Six | AACD
Is the dentist a member of the AACD? Your dentist should be accredited by or working towards accreditation for the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Keep in mind that there's a big difference between being a member of the organization and being actively involved with one. Accreditation requires written and oral exams, submission of clinical case studies, and a dedication to continuing education and protocols. It is a much higher standard. For example, there are 180,000 dentists in the US and approximately 7,000 of them are members in the AACD, but only about 250 of them are fully accredited.
Seven | Artistic Excellence
Pour through photo portfolios of patients or online smile galleries to select an artist who appreciates the nuances that make each smile unique, who has the exceptional skills to custom tailor your look. Smile Design is the name for the unique art of transforming problem teeth into a flawless smile. An inspired cosmetic dentist looks at each smile as a potential work of art, with unique challenges and distinctive characteristics.
Your dentist should consider factors such as mouth shape, bite shape, size and health of teeth and gum line, color of teeth, your face's shape and skin tone, and much more. But when you're looking at before and after pictures of smile design clients, you don't have to worry about all the technicalities. Simply look for smiles that look natural, like they were always meant to be. See how the new smile transforms a person's face. You'll find yourself automatically drawn to the smiles that appeal most to you.
It's a good sign if your dentist has a photography studio in their office. Be sure the before and after pictures are of his or her own patients. Images in portfolios and web galleries should highlight actual cases they have completed.
Eight | Time
Think of it as a couple of trips to the day spa—with results that will continue to earn you compliments long after the glow from a salt scrub body polish has worn off. There are some variations, but after the initial hour of consultation, most procedures require a few more visits, of 2 or more hours, 2-3 weeks apart. The first visit is for all the prep procedures, and you'll be fitted for temporary veneers. Then the dentist goes to work with the lab to create the permanent, custom veneers. At your second visit, your new veneers will be cemented into place. You shouldn't need any downtime for recovery, and you can usually return to your regular routine immediately.
Nine | Form & Function
Of course, you're looking for someone who appreciates the color, luminosity, and shape of a natural-looking smile. But, the perfect smile is a marriage of beauty with durability and functionality. Get honest answers from your dentists regarding how treatment will affect your bite, your gums, and the general action of your teeth. Ask how long your ceramics should last, what you should do to maintain them, and what you should avoid doing.
You want to feel comfortable enough to form a long-term relationship with your new dentist. Should anything go wrong— cracking, chipping, or color changes—you'll be confident that you'll get fast repairs and ongoing service. You want to form a bond with your smile makeover artist.
Ten | Comfort
Expect to be pampered.
Go with your gut feelings on this one. It's the little things that can really matter in life. Decide what's most important to you, be it validated parking, a soothing atmosphere, a friendly staff, or TV and movies for your enjoyment. There's every reason to find an office that caters to your needs, spoils you even.
You can expect to be given star treatment, and treated with care and discretion
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