How to Find a Cosmetic Dentist

Maple Grove Cosmetic dentistry is about perception. It is about either restoring or improving your smile. A cosmetic dentist might consider themselves a fine artist. It requires time and skill and often times costs more than a general dentistry procedure. We’ll explain the five major cosmetic dental procedures and some suggested criteria to consider when researching a cosmetic dentist. Many dental practices may offer several of the procedures, but you still want to do your homework, so you know you are getting the best treatment to get the best possible results.

Research as proven that your smile is a huge contributor to your personality. It is the foundation for your self-esteem and your self-confidence. Since it is difficult to put a value on the quality of your smile it is necessary you don’t rush into a procedure and not get results that you can smile about.

The Five Major Cosmetic Dental Procedures

The most popular cosmetic process to improve your smile is Teeth Whitening. You can do this at home with one of many over the counter kits or you can have it done professionally in one visit. Removing stains and discoloration will make a dramatic difference and can be done on a regular basis. Dental Veneers require some specific training. Wafer-thin pieces of porcelain or ceramic are custom fabricated in a dental lab and are cemented to the front surface of the tooth or teeth. This process covers up defects such as cracks and chips. Dental Bonding has the same results but has the dentist applying a putty-like resin on the surface of the teeth and sculpting and smoothing the material. Inlays and Onlays are much like a filling. A composite resin can cover up an area that has decay removed to improve the look of the tooth. Dental Implants are the best thing available now if you find yourself needing to replace a tooth. The cosmetic dentist surgically places a titanium post in your jawbone. Once the post has fused to the bone an extension or abutment is put on the post so it reaches the gumline. An artificial crown is placed on the extension and you have a replacement that looks like a natural tooth.

Criteria to Find a Cosmetic Dentist

Here are some suggestions when you begin your research. You can start with your family dentist whom you trust. They can give you a referral regarding the specific procedure. You can also ask family or friends for a trustworthy referral. At any time don’t hesitate to ask a about their training, their continuing education and their current credentials. See if they are a standing member of the AACD, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. If they enjoy what they do and are proud of their work, you can ask to see before and after photos of prior procedures. Do not hesitate to ask many questions. You need to find your comfort zone. When it comes to a consultation do not rush through it. You can also ask about expected costs and how long the procedure will take. Remember, this is your smile, no one else’s. Create value in that smile.

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