Patients who want a perfect smile often turn to cosmetic dentistry — a broad term for several procedures that improve the appearance of teeth. That said, with so many options, picking a dental practice can be pretty overwhelming.
Our West Omaha dentists explain how to choose a cosmetic dentist here.
How Do I Choose a Cosmetic Dentist?
Evaluate Your Smile Goals
Before you start your search, consider what you’re looking for. Are you in the market for simple teeth whitening services or a procedure like dental implants? Some cosmetic dentistry treatments can be performed by almost any dentist, while others require more technical training.
Depending on what your smile goals are, choose a cosmetic dentist that specializes in that particular area.
Word of Mouth
If you have a friend or family member who has gone to a cosmetic dentist, it’s never a bad idea to ask about their experience and whether they recommend them. Like online reviews, people tend to only talk about their dentist if they had an exceptionally good or bad experience.
If no one close to you has recommendations, you can always reach out to people you know on social media for their input.
Check Reviews
Now that you have a list of names, consider looking up some dentist reviews. A simple Google search will tell you how experienced a cosmetic dentist is based on their overall rating and number of reviews.
Take things one step further by visiting their website as well as their social media pages. While there, check out where your prospective cosmetic dentists went to school, their years of experience, and the quality of their work.
View Their Work
The key to choosing a cosmetic dentist is looking at their past work. Many cosmetic dentists document their best work with before-and-after photos, which you can typically find online. If you already know what treatment you want, comb through their gallery for cases like yours.
On the off chance a dentist doesn’t a gallery on their website, request examples of their past work. Also, be on the lookout for heavily edited photos or stock images.
Compare Prices
Once you’ve narrowed down a few names, figure out what you’re willing to spend. In most cases, the cost of cosmetic dentistry depends on the case.
Keep in mind that you get what you pay for with cosmetic dentistry. While there are exceptions, if you’re looking for a total smile makeover, you’ll want to find a cosmetic dentist who has the experience and the technology to carry out different procedures — and that could mean paying more.
It’s also worth noting that many dental offices offer payment plans, so you’re not required to pay everything upfront. Ask the dentists on your list about their payment options to see if their system is manageable for you.
What Training Does a Cosmetic Dentist Need?
Cosmetic dentists undergo the same training as general dentists, but some continue their education in a specialty area after dental school. As a result, they acquire more experience and become more specialized.
Most dentists can perform the same techniques and procedures, including teeth whitening, composite bonding, dental crowns and bridges, and more.
Contact Our Dentists in West Omaha
For more information, contact our West Omaha dentists. Drs. Bob and Sharlene Wilson and their team of professionals can help you achieve your dream smile.
Call 402-498-8804 to schedule your appointment today!
Author Bio: Drs. Sharlene and Robert Wilson offer a variety of general and cosmetic dentistry services in Omaha, NE. They both earned their doctorate from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry. With over 30 years of combined experience, both are committed to helping patients achieve beautiful, healthy, and long-lasting smiles. Call 402-498-8804 to schedule an appointment.