How Do I Find the Best Cosmetic Dentist?

There are many questions that should be answered before choosing a dentist. Some should include: Am I choosing based on price? Is location important? Am I expecting something specific, as in cosmetics, or is the goal simply a new dental home? The list of questions could go on and on. But when real technical issues are important, some homework should be involved. Beware of simply choosing someone that is a member of a group. It is one thing to pay dues to an organization, it is quite... more

You know it actually against many state dental boards for us to claim "superiority" over another dentist. Be it cosmetic or general dentistry alike. Here are some good guidelines to help you choice WISELY: Before and Afters: Go to their office for a consultation. Make sure there are copious amounts of THEIR ACTUAL WORK and not some store bought book of cases done. Nothing speaks louder to their quality than previously cases done. Any 'cosmetic dentist' should have hundreds... more

The best way to find a cosmetic dentist is to look at their before and after photos (be sure that they are not stock photos) and read their patient testimonials. See if they have performed cases that is similar to the type of treatment that you're seeking. Organization memberships are nice and traing is important, but there is nothing as important as experience and innate talent.

Are you looking for a top-quality cosmetic dentist? Here are some helpful questions to ask yourself while you research the best dentist: What makes a dentist the best cosmetic dentist? While there may not be one best dentist for every person, there are certain qualities that may make one cosmetic dentist better for you than another. The best dentists typically strive to deliver the highest quality they can. This means they must continue their education, taking advanced courses in... more

I have found that the members of the American Academy Of Cosmetic Dentistry are the best clinicians. Cosmetic procedures are very demanding. In providing these services one has to fine tune their diagnostic skills, analyze the occlusion, etc. Be sure to view before and after photos and make sure he or she is a good listener and addresses your concerns. DON'T respond to the flashiest ads.

All general dentist do cosmetic dentistry-for example,fixing a chipped or decayed front tooth,etc. "Cosmetic dentists"-there is no official standard/accreditation for "cosmetic dentist"-it is a self-proclaimed title- often over treatment plan patients for cosmetic procedures. Dr. Gordon Christiansen, one of the most highly respected voices of dentistry, has written frequently of the overtreatment of patients for cosmetics and the lack of informed consent... more

There are a few helpful ways to find a cosmetic dentist. One, look for solid online reviews. When you read reviews listen for someone who thinks and write the way YOU do. There are many bogus reviews, so use a critical eye to look for thoughtful comments. Look specifically for comments about the cosmetic treatments, such as porcelain veneers or bonding such as "my new veneers look amazing, and they look so natural", not just "the hygienist was nice". Two, look... more

It is a very good point that since cosmetic dentistry is not typically covered, your insurance list will be of no relevance.  As such, I would choose the BEST provider in your area.   The worst thing you can do is choose by price and regret it.  One of the saddest conversations we have is when people come to us to redo cosmetic dentistry done elsewhere in search of a better price.  It's not cheap when you have to pay twice! "Pretty good cosmetic... more

Actually, I do not think anyone of the dentists who replied actually really answered the part of the question that you wrote. You mentioned you were tempted to go a cosmetic dentist who took your insurance plan. Most dental insurance does not cover cosmetic dentistry. It is not essential and unless you can prove to the insurance company that the work was done for a NECESSARY reason, they will not cover. You will have to pay with your own credit card, or check, or if it is expensive work... more

Finding a good cosmetic dentist starts with you and your comfort zone. First of all, you have to feel free to discuss your expectations (esthetic, timeline, finances) with him or her. Assess actual cases that that particular dentist has done. Keep an eye out for recurrent looks which may look great on some individuals and not so great on others. Can they deviate from that "look" that looks great in their perception, which is not necessarily yours? Inquire about the lab that they... more

If possible, try and obtain a personal recommendation from someone who has had cosmetic work that you like. Ensure the dentist you select has had advanced cosmetic training, utilises a top ceramist, and has a portfolio of their own cases which you can look at.

There are many referral services, which are useful. Some are new, especially on the Internet. Some have been around for years. 1-800-Dentist is one of the older and more reputable ones. Dentists are inline for month/years to get into this referral service. Some referral services screen the dentists they recommend; some just collect money from the dentists to be a member. Like anything, one needs to be responsible for oneself to verify info. The best way to find the dentist, I feel, is to ask... more