If you want to change your smile’s appearance, it’s time to consult a cosmetic dentist who can help you choose the best treatment to achieve optimum dental health. Upon asking your friends and family, and doing online research, you have narrowed down your options, so it’s time to ask the right questions for sound decision-making.

Continue reading below to find out the most important questions you need to ask a cosmetic dentist.

What Treatment Plan Do You Recommend?

Each cosmetic dentist has a unique philosophy when it comes to enhancing your looks through your smile. Work with a cosmetic dentist who knows how to listen to your concerns, respects your opinion, and provides options to help address your concerns and come up with the best outcomes.

Here are the different cosmetic dental procedures available today:

  • Inlays and Onlays: Indirect fillings are made from composite material in a dental laboratory. To attach indirect fillings to the teeth, adhesive dental cement is used. Inlays and onlays are usually recommended when a patient has mild to moderate tooth decay, or there’s not enough tooth structure that can support a filling.
  • Composite Bonding: Damaged teeth also suffering from decay and discoloration are repaired through this procedure, wherein materials resembling the color of the tooth enamel are used.
  • Dental Veneers: These are made from medical-grade ceramic, which is made to resemble the natural teeth of the patient, thus looking exceptionally realistic. Dental veneers can help resolve numerous cosmetic problems, such as crooked teeth, cracked or damaged tooth enamel, and noticeable gaps between teeth. Your dentist can also apply dental veneer to your front tooth with a dental adhesive.
  • Teeth Whitening: This is a basic cosmetic dentistry procedure performed at a dental clinic. Your teeth can be bleached for an even lighter shade as compared to its original color.
  • Dental Implants: These are used to substitute a missing tooth or teeth. Your cosmetic dentist will insert a small titanium screw at the area of the missing tooth. It serves as the crown support. Dental implants are indistinguishable from natural teeth. Learn more about dental implants by checking this site.

Do You Have Advanced Education or Training in Cosmetic Dentistry?

It is best to choose a dentist who participates in continuing education with extensive hours of advanced cosmetic dentistry training so that you can achieve your goals for a more beautiful smile.

Here are the credentials you need to look for when choosing a cosmetic dentist:

  • A cosmetic dentist should have a diploma in Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.).
  • A cosmetic dentist should be licensed. The National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) is a state licensure examination that is used in assessing knowledge and skills of dental sciences.
  • A cosmetic dentist should have years of experience in different cosmetic treatments, such as teeth bleaching, porcelain veneers, bonding, and cosmetic surgeries.

Can I See Your Portfolio?

A good cosmetic dentist would be happy to share their portfolio or before-and-after images (without showing the whole face for privacy) of recent patients. Choose a cosmetic dentist who shows exemplary artistic skills as evident in their work.

Here are the other essential things you need to know:

  • Discuss your desired results and ask your dentist about the length of the suggested procedure.
  • Clarify if the pictures you see have the same condition as your case.
  • Ask the budget requirement for each treatment plan presented.

Do You Offer Payment Plans?

Cosmetic surgery can be expensive, and most people don’t include dental works on the budget. However, if it is the only way to improve your looks and self-confidence, you have to ask available payment plans so you can get the best dental service without breaking your bank.

Here are other tips to help you finance cosmetic dental work:

  • Get a thorough estimate of the amount the entire procedure will cost, including anesthesia, X-rays, and medications you’ll need after the cosmetic procedure.
  • Call your dental insurance provider to see your coverage and get a close estimate of the amount you’ll pay out of pocket. While cosmetic dentistry isn’t usually covered by health insurance, a cosmetic dentist can appeal if you need to undergo a cosmetic procedure.
  • Check your credit report. You can avail of other financing options if you have a good credit standing.

Conclusion

After asking your cosmetic dentist all of the questions above, you will feel more confident undergoing the cosmetic procedure. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions you have in mind for your assurance. Through this, you avoid surprises and you’ll end up being happy with the result. Achieve the most beautiful smile by making the right choice.