However, this type of dentistry isn’t officially recognized as a specialty. So, this means that any dentist can claim that they’re a cosmetic dentist. This makes sorting through potential dentists challenging. In this guide, we’re going to outline the biggest things you can look for to ensure your dentist is competent, qualified, and gives you a smile that you can’t wait to show off.
Advertising Using Stock Photos Instead of Actual Patient Photos
Search for your potential dentist and look at their advertising materials and their website. Are they using stock photos? These are pictures they can buy that feature models. Are they using pictures of their own patients that they’ve worked on? To figure this out, look and see if there are any patient names listed by the pictures, or you can look for phrases like “actual patient of Dr. Smith.” If you’re still not sure, don’t be afraid to ask your dentist if the pictures they have are stock photos or actual patients.
AACD Membership or AACD Accreditation
The world’s best cosmetic dentistry Boca Raton entity is the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). You want to determine if your potential dentist is a member of this organization first. Once you do, you then have to figure out if they have accreditation from it. The accreditation process is one of the most advanced and recognized credentialing programs for this type of dentistry. It takes a minimum of five years from start to finish. Anyone who goes through it will have to undergo required seminars, an extensive written exam, a rigorous oral exam, and a peer review of five cases.
To be an exceptional cosmetic dentist Boca Raton, you want one that has completed this accreditation. When you’re screening potential candidates, ask if they are a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry first, and then ask if they have successfully completed this accreditation.
Material Quality and Ceramists the Dentist Uses
A lot of people choose to pick their dentist based purely on cost. They assume that every dentist that practices this type of dentistry has the same skillset, so they pick the one that offers the best price without considering the quality. However, dentists that have the lowest prices are usually the ones that have the least training.
These same dentists could use inferior laboratories and materials in their procedures. As a direct result, these dentists haven’t invested in their training procedures, and they are paying less for their services or materials. This is why they can offer lower pricing. A great cosmetic dentist Boca Raton that takes time to get the training by other quality cosmetic dentists picks quality materials for their procedures. These materials stand the test of time to save you money, and they use the best dental laboratories, but this drives up their prices.
Continuing Education Commitment
Unfortunately, any dental professional who offers more basic cosmetic services like a simple bonding can legally call themselves a cosmetic dentist Boca Raton. However, they have zero specialized cosmetic training and aren’t working on furthering their education beyond what they learned when they were in dental school.
When you deal with cosmetic dentistry Boca Raton, don’t be afraid to ask about your potential dentist’s continuing education pursuit. Where did they get all of their training? Do they have a set number of training hours they put in each year? What courses do they take? You can also ask and see if they give any continuing education opportunities to their team. A high-quality cosmetic dentist Boca Raton will also know about the education levels and training every team member has.
Functionality
Everyone loves to have a pretty smile. However, not choosing your dentist wisely can leave you with a beautiful smile that isn’t functional. Some dentists can provide you with an aesthetically pleasing smile that falls short on function, and this can lead to problems. A functional smile is one that looks nice, but it works great. You’ll get maximum comfort if your dentistry is done correctly, and you won’t have to worry about a painful bite or headaches.
Also, someone who doesn’t have experience may not align your smile correctly. This allows it to get damaged due to normal wear and tear much quicker due to improper alignment. What you saved originally by going with a lower-priced dentist can make you spend more in the long run, replacing worn-out veneers. Ask any dentist you consider about the cosmetic dentistry Boca Raton occlusal training they’ve gotten. Did they go to an advanced educational training course, or did it stop at dental school?
Scheduling
This may seem silly, but what does the scheduling look like at your prospective dentist’s office? What are the office hours? You want a schedule that meshes well with your own. You’re not doing yourself any favors if you pick out a dentist that you have to move your whole schedule around to get to an appointment. Also, how far out are they booked? Can they get you in relatively quickly, or will you have to wait several months between appointments?
Technology
Dentists who are up-to-date on the newest procedures usually have more advanced technology at the office. Look for intraoral cameras, digital x-rays, a dental laser, or chair-side monitors. Ask about what types of technology the dentist has at the office. You may also want to ask if they offer sedation or anesthesia since some of these procedures can be invasive.
Find a Qualified Cosmetic Dentist
We outlined several ways you can sort through potential cosmetic dentist Boca Raton to find one that is professional, experienced, and that fits into your budget. Once you pick one, you can schedule a consultation and get on your way to having a smile you can’t wait to show off.
