Unfortunately, any dentist who performs basic "cosmetic" procedures, such as simple bonding, may advertise as a "cosmetic" dentist when, in reality, they have never had specialized cosmetic training beyond what they learned in dental school.

When selecting a cosmetic dentist, inquire about their pursuit of ongoing education. Where did they receive their training? How many hours of training do they receive annually? What kind of courses do they take?

Another excellent inquiry is, "What continuing education do you provide to your team members?" A cosmetic dentist committed to quality will be meticulous about the level of professional training each of their staff members undergoes.

5. Is It All About Aesthetics and Glamor or Function Too?
Everyone enjoys a beautiful smile. But what if that smile was beautiful without being "functional"? While some cosmetic dentists can provide aesthetically pleasing smiles, they may be less skilled at delivering a "functional" smile.

What is a functional smile? It is one that not only looks amazing but also feels and "works" well! An experienced cosmetic dentist can give you a smile that is both beautiful and comfortable.