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What Does It Mean to Look at Your Complete Oral Health?
Transcript
Start With Training and Experience
Hey everybody, Dr. Lee Brown from Freedom Dental of West Chester. Many people want to know, “How do I find the right cosmetic dentist?” or “What is a cosmetic dentist?” The first thing we have to think through is that everyone’s training is a little different and specialized in different areas. Some people are more focused on the surgical end, some on the cosmetic end, and then everything in between.
It is important to understand what everyone’s training background and experience look like. I believe in a consultation where you sit down and understand your options, from whitening to clear aligners to veneers, bonding, and everything in between, and then better understand how that applies to you.
Review Results and Personal Fit
Then understand what that doctor and team have as far as experience, before-and-afters, similar situations, and people in the same demographic. During a consultation or meeting, you have to have a good feeling with that team and doctor, and know that they have been here before.
You should be comfortable with the pace at which they do things, the way they approach it, and that they will stand behind their work.
Look Beyond Location and Insurance
When making this decision, do not solely base it on location or insurance. If this is going to be done and your smile is part of your personality and who you are, you want to make sure it is done well and done right the first time, because that is where you create value in the long run.
I have seen too many people get something done cheap, only to have it redone in the future. That costs them not only financially, but also time, heartache, pain, and everything in between. Be willing to go outside your immediate horizon or geography to find the right person, and do not make those decisions just based on insurance contracts.
Choose Based on Skill, Value, and Comfort
Make those decisions based on value and skills, and make sure you are comfortable. As always, talk to a friend or someone who has been through it before and can provide some great value.
Give us a call at Freedom Dental of West Chester. Our whole team would be excited to help you talk through your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Cosmetic Dentist?
A cosmetic dentist is a dentist whose training and experience lean more toward the cosmetic side of care. Dr. Brown notes that dentists may focus on surgery, cosmetic treatment, or areas in between, so patients should review each provider’s background, experience, and the types of cases they commonly handle.
How Do I Find the Right Cosmetic Dentist?
Start by reviewing the dentist’s training, experience, before-and-after examples, and work with patients in similar situations. Then schedule a consultation to discuss whitening, clear aligners, veneers, bonding, and other options. The right choice should also feel comfortable in pace, communication, and the team’s overall approach.
What Should I Ask During a Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation?
Ask which cosmetic options may apply to you, how the dentist approaches treatment, and what experience the team has with similar cases. Review before-and-after examples, discuss the expected pace, and pay attention to whether you feel comfortable with the doctor and team during the consultation.
Why Shouldn’t I Choose a Cosmetic Dentist Based Only on Location or Insurance?
Location and insurance do not always reflect the skill, value, or fit of a cosmetic dentist. Dr. Brown encourages patients to look beyond immediate geography and insurance contracts because redoing inexpensive work later can cost more money, time, heartache, and pain than choosing carefully at the start.