Today more than ever, the choice of a
Los Angeles cosmetic dentist is a critical
decision that should be made with the utmost care. So how do you choose a
Los Angeles cosmetic dentist? After all, in today's marketplace, many general
dentists perform at least some types of cosmetic dental procedures. Over
the past few years, there has been a dramatic influx of "Los Angeles cosmetic
dentists" into the field so much so that in the industry, being a
"cosmetic dentist" is almost a cliche?. . . passe?. Why? Because these
days, any general dentist who does things as simple as whitening teeth
can claim to be a
Los Angeles cosmetic dentist. So when someone is looking to get a
Hollywood smile, what should they expect? After all, aren't all dentists
the same?
Choosing the
right
Los Angeles cosmetic dentist for you, one with substantial experience in
complex cases, extensive hands-on training, and a gentle approach that
compliments your needs and wants is critical to achieving the most
successful outcome - your gorgeous new smile. Educated and discerning
people will realize that most "
cosmetic dentistry," (if done properly),
is complex and a precise set of operative procedures that will
dramatically affect their lives for years to come.
Selecting a
cosmetic dentist can be a difficult and confusing process. In the end,
it is a personal decision that each person must make for themselves. We
can, however, offer some advice, which our clients have found helpful
during the selection process. From discussions with our clients, we
believe the most important of these tips include the following:
1. Take Your Time.
Most
cosmetic dental procedures are elective procedures, not emergencies.
Time spent learning about the dental procedures, different techniques
and materials, and cosmetic dentists you are considering will pay great
dividends in terms of your understanding and emotional comfort later. If
in doubt, see a number of different cosmetic dentists for a
consultation. This will clarify in your own mind those personal
characteristics that you would like your Los Angeles cosmetic dentists to have.
2. Post Graduate
Cosmetic Dental Training.
To
perform these procedures at the highest level; technical skill, an
artistic eye, and a rigorous program of post-graduate training in
cosmetic dentistry is needed. It may surprise you to learn that the vast
majority of dental schools don't teach any courses in cosmetic
dentistry. For the few that do, they are usually limited to only a few
introductory courses. Your mouth is not the place for on-the-job
training. Therefore, it is crucial that the cosmetic dentist that you
select continually completes series of hands-on courses in
Los Angeles cosmetic dentistry. The field changes rapidly and what was state-of-the-art five
or ten years ago is not anymore. In depth training is essential to learn
the latest techniques and materials to get optimal results. The
significance lies not only in developing the dentist's clinical judgment
and technical skill, but also in demonstrating his/her commitment to
practicing cosmetic dentistry at the highest level of excellence.
3. Professional Credentials.
In
dentistry as in medicine, specialties exist that indicate a higher
level of education, knowledge, and expertise in particular areas of
focus. Presently, however, there is not an American Dental Association
(ADA) recognized specialty in cosmetic dentistry. In 1984, the American
Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) was formed and has filled the need
for credentialing in this area. Presently, with 5,000 members in the U.S
and in 40 countries around the world, the AACD is the largest
international dental organization dedicated specifically to the art and
science of cosmetic dentistry. The AACD also administers the leading
accreditation program for cosmetic dentistry. The accreditation process
is a rigorous program, which requires dentists to attend a number of
continuing education courses in cosmetic dentistry, be tested, and
submit a number of cosmetic cases to be judged by a panel of
cosmetic dentistry experts.
4. Integrity.
Find a
Los Angeles cosmetic dentist who
is honest in his/her assessment of your needs and of their ability to
meet your expectations. Be wary of the doctor minimizing your recovery
period and telling you just how "easy and simple" everything is going to
be.
5. A Caring Approach & Great Communication.
Find a
doctor with a good chair side manner who conveys to you that they care
about you as a person as well as a client. Cosmetic dentistry is a
process not a single operation. Find someone with whom you can talk
easily. It is just as important that he/she understands what you desire
as that you understand what they are describing. To accomplish these
goals, the first thing the
cosmetic dentist should do is listen and make
sure he or she understands all your concerns, needs and desires as they
relate to your dental health and the look of your smile. Only then
should they spend time diagnosing and consulting on the recommended
treatment plan, which should be individualized for each client.
6. Perfectionism.
Find
a cosmetic dentist who is accurate in his/her evaluation of your needs,
precise in the execution of their operative plan, and meticulous in
their craftsmanship. Although perfection is unattainable, this doctor
will do whatever it takes to do the best job possible without cutting
corners, not only to satisfy you, but also to meet their own personal
standards of excellence. Make sure the Los Angeles dentist addresses not just the
teeth but also gums, lips, facial structure and your specific requests.
7. An Artistic Eye.
While technical virtuosity is necessary to produce a great clinical result, it is not sufficient.
Excellent cosmetic dentistry demands a highly sophisticated
aesthetic sense. In order to achieve an optimal aesthetic result, one
must have a clear vision of what is artistically possible and
appropriate. In this regard, it helps greatly if the cosmetic dentist
has their own in-house laboratory with master ceramists. These special
artists can then see you as the client first hand, see your facial
complexion and shape and talk with you and the dentist about the desired
aesthetic results.
8. Extensive Smile Makeover Experience.
Before
you randomly select a
Los Angeles dentist out of the phone book or rely on your
long-time family dentist to give you the smile makeover of your dreams,
think again. Great cosmetic dentistry is an art. The fact is, many
dentists are generalists who simply have not performed cosmetic smile
makeovers very many times or with a regularity that leads to mastery of
this art. So, if you are considering veneers, for example, you should
ask exactly how many veneers the cosmetic dentist has placed. Our
doctors have placed not just a few or even a few hundred like many
dentists, but rather place thousands of veneers a year. Placing this
number of veneers allows our dentists to see a wide variety of many
different types of smiles and bring this experience and expertise to
enhance your case.
9. Be Sure You Review Before and After Photos of Work Performed by the
Los Angeles Cosmetic Dentist.
You'll
want to look at before and after photos of cosmetic dentistry that has
actually been performed by the dentist that you are considering. Beware!
There are commercially available photos and albums that show the
possibilities for cosmetic dentistry. But, what you want to confirm is
that you are seeing the actual work of the dentist you are considering
and make sure that the before photos you look at are also cases similar
to yours.
10. Other Things You May Want to Consider.