How To Choose A Cosmetic Dentist

Choosing the cosmetic dentist that you will use to repair your smile will require a great deal of consideration. Chances are you will not be able to find the best cosmetic dentist in your area through your insurance company , and there are no known referral services that will help you choose the right one. You will have to do the work on your own to find the cosmetic dentist that will work the best for your situation and budget.


There are so many procedures that can be done by a cosmetic dentist. In fact, there is very little that cannot be done to restore your smile to you and give you the dazzling white teeth that you have always wanted. This also means that there will be many choices in front of you when you are trying to choose the right cosmetic dentist.

Your General Dentist

One place where you can get some good information or a referral is your general dentist’s office. They will be able to give you some good recommendations on the procedures that you should seek out and might even be able to do some of the procedures in your regular dentist’s office. Find out what can be done in the dentist’s office to improve the condition of your smile. Who knows your oral health better than your current dentist?

Your general dentist will be able to refer you to a cosmetic dentist or orthodontist if more extensive work is needed to restore your smile. For example if you require special teeth whitening or specific gum surgeries, you will typically be referred to a specialist. This is a great recommendation because your dentist is familiar with the work that must be done and will generally know the right cosmetic dentist to send you to for the best work.

Narrowing The Field

Once you have a good list of cosmetic dentists in your local area that have come from referrals from friends and your general dentist, you can begin to narrow the field. Do some research on each of the dentists on your list to determine their experience, education and reputation. It is a great idea to set up a consultation to find out more information from your cosmetic dentist before you decide on a procedure. Make sure that your cosmetic dentist is a part of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Find out how long your cosmetic dentist has been practicing, take a look at some before and after photos , and find out the kinds of procedures that the cosmetic dentist can do in his or her practice.

Making the Choice

During your consultation, you should consider how you are made to feel. Do you feel comfortable with the cosmetic dentist? The setting and treatment from the staff are also important considerations. You will have to make a decision at some point, so use your gut to give you some important clues on the right cosmetic dentist for you. Find out if you will have a payment plan option for some of the procedures that you will be performed by the cosmetic dentist . This can be an important consideration if you are on a budget for your dental work.

Finally, when you have chosen the cosmetic dentist that you will use, design a plan for the work that you have chosen for your mouth.