How do you find the best cosmetic dentist near you when almost all dentists offer teeth whitening and other cosmetic treatments? It can take a bit of research to find a dentist who has the in-depth knowledge and expertise you’re looking for, but your smile is certainly worth it! Below, we go over some factors to consider when looking for a cosmetic dentist near you.
Credentials and Memberships
The American Dental Association does not recognize cosmetic dentistry as a specialty, thus any dentist can call themselves a cosmetic dentist. Look for a dentist who is active in a number of dental organizations, as these typically offer opportunities for additional training, lectures, and learning from colleagues. Our dentists are members of the New London County Dental Society, the American Dental Association, and the Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Kim has received the Fellowship and Mastership awards from the Academy of General Dentistry.
Education
Each of our dentists graduated from accredited dental schools, then went on to complete residencies to advance their knowledge and gain additional experience. There’s more to a dentist’s education than their schooling, though.
All dentists must graduate from dental school in order to practice, so when looking for a cosmetic dentist near you, it’s more important to ask them about their continuing education. A commitment to being a lifelong learner is important because cosmetic dentistry progresses quickly as technology advances, and what a dentist learned in dental school may no longer be relevant today. Our dentists keep up with the latest in cosmetic dentistry through participating in a number of continuing education opportunities each year.
Before and After Photos
Professional credentials mean a lot, but you should also evaluate a cosmetic dentist's work by looking at before and after photos. Not all patients agree to their images being published online, so to protect their privacy, many cosmetic dentists don’t share patient photos on their websites, but are happy to show them to potential patients when they are asked. These photos can help you understand what you can expect from your treatment.
Patient Reviews
When looking at patient reviews, search for ones that reference the cosmetic treatment you're thinking about having. While any dentist can deliver good results with a simple procedure like teeth whitening, this doesn't tell you anything about their ability to design realistic veneers or sculpt bonding to look natural, which takes more talent, training, and attention to detail.
Advanced Technology and Treatments
Any cosmetic dentist you choose should use the most up-to-date dental technology in their office. These technologies produce more predictable outcomes, more comfortable treatments, and an overall better patient experience.
Make Sure They Offer the Treatments You Need
Finally, you should verify that the cosmetic dentist you’re considering offers the treatments you’d like to have. Not all dentists offer a complete range of cosmetic treatments; some may not provide Invisalign, others may only offer teeth whitening, etc.
Schedule an Appointment for Cosmetic Dentistry
Are you considering cosmetic dentistry to improve the appearance of your smile? Contact us today at 860-446-8744 to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists.