Cosmetic dentistry is a specialization under the general field of dentistry, but in most countries, it is not an officially recognized specialty. This means that, depending on where you might be located, you can be talking to a general dentist who only advertises himself as a cosmetic dentist. This is definitely something that you want to avoid. Choosing a cosmetic dentist is an important decision – one that will have consequences that will follow you into the future for a very long time. For this reason, you have to make sure that you are choosing the right one for your needs.
Here are some of the top considerations that you should take into account when you are looking for the best cosmetic dentist NYC.
First, check out their portfolio. You can usually see this by visiting their website or their clinic, if it is located near you. Cosmetic dentists are proud of the outcomes of their work and would not hesitate to post before and after pictures of their previous patients to encourage more people to patronize their practice. Nonetheless, remember that many dentist websites use stock photos for their portfolio. Make sure that you are actually looking at photos of actual and real patients of the cosmetic dentist before you make your decision.
Second, always verify the credentials that they list on their website. For instance, if they indicate that they are affiliated with a professional organization or association, try to call up the said organization and verify their membership. As much as possible, choose a dentist that is an accredited member of national organizations, such as the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Make sure that they also list the schools that they attended, which continuing education courses in cosmetic dentistry they were able to complete, and the number of years that they have been practicing this specific field of dentistry.
Third, before going in for a consultation with your top candidates, make sure that you write down a list of your expectations. This will enable the cosmetic dentist to determine exactly what results you want from the procedure that they will perform. This will also allow them to inform you whether or not your expectations are realistic and if they are actually capable of producing the results that you want. Having this list will make things easier for you and ensure that you do not get disappointed later on after the procedure is done.
Finally, make sure that you also talk to previous patients to get an idea about what the cosmetic dentist is actually like to work with. You don’t need to contact all his previous patients, but it might be a good idea to check out impartial, third-party review boards and websites during your selection process. Knowing what his previous patients have to say about his professional and the quality of his work will also give you a better idea of what to expect from the procedure you are about to get. Having all your bases covered will enable you to make an informed decision.