Working With A Great Dentist
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Working With A Great Dentist

I have always been one of those people who loves to get out into the world and talk with other people, but a few years ago, I realized that I had to do something about my smile. My teeth were yellow and unattractive, and it was really discouraging to see how much different my smile was. I knew that I needed to get my teeth fixed, so I started working with a professional dentist to make things right. Within a few short months, my smile was completely transformed, and I knew that I owed it all to my dental professional. Check out this blog for more information about working with a dentist.

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Working With A Great Dentist

3 Steps To Take When Considering A Cosmetic Dentistry Procedure

Harper Hughes

You have to show caution when choosing a dentist to improve your smile. Never fear though, here's how you can make sure you're seeing a dentist that can do what you need him or her to do.

1. Speak to Your Regular Dentist before Speaking to a Specialty Dentist

Certain procedures may seem innocuous. For example, you may hear there's a dentist out there with an excellent whitening procedure. It's relatively cheap, and you don't need a referral for the service. But what you may not know is that the procedure isn't right for you for some reason that neither you nor that dentist can know.

The first thing you should do when you're considering cosmetic dentistry for any reason is to speak with your regular dentist about it. In fact, you may just find that your dentist can perform some of the work that you would like without the need for you to see a third party.

Explain to your dentist what you would like and let them know if you're considering a specific kind of procedure. Your dentist can make sure that you're a candidate for that cosmetic work.

Many procedures require you to have a mouth free of any possible problems. If you need dental work such as a tooth expulsion or a root canal, it's best to get it out of the way before considering anything else.

2. Know What You Want and Research It Thoroughly

You may have some idea on what it is you want from cosmetic dentistry, but you should take some time out to thoroughly research the procedure. For example, you may desire straighter teeth. However, in the world of cosmetic dentistry, there's actually many ways to achieve that goal.

  • Braces and retainers
  • Aligners and orthodontic treatment systems
  • Cosmetic contouring
  • Veneers
  • Palatal spreading

Each of these things can help you achieve straighter teeth or give the illusion of straighter teeth. Yet, each of these things also represents a whole universe of different procedures and techniques. It's important to know what you want, but it's equally important to give yourself a good idea about what that can really mean for you. Yes, speak to your dentist, but also do your own homework on the subject.

3. Make Sure the Cosmetic Dentist has the Required Skills and Experience

Always make sure the cosmetic dentist you choose actually has the skills to do what you require. Those that do cosmetic work usually have some extra education. Make sure to check for credentials and past work. Check for specialties as well. For example:

  • Prosthodontists specialize in cosmetic surgeries that restore and replace teeth
  • Orthodontists specialize in jaw and tooth alignment

Even if they don't carry a designated specialty, you can check to see if they're a member of the AACD or the ASDA or both. But the best way to tell if a cosmetic dentist can do the work properly is to check for proof.

  • Ask for references
  • Ask for before and after photos
  • Ask about their training
  • See if there are any complaints online

Once you're satisfied, then you can go on with your cosmetic work with confidence. This isn't usually a huge issue though. Many dentists that practice forms of cosmetic dentistry have no problems with letting you know what they can and cannot do. Just remember, all of this starts with first speaking to your dentist.

For more information, contact Staller & Gandel D.D.S or a similar location.


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