Cosmetic dentistry mainly deals with the appearance of teeth, but it has a bigger effect on your life than you could ever imagine. From porcelain veneers to orthodontic braces, these “cosmetic” solutions play critical roles in improving a person’s life.
Because of this, there’s one decision that you have to think through more carefully: which dentist in Fort Lauderdale to trust.
Who will perform these procedures that will affect your way of life? Here, you will learn the top benefits of cosmetic dentistry and some factors you need to consider when choosing a dentistyou cantrust to improve your smile.
Health and Social Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry has plenty of health and social benefits.
Health-wise, this specialization in dentistry offers you a relatively pain-free life (at least, as far as your teeth are concerned). You see, some conditions cause pain and discomfort that only go away with cosmetic dental treatment.
For example, misaligned teeth or malocclusions can cause pain akin to a headache. This is because when teeth don’t meet at the right spot, muscles tense up when you adjust your jaw to chew and make up for the misalignment. If left untreated, this can cause jaw pain, which may also radiate to the temples.
With cosmetic dentistry solutions like Invisalign and braces, such misalignments can be corrected, thereby eliminating the root cause of the pain.
Meanwhile, cosmetic dentistry’s social benefits focus more on achieving a flawless smile. With perfect-looking teeth, you can smile more confidently and achieve greater things at work and in your relationships. Improving your smile also boosts self-esteem, which radiates outward and enhances your overall appearance.
Smiling more often also helps create a better mood and helps to reduce stress (which is another health benefit) and generally makes you feel better about yourself.
6 Things to Look Into When Choosing a Cosmetic Dentist
As you may already know, a cosmetic dentist performs procedures to improve how your smile looks. With this in mind, the choice should be easy enough, right? Maybe.
But with so many top-rated cosmetic dentists in Fort Lauderdale, you may be in for a difficult decision. To make decision-making a bit easier, here are six factors you need to consider when deciding on a cosmetic dentist:
1. Cosmetic solutions offered
One of the primary factors you must think about are the procedures each cosmetic dentist uses to deliver amazing results. After all, having plenty of solutions available affects the entire cosmetic dentistry experience.
While dentists are taught the same thing at school, and even as they take specialization courses, they will eventually establish an inclination towards specific procedures once they launch in their careers.
For example, for teeth staining, some would prefer teeth whitening or chemical cleaning, while others are likely to go for porcelain veneers.
If you already have a solution you prefer, you must look for a cosmetic dentist who offers solutions that you’re comfortable with.
2. Expertise
Besides the availability of services to choose from, the dentist you entrust your teeth with should also actually be an expert in your chosen procedure.
Some may be very good at dental veneers. A few others focus their training on dental implants; others prefer the use of clear aligners.
Remember that these procedures are different, although some of them achieve the same results. It’s just that cosmetic dentists have opted to become experts in a few treatments that have led to their bias towards those that they are knowledgeable of.
The key is to research and do your homework to know exactly what you need and the best options for you.
Of course, the ideal choice is a cosmetic dentist who is an expert in many procedures, as this means they will be ready to address different situations and handle unique and unexpected scenarios.
3. Credentials
Dentists earn the right to perform cosmetic dental procedures when they pass licensing and accreditation conducted by authorities and organizations covering the sector. Because of this, you have to look for someone who has an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) license. This will serve as a certification that the professional who will be correcting your dental issues is skilled and knows what they are doing.
4. Excellent track record
The reputation of a cosmetic dentist is also crucial in your selection. It attests to not only their skill but also their capacity to deliver what they promise and please their clients.
You should ask whether a dentist has already done a procedure for a case similar to yours. If he does, ask for pictures and documentation of showcasing results from that past case.
Some would also have testimonials readily available to show their previous work. This will help you get an idea of what your smile will look like after undergoing the treatment.
5. Tools and equipment
Even if a dentist can perform a certain cosmetic dental procedure, they may not be the best choice if you still need to transfer from one clinic to another just to get your teeth done. This means you have to make sure that the one you choose has the required equipment necessary.
First, consider the solutions available to you and decide on one procedure you want to have. Then, research as much as you can about it and check the necessary tools and machines for a successful operation. This will help you know what to ask when consulting with each candidate.
Keep in mind that some dentists hesitate to invest in new equipment, especially if those don’t necessarily promise a different outcome. However, some machines, like CAD/CAM, dental lasers, and others, improve the entire experience (e.g., the number of visits necessary and the length of chair time) in specific dental cosmetic procedures.
6. Cost
Considered the most important factor, the price of cosmetic dental solutions is what many clients think about before anything else. What some fail to check, however, are the available methods of payment.
If you have dental coverage included in your insurance, you should ask the dental clinic whether they accept payments through these channels. There are other payment features you need to look for, including low initial cost and the number of payment plan options available.
Choose the Best Professional for the Job
Choosing a cosmetic dentist to correct an issue in your smile is a critical decision you must make carefully. Factor in the six things listed here to ensure you pick the right professional for the job.
