Cosmetic Dentists – Choosing Yours

These days, it’s not uncommon to run into someone with that good old winning smile. Hell, thanks to cosmetic dentistry, every Joe Shmoe on the block can enjoy the benefits of the straight, healthy, beautiful smile that originally gave Hollywood the upper hand decades ago.

But before you make any hasty decisions, take a moment to sit down, breathe, and realize that you have a vast array of options when it comes to cosmetic dentists. In this article, we will outline a few pointers to help you obtain the high-quality cosmetic dental care you need to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.

Step 1 – Be skeptical. Don’t believe the hype from ads you may see on TV or billboards. While many of these practices do indeed offer high-quality services, such is not always the case. Be sure to research any practice you are interested in to the fullest extent, keeping in mind that any practice will an advertising budget can dish out a well thought out ad. Avoid heading to the first place you see, choosing rather, to wait it out until further information is gathered.

Step 2 – Get in touch with any friends, family members or co-workers who have undergone cosmetic procedures in the past. Word of mouth is often a wonderful way to find quality services, and this instance is far from exception. First-hand accounts can easily provide prospective patients with an insight, which they may not have been afforded otherwise.

Step 3 – If you have a good relationship with your general physician, ask them for a recommendation. Most physicians will have a fairly good idea of other practitioners who specialize in areas they do not. Ask them who they would visit if the need were to arise and take notes on any information you can obtain.

Step 4 – Hop online and research any potential candidates. Most areas have one or more sites, which offer consumers a variety of reviews, ratings and additional information to help in making an informed decision. Utilize this resource by checking up on names you have been given, as well as keeping an eye out for additional candidates to add to your list.

Step 5 – Get in touch with your local state board in order to check the current status of your cosmetic dentists. Here you will find complaint histories, education information, and other tidbits to help you weed through the mess. As with step 4, utilize this resource by checking on old candidates while keeping an open eye to new ones whom you may not have known of prior.

Step 6 – The final step is a face to face consultation. Most practices will offer this service, free of charge to prospective patients as a way to encourage their business. Use this opportunity to find out additional information about the physician.

Bring a list of questions and discussion topics to present and take notes on your findings. Once you’ve made it through, you should have a fairly good idea of whether or not they are the physician for you. Take a look at the information gathered and make a decision based on what feels right.