Choosing a Cosmetic Dentist: What to Look For
Your smile is one of the first features people notice about you and an important element of your overall appearance. If your smile is less than perfect, a cosmetic dentist can help you realize a smile that makes you proud and instills you with great confidence. But not every cosmetic dentist is the right cosmetic dentist for you. You want a dentist that makes you comfortable in a welcoming and safe environment. Let us look at six items you should consider when choosing your cosmetic dentist.
1. Positive Reviews and Testimonials
Seek out the patient testimonials and reviews that are available online. These endorsements—or lack of—speak volumes about a dentist and his or her practice. Patients develop relationships with their dentists and dental hygienists and even the broader staff, and if they are satisfied with the services available, patient care, personalization, and so forth, that provides you keen insight. If family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers are familiar with the dentist, pay particular attention to those opinions.
2. Experience in Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is as much an art as a science, and you want someone who is experienced with the procedures you may need. You should consider each dentist’s education, accreditations, and years of practice. Often, this information is available via the practice website. You can also call the practice and ask, or if you prefer, contact the leading dental society in the region in which the dentist practices.
3. Ongoing Education
Dentistry in general and cosmetic dentistry in particular, are constantly evolving. Techniques and equipment are being designed and refined. Cosmetic dentists who are passionate about what they do will want to stay abreast of the latest developments in order to provide the best possible dental care.
4. Before-and-After Photos
Many cosmetic dentists post before-and-after pictures on their websites. You can also request them. Be wary of the practice that lacks them or is reticent to provide them. In some regards, selecting your cosmetic dentist is like choosing an artist or photographer. Each has their own unique style, and these images not only reflect the skill of the dentist but the individual flair that he or she brings to the process.
5. Welcoming Atmosphere and Personalized Patient Care
The office should be modern, clean, welcoming, and relaxing. Going to the dentist can make many people feel anxious or even vulnerable, which makes it imperative that you can be comfortable. You can tell a lot about a dental practice by your initial interaction with the reception staff.
It is also very important that your dentist and his or her entire staff be patient-focused. They should focus on your comfort. You should receive personalized advice and care, and your dentist should want to take the time to explore your options and explain them to you in a concise manner. During your initial visit, pay particular attention to the chairside manner of your dentist, dental hygienist, and so forth.
6. State-of-the-Art Technologies
The technologies available on-site reveal much about the level of care you will receive and the dentist’s commitment to evolving the care he or she provides. Does the practice have an on-site lab as well as the latest chairside technologies, modern tools for digital imaging, and so on?
Choose Scottsdale Cosmetic Dentistry Excellence
Scottsdale Cosmetic Dentistry Excellence is among the leading dental offices in the region, and Jeffrey D. Clark, DDS, is an established, respected cosmetic dentist that is passionate about his patients and his work. Dr. Clark is not only highly experienced but committed to ongoing education for himself and his entire team. Our office is modern and clean and outfitted with the latest dental technologies. Our staff is patient-focused and works diligently to foster a positive, welcoming environment. Experience it firsthand by calling 480 585 1853 and scheduling your initial consultation with Dr. Clark.
