How to Choose the Right Dentist for You

  Patients investing in a new smile want assurances that the experiences with the cosmetic dentist chosen will be positive and successful. The wrong choice can sometimes lead to embarrassing results, unnecessary pain, and tremendous financial expense. Oral health and a brilliant, beautiful smile should not be jeopardized by an inexperienced choice in a cosmetic dental provider. Several simple tips can ensure a qualified provider will deliver fabulous results during a smile makeover.

6 steps to choosing the right provider

Choosing a provider who is competent and trustworthy makes the entire transformative process more enjoyable and successful. For guidance in selecting the right provider, follow these tips.

1. Realize the extent of options

Cosmetic dentistry work to enhance a person’s smile and alter the appearance of the teeth. The treatments to achieve this end can vary widely, such as fixing chipped teeth, closing gaps, or addressing stains. Even though these services can lead to a healthier-looking smile, these changes could also potentially improve one’s ability to eat or speak. Determining the desired outcome will help narrow down which provider can offer a specific type of service.

2. Conduct thorough research

In addition to checking on the higher education a cosmetic dentist has achieved, it is important to consider the training and experience the provider has in a particular field. Find out how many years the dentist has been in practice and where any training may have taken place. Look for memberships to a professional organization or completion of continuing education coursework.

3. Look through before and after photos

A qualified professional generally has a portfolio of successful cases and treatments, whether online or in the dental office. Requesting to see examples of transformation can give patients a better idea of what kind of results could be expected from working with this provider. Be wary of trusting website photos, as stock or heavily edited photos can be misleading.

4. Rely on referrals

Patient testimonies are another way to determine what it would be like working with a specific provider. The dental website may have written testimonies submitted from prior patients, but it is also acceptable to ask the dentist for referrals. A few topics to discuss include the things liked most about the provider, any negative experiences during the transformation, and the level of comfort experienced throughout the process.

5. Request a consultation

Providers often encourage consultations with potential patients, as this gives both parties time to understand the situation and discuss questions or concerns. This is the opportunity to get an idea of what the office looks and feels like, as well as meet the dentist and experience their personality and bedside manner. A consultation is not an obligation to do business with the provider.

6. Evaluate the cost

Finances tend to be an influencing factor in choosing which provider to use. Treatments vary in price and a chosen provider should fit the budget. There may also be different treatment options for a condition, and a consultation can help identify which would be a cost-effective choice. The cheapest option does not always guarantee quality, which means truly comparing prices against what the expense is actually for. Providers in suburban areas will often have significantly different pricing when compared to a metropolitan area.

Avoid Making a Hasty Decision

Many people are in a hurry to make changes, particularly if appearance and discomfort are motivations behind a cosmetic treatment. By rushing into a procedure, it is easy to ignore warning signs concerning the provider or the process itself. Look at the little things about the office and overall experience to provide clarity when two or more providers seem to have the greatest potential. Consider the level of customer service received when calling to make an inquiry or to schedule a consultation. Think about the location and the difficulty presented making it there several times over the course of the treatment. Taking off work to drive a long distance for an affordable procedure may not be a good deal when considering all of the facts.

Conclusion

Make an informed decision about which cosmetic dentist to select for a smile makeover. With so much information available through personal recommendations and the internet, a little bit of research will go a long way in helping narrow down the field of providers. The right choice can make a difference in the quality and longevity of results. Ultimately, satisfaction and self-esteem are on the line when choosing which cosmetic specialist to use for treatment. Request an appointment here: Rohan S. Toor, DDS or call Rohan S. Toor, DDS at (805) 639-3050 for an appointment in our office.      

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