One | Training
Inquire about expertise.
Make sure your practitioner has advanced, postgraduate training with live patients, specifically in the procedures that interest you. There is no substitute to intense hands-on training. He or she should also attend 25 to 65 hours per year of continuing education in cosmetic dentistry.
The American Dental Association states that dentists in Florida are required to take a minimum of 25 hours of continuing education credits each year to maintain their license to practice dentistry. It's a safe bet that you want to find someone who does more than squeak by on their credentials.
Dentists who take pride in staying on top of their game aren't shy about telling you where they've trained. You should not feel funny about it, trust me, if the dentist loves this type of work he will love to share his post graduate education accomplishments with you. Take a quick look online for their training credentials. Often, the best dentists are not only regularly attending classes, forums, and lectures, they are also the people sought out to instruct other dentists.
Two | Technology
Find a progressive practice.
Dentists using the latest high-tech equipment and materials are also more likely to be up to date on the most recent treatments. Diagnostic computers, intra-oral cameras, lasers, digital x-rays and smile imaging, for example, are indicators of a leading-edge practice.
Three | Consultation
Demand quality face time.
You have a right to a thorough consultation, directly with the dentist who will be doing your work. If the procedures involve veneers or smile makeovers, you should have an opportunity to spend up to an hour, without charge, to sit down and describe what you want, ask questions, and go over the procedures, costs, and expectations.
An honorable clinician will be up front with you about everything. Find someone who will truly listen to your hopes and desires.
There are well-trained, excellent cosmetic dentists all over the country, and you deserve someone who will give you personalized care and customized treatment.
Four | Laboratory
Examine the dentist's lab. An expert dentist will be excited about the materials they are using, and happy to tell you the name of the lab and ceramist that produces them. This is really about the materials that are going to be used to create a more natural-looking, long-lasting smile The ceramist will be the other person, besides your dentist who is actually making and designing your smile.
Beware of dentists who use inexpensive labs to do veneers. This is a sad way to cut corners and save money in the process of creating your new smile. The results are always less than ideal and the teeth look artificial. We have even had one of these corner cutting dentists who uses a cheap lab for his patients, ask us what lab we use, because he was doing his father's smile and he wanted to use a good lab. Veneers cost a lot of money when done correctly, do not choose on price alone.
Five | Cost
Don't skimp on your smile.
Cosmetic dentistry isn't just for celebrities and supermodels anymore. It is surprisingly accessible. Financing plans are available.
Don't automatically go for the lowest bidder. Low-ballers aren't doing you any favors, they're cutting corners on the quality of materials, or worse, on things that can effect your safety and outcomes. If someone is offering to do something at far below industry averages, be suspicious…very suspicious.
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