10 Facts About Cosmetic Dentistry

Like any investment, you’ll want to do a little research before making a final decision. These guidelines can help you choose the practitioner who’s right for you when it comes to cosmetic dentistry:

Check Your Dentist’s Credentials

Your dentist should also be licensed through their provincial dental board and a member of the Irish Dental Council. Unlike other dental specialities (Oral surgery, Orthodontics or Endodontics, etc.), cosmetic dentistry is not recognised by the Irish Dental Council as a speciality. However, cosmetic dentists can receive postgraduate training through a number of organisations, so be sure to ask your dentist where he or she has sought their additional training in cosmetic procedures.

Investigate Your Dentist’s Training

The best cosmetic dentistry practitioners didn’t just go to dental school; they also completed extensive postgraduate training programmes that focus specifically on issues of cosmetic dentistry. In addition, the best dentists regularly attend continuing education classes and seek out multiple postgraduate designations – this allows them to stay up-to-date on the very latest clinical procedures and materials. Ask your Dentist how many CE hours he or she has accrued in the past 3 years. The minimum number of CE hours in British Columbia for re-licensure is 99 CE hours, so IF your Dentist is serious about his or her postgraduate training, they will have accumulated many more than the minimum. Your Dentist’s commitment to regular CE is a very good indicator of just how seriously he takes your oral health.

Start with a Consultation

Going in for a consultation is a great way to learn more about a dentist and their dental practice. Consultations are generally inexpensive and are sometimes even offered for free. Talk to the dentist before you commit to anything. If you are considering extensive crown and bridge work, then oftentimes an experienced cosmetic dentist will provide you with a wax or computer mock-up of what your teeth could look like after the procedure. A visual “before and after” is oftentimes very helpful to the patient in rendering his or her decision to proceed. Remember, you should be given the tools and information necessary to make an informed and educated decision.

Look for Smile Design Experience

Cosmetic dentistry is as much art as it is science. In general, the more smiles a dentist has designed, the better that dentist’s work will be. Smile design is about more than just your teeth; the dentist should also consider your lips, gum line, mouth shape, facial structure and symmetry.

Communication is Key

It’s essential that you be able to talk to your dentist – and that your dentist will listen to you! There’s a lot of dialogue that needs to go into an individual’s long-term treatment plan. If you feel bullied, pressured, or rushed, then that’s probably not the right dentist for you.

I was apprehensive at first but I only ended up having them on for 4 months and now I love my teeth!

Chloe Eggers, Glenageary

Six-Month Braces

Look at Before & After Photos

Take a look at the dentist’s portfolio before you make up your mind. Pay specific attention to cases that are similar to yours. Make sure that the photos are of actual work done by the dentist, not just stock photos.

An Honest Dentist Sets Realistic Expectations

Watch out for doctors who promise more than they can deliver. You want a dentist who will tell you what can and cannot be done for your smile. You need to know how long the process will take, what you’ll have to do, and any complications that could occur.

Whitening Goes the Extra Mile

The vast majority of experienced cosmetic Dentists will agree that the use of a Dental Whitening will improve the aesthetic outcome for almost every cosmetic case, so be sure to ask the Dentist if they use a Dental Whitener, and if the answer is yes, then ask what type of whitener they use and for what procedures.

Technology is Impressive, But It’s Not the Only Thing

A dentist with high-tech modern equipment is more likely to be up-to-date on modern techniques. At the same time, however, don’t let yourself be dazzled by a dentist’s fancy tools; what really matters is if the dentist knows how to use them properly.

A Good Lab Technician is a Valuable Asset

The dentist might decide on the treatment plan, but it’s the lab technician who’ll actually fabricate the porcelain veneers or crowns that will be gracing your new smile. Great dentists are proud of their lab technicians and the materials they use. If you decide to have a cosmetic makeover done by the Dentist, be sure to review a lab-fabricated wax-up of your new smile with the Dentist before proceeding with the finished porcelain units, as it’s easy to change the shape and/or length of the teeth in wax but not so once the new crowns or veneers have been bonded permanently in place.