5 Guidelines to ChoosING A Cosmetic Dentist
1. Membership
The dentist should be a member of at least one of the major cosmetic dental associations, the British Association of Cosmetic Dentists, the Association of Cosmetic Dentists, the Association of Dental Implantology, the American Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
2. Training
The first step is to ensure that whoever is doing your treatment has specific training in aesthetic dentistry through continuing education courses. It’s especially important to make sure your dentist has continuing education if you are considering veneers or work on your bite.
3. Consultation
Once you find a dentist who interests you, set up a consultation. When you arrive, ask to see an album (either printed or online) of before-and-after photos of the dentist’s patients. Ask if the dentist took these photos. A good dentist knows how to take great patient pictures and should not have to refer to someone else to do it. A great cosmetic dentist can also use a wax mock-up to show you the results you can expect and Dr Broughton advises “Don’t be shy about asking for a second or even third opinion”.
4. exam
During the consultation, make sure the dentist does a comprehensive examination of your teeth. In addition to assessing your periodontal health, jaw health and muscle comfort, he or she should use an intra-oral camera or microscope to view each tooth to detect hidden problems, such as defective fillings and potentially damaging cracks. This exam is important before beginning any cosmetic procedure so the proper treatment can be determined. Your dentist should also discuss how the treatment will affect your bite, your gums and the general function of your teeth.
5. laboratory
Ask what laboratory ceramist the dentist uses to make porcelain crowns or veneers. Some dentists have an on-site ceramist, which is ideal because the ceramist can be present at the examination and the dentist can closely monitor the ceramist’s work. On-site access will also allow you to have changes made to your ceramic restorations on the spot. Make sure that the dentist is still using the same lab as you saw in the before-and-after pictures you liked during your consultation. Some of the best dental ceramists have been trained at top laboratories in Europe and Japan, and continue their education on the latest advances in cosmetic dentistry.
