How to Choose a Cosmetic Dentist – San Antonio, TX
10 Tips for Finding the Right Cosmetic Dentist
Since cosmetic dentistry isn’t recognized as a specialty, any general dentist can offer cosmetic services. The question is, how will you know that you’ve found someone that you can truly trust to take care of the various imperfections that have appeared over the years? Dr. Gonzalez has plenty of advice for anyone searching for a cosmetic dentist in San Antonio; keep the 10 tips below in mind while you’re comparing practices so that you can pick the one that works for you.
1. Training
First, take a look into your dentist’s background. Have they had any additional education or advanced training in specific cosmetic services? Are the experienced in placing veneers or using Invisalign? Don’t be afraid to directly ask about their cosmetic studies as well.
2. Associations
Some dentists might be part of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, which can indicate how seriously they take cosmetic dentistry as a whole. Bear in mind that membership to a cosmetic dentistry association doesn’t necessarily reflect one’s skill in performing cosmetic treatments.
3. Payment Options
Your insurance probably won’t cover most cosmetic treatments, so check the kind of payment options that the practice offers. In particular, see if they take third-party financing via CareCredit; if they do, you can break the cost of your care into a series of smaller installments.
4. Scheduling
Does the practice’s schedule line up with your own? Will it be easy for you to fit the necessary visits into your schedule? Does the front desk make the process of setting up your next appointment easy?
5. Location
Many cosmetic services require more than one visit, so make sure that the practice is somewhere that you can get to easily. In most cases, this will mean an office near your home or your workplace.
6. Time Requirements
If you already know that your cosmetic treatment is going to take multiple visits, it’s important to confirm that your dentist will be around in the near future to finish what they’ve started. Ask if they have any vacation plans that fall within your treatment timeline.
7. Technology & Anesthesia
Digital X-rays, intraoral cameras, and other advancements have changed the way dentists approach cosmetic treatments. You can ask a potential dentist about the kind of technology they use so that can get a rough idea of what treatment will be like. This is also a good time to ask about anesthesia and sedation options, especially if you have any level of dental anxiety.
8. Comfort
Since cosmetic services are elective treatments, you’ll definitely want to pick a dentist’s office that you feel completely comfortable with. Think about the atmosphere of the office and how friendly the staff is. Do you feel like your questions and concerns will be answered to your satisfaction? Could you see yourself coming back multiple times?
9. Before & After Photos
Most dentists will have some sort of album or online gallery showcasing some of the smiles they’ve worked on over the years. See if your potential dentist has pictures of cases comparable to your own.
10. Previews
Does this practice use digital imaging or wax ups? If so, you can get a sneak peek of what your smile will look like before you officially begin your treatment.