Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance of your teeth, it is aimed at creating a positive change to your oral health and to your smile. It primarily focuses on improvement dental aesthetics in color, position, shape, size, alignment and the overall smile appearance.

What should I look for in a cosmetic dentist?

In order to make sure your dentist meets the following qualifications:

The dentist should be patient centered in the sense that during your initial inquiries and consultation, check to see if the aesthetic dentist and staff appear to be patient focused and not just following their own agenda.
Committed to continuing education- Cosmetic dental technology and procedures are continually advancing as professionals find more effective ways to repair and beautify smiles.

Positive patient testimonials- Patient testimonials and reviews generally speak volumes about customer service, dental procedure success and the dental office atmosphere.

Specialties that fit your needs– Be sure to research which dental services are offered at the office and whether or not your prospective cosmetic dentist specializes in any procedures. Many cosmetic dentists may be offering services that will not be able to satisfy and meet your needs.

Use updated technology- Dental technology is one way to determine the level of advanced care in a cosmetic dentistry office.

Positive office atmosphere- Because cosmetic dental work can require some time in the dentist chair, it is important to make sure you feel comfortable in the office atmosphere. The offices of many cosmetic dentists offer music or movie options in addition to other comfort amenities. Also be sure to observe the friendliness of the staff.

Successful previous patient results- Asking for before and after photos of previous patients is an effective way to observe a cosmetic dentist’s skill level. Make sure that you like the style and quality shown in the photos before moving forward with your chosen cosmetic dentist.

Experienced- One way to measure experience is to find out how long the cosmetic dentist has been practicing. You might also ask which dental procedures are most commonly performed at the cosmetic dentistry office.

Teeth bleaching

Bleaching is a common and popular chemical process used to whiten teeth. It usually aims to ensure that stains on the teeth get to disappear. Through dental procedures which can be performed by your dentist in the office or under dental supervision. You can even have the teeth bleaching dental procedure done at the comfort of your home.

Bonding

This is a dental procedure whereby a tooth-colored material is used to fill in gaps or change the color of teeth. Bonding is more susceptible to staining as compared to other forms of restoration. Bonding is usually preferred when teeth are chipped or slightly decayed, bonded composite resins may be the material of choice.

Veneers

Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain or plastic placed over the front teeth that change the color or shape of your teeth. Veneers are used on teeth with uneven surfaces or those that are chipped, discolored, oddly shaped, unevenly spaced or crooked. This is an alternative to crowns, which are more expensive.