Many people wonder what steps are recommended to evaluate and select a cosmetic dentist. There is a definite process and, while the outcome depends on your dental needs and how far you are willing to travel for care, sticking to the following steps should help make the decision easier.
First, think about how you approach finding other service providers. You do research, right? And how do you usually start research? By talking to your family and friends to see who their dentist is and if they would recommend them. Again, this assumes geographical closeness since dentistry is one of those services that people want to be local and convenient. These options would be referrals you can follow up on and see how they work out.
Obtaining Referrals:
You should also talk to your current dentist. If you have been receiving regular check ups, your general dentist has a good understanding of your oral health and needs. Based on those needs, your dentist can refer you to a cosmetic dentist specialist.
For example, say your dentist knows that your teeth, gums, supporting bone structure and occlusion (bite) is in need of further evaluation prior to cosmetic treatment, he/she may refer you to a periodontist, prosthodontist, endodontist, orthodontist or oral maxillofacial surgeon.
The condition of your teeth, gums, supporting bone structure and occlusion has an impact on the longevity of any dental procedure. You may require additional care for these conditions before cosmetic dentistry treatment begins. In some cases a full mouth reconstruction may be required.
Defining Your Choices:
It is vital to evaluate the experience, reviews and treatment options for each cosmetic dentist prior to arranging a consultation. Ask if the dentist is skilled in providing full mouth reconstruction, or if he/she refers patients to another specialist if such treatments are needed. Also inquire if he/she is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. That professional association requires regular training, supports ethical standards and examination to qualify as an accredited member.
Other questions to ask:
How long has the dentist been in practice?
Are any before/after photos of actual patients that the dentist has treated?
How extensive is the practice? Does he/she offer an in-house laboratory, study models, imaging technology and/or bonding previews when recommending and demonstrating procedure options?
What dental technologies (lasers, caries detection devices, CAD/CAM restoration, intraoral imaging, etc.) are used in the practice that may help serve your needs?
What patient comforts are provided through the practice that will make the treatment process a more relaxing and anxiety-free experience?
Emergencies are unlikely, but find out what provisions the practice offers. Is the emergency service provided by the dentist or a staff member? Is communication over the phone or in person?
The Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation:
Your initial consultation is an opportunity for you to learn about the dental practice you’re evaluating, meet the people involved and discuss realistic expectations for your treatment.
Gathering dental records is important for a cosmetic dentistry consultations. The records form the basis of your personalized treatment plan developed in coordination with the dentist.
Records gathering involves, but is not limited to:
- A comprehensive intraoral examination and inspection of any existing dental work
- Intraoral photographs
- Radiographs (X-rays)
- Impressions of your upper and lower teeth
- Looking through smile design books that show an assortment of before and after photographs of different procedures.
- Reviewing different tooth shapes and sizes to see what appeals to you.
- Discussing tooth color
- Using a computer monitor, reviewing your smile tooth by tooth so you can thoroughly understand what can be changed and how.
- Your consultation may also include a meeting with a patient coordinator. The patient coordinator’s role is to help you with scheduling appointments and follow-up care.
Meeting with the office or financial manager to discuss the available financing or payment options is also helpful. Dental insurance may not cover cosmetic treatment since it is elective. Confirm that before your consultation so you know what specific questions to ask. While payment plans are available through a number of dental loan providers, your dentist may offer in-house payment options too.
Evaluating the Consultation:
During your consultation, observe and make mental notes about how the office feels. Does it feel comfortable? How are the people behaving in the office environment? Is it welcoming? Do other patients seem at ease and happy? Is the staff friendly and quick to address your concerns? Importantly, does the cosmetic dentist have a good rapport with the staff and patients? Do you feel comfortable with him/her? Since treatment can require time, it is important to establish a good connection with all individuals involved.
If the cosmetic dentist provides you with a diagnosis and treatment plan during the consultation, it is important that he or she share and explain that information to you in detail. Make sure that you understand your diagnosis, viable treatment alternatives, materials that will be used, risks of treatment and the longevity of and maintenance of results. Get your questions answered before you leave so you can make an educated decision about your treatment plan. For example, teeth whitening should be repeated every three to six months for maintaining of the results. Similarly, you may be required to wear an oral appliance at night to help maintain your veneers.
Since most procedures include restorations made in a dental laboratory, ask how your dentist plans to have those made for your treatment. Some like Dr. Yost have an in-house dental laboratory that can save time/cost for some of this work, but otherwise they are sent out to a third party dental technician. Is the technician a Certified Dental Technician or an accredited member of the AACD? Has the dentist worked with this technician for many years and/or on similar cases in the past?
Evaluating and selecting a cosmetic dentist is a critical and personal choice. Most treatment procedures are permanent so making sure you understand your dental needs, the recommended procedure, get all your questions answered and feel confident in the dentist’s skills and capabilities is very important. When you do, you will likely be happy and completely satisfied with the results that are achieved with the treatment you receive.
Please contact us to schedule a consultation or to find out more about our cosmetic dentistry treatment offerings.
