I have always had some chips and funny spacing in my front teeth so I’m considering getting porcelain veneers. It sounds like I need to find a cosmetic dentist. But from what I can tell, veneers are expensive. So how do I know if my cosmetic dentist is any good? I don’t want to pay a ton of money and not feel like I got my money’s worth!
- Shannon in Tennessee
Shannon,
If you don’t do your research, it is difficult to know the cosmetic dentist you are considering to have your porcelain veneers done does beautiful work. But you are smart to do your research ahead of time, especially with such a significant investment.
The trust is that cosmetic dentistry is not a recognized specialty area within dentistry, so anyone can all themselves a cosmetic dentist. This puts the customer at a disadvantage, because without any prior knowledge it’s easy to take a dentist at his or her word.
In order to do truly beautiful cosmetic dentistry a dentist must undergo extensive advanced training beyond dental school. It takes an artistic eye and a passion to create beauty. There is a very well-known, prestigious organization called the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). If a dentist is a member or better yet if the cosmetic dentist is a fellow, this means they are interested in bettering their cosmetic dentistry skills. Although it doesn’t guarantee their work, in order to be an accredited member of the AACD a dentist must endure rigorous study, practice highly ethical standards, and pass an examination to qualify.
Additionally, if the cosmetic dentist has ongoing continuing education courses and post-graduate training in the field, this also helps to justify their ability. An excellent cosmetic dentist will be willing to sit down with you, provide a very detailed smile design, not rush you into any kind of treatment, and be excited to show your similar before and after photos of cases similar to yours. The bottom line is that cosmetic dentistry is an art. So you can also investigate the laboratory the dentist uses and ask about the materials they prefer. All of these factors should give you a solid inclination as to the ability of the dentist you are interviewing.
Best of luck in attaining the smile of your dreams!
This post is sponsored by West Palm Beach cosmetic dentist The Sadati Center for Aesthetic Dentistry.
