If you want to upgrade the appearance of your smile, you’re probably on the hunt for a cosmetic dentist. Because the American Dental Association doesn’t recognize their type of care as a true specialty, any dentist can claim they are a cosmetic dentist. So how do you know you’ve found a true expert? To make your search easier, here are the top 5 factors to keep in mind when looking for a cosmetic dentist!
#1. Training & Experience
A great place to start is to check out the training and experience your potential dentist has. Typically, this can be found in the doctor’s bio on their website. Look for the dental school they graduated from, the years of experience they have, and any extra training or education they may have completed. Once you learn more about their credentials, you’ll have a better idea of whether or not you’d trust them with your smile.
#2. Payment Options
Unlike other types of dentistry, cosmetic services aren’t covered by insurance because they are seen as elective treatments. That makes finding a dentist who offers alternative financing options incredibly important, especially if you’re on a budget. Your dentist may offer some sort of low-to-no interest financing, usually through CareCredit. You can also look to see if they offer any cosmetic specials like free teeth whitening!
#3. Technology & Comforts
Thanks to the latest advancements, cosmetic dental services are more effective, efficient, precise, and lifelike than ever before. That said, it’s important to find a dentist who has updated their practice with the most recent technology. All digital X-rays, sedation, and intraoral cameras are some of the common dental instruments you can look for, which will typically be featured on the dentist’s website.
#4. Reviews
A recommendation from a friend or family member is good but incredibly biased. However, looking at the reviews of hundreds of patients is an easy way to get unfiltered opinions about your potential dentist. If you’ve read what past patients have to say, plus there are at least 100 5-star reviews, you’ll know that you’ve found a dentist who you can trust.
#5. Scheduling
Last but certainly not least, does your dentist have scheduling and office hours that work with your calendar. For example, do you prefer morning visits? Try to find a dentist who opens their doors before 9am so you can still have time for work or other appointments during the rest of your day. Additionally, make sure that you’re comfortable with the front desk team who will handle the scheduling of your appointments!
Finding the best cosmetic dentist for you doesn’t have to be a challenge! Remember these tips so you can enjoy peace of mind while getting your dream smile.
Meet the Dentist
At Denton Dental Center, Dr. Todd Balington combines art and science to create beautiful, custom smiles. He takes pride in helping his patients look AND feel better. To schedule an appointment, he can be reached through his website or by phone at (940) 383-3300.