FINDING and CHOOSING THE BEST COSMETIC DENTIST
When most people think of dentistry, they think of having their teeth professionally cleaned or having a cavity filled. What a lot of people don’t consider is that there is a field of dentistry that revolves around the appearance of a patient’s teeth—cosmetic dentistry.
Understanding Cosmetic Dentistry
Much like cosmetic surgery, the main focus of cosmetic dentistry is to improve the aesthetic appearance of a part of the body—in the case of cosmetic dentistry, the teeth. This can be extremely helpful for a patient that is suffering from low self-confidence due to the way their teeth appear. Many people with damaged, discolored or misaligned teeth are afraid to smile and instead hide their teeth away behind their lips. Cosmetic dentistry can help to boost a patient’s confidence by restoring (and even improving) their smile.
Different Types of Cosmetic Dentistry
There are different types of cosmetic dentistry. Some of these forms of cosmetic dentistry are for purely elective, aesthetic reasons, while other forms also serve a functional purpose. Some of the different types of cosmetic dentistry include:
- Teeth Whitening
- Bonding
- Veneers
- Invisalign
- Braces
- Implants
For certain procedures (like implants), the procedure actually helps with overall oral health—along with the way that the teeth look. Other procedures—like teeth whitening—serve little functional purpose, but instead allow for the patient to smile without being self-conscious.
Finding a Cosmetic Dentist
There are a few different ways to find a cosmetic dentist. One popular way for patients to find a cosmetic dentist is to ask their general dentist for a referral. Some general dentists perform cosmetic dentistry, while others don’t. If your dentist doesn’t, you can ask them for a suggestion. It is likely that they know someone in that field that can fulfill the services that you are looking for.
Another way to find a cosmetic dentist is asking friends and family. If you’ve noticed that a friend or family member has recently had cosmetic dentistry performed, ask where they had the service completed, and if they enjoyed the experience.
Finally, you can check online to find a cosmetic dentist. By searching in your area, you’ll likely find a variety of dentists that fulfill the service that you are looking to have completed. From there you can check the reviews of the dentist, and see which dentist looks like they may be a good fit for your needs.
Choosing the Right Cosmetic Dentist
The first thing that you’ll want to look for when choosing the right dentist is their credentials. Also, ask how much time they spend on cosmetic dentistry each week, and about what percentage of their practice is cosmetic dentistry. You’ll want to make sure your dentist has plenty of experience!
In order to find a cosmetic dentist that can meet your needs, make sure they are well-qualified to get the job done. Once you’ve found a dentist that has good reviews and the right accreditation, book an appointment!
Contact West Mobile Dental Care
We'd be happy to go over you options with you and find out what the best course of action is. Contact us today, we offer a wide variety of Preventative, Restorative, and Cosmetic Dentistry. We're available at (251) 666-3600 or via our online contact form here.
Looking for more information on what cosmetic dentistry is? Read more here.