Looking for a cosmetic dentist is different from a general dentist since your aim is likely to beautify your smile rather than protect or improve your oral health. This gives you more room to shop around for the best cosmetic dentist. However, since cosmetic dentistry is not a specialty, not all dentists have the same level of education and training. This article will discuss a few factors to consider when looking for a cosmetic dentist in Cartersville, GA.
1. Expertise and experience
Although all cosmetic dentists are trained in various cosmetic procedures, their general experience and expertise in specific procedures can dramatically impact your results and patient experience. For example, if you need veneers, look for cosmetic dentists with years of experience and a longer track record of performing veneer procedures.
The dentist’s website might hint at their specialty, such as if they focus more heavily on one type of cosmetic procedure. However, you can also look up individual dentists online, such as on the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry’s (AACD) Find a Dentist tool, to learn more about their experience and expertise.
2. Credentials
The main credentials to look for are AACD membership and accreditation. Membership implies that the dentist at least invests in continuing professional education, which is a good sign. However, the AACD’s accreditation program is one of the most sought-after cosmetic dentistry credentials and is much stricter than membership. Accreditation takes at least five years to complete and involves:
- Several required seminars
- A rigorous written exam
- A rigorous oral exam
- Peer review of five of the cosmetic dentist’s cases by world-renowned cosmetic dentists
Therefore, an AACD-accredited dentist is highly qualified and thoroughly educated. Beyond that, look for cosmetic dentists with other professional dental memberships, such as:
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)
- State and local dental associations
You can also look on their website to see if they have completed courses at continuing education dental institutions, such as:
- The Pankey Institute
- The Peter Dawson Institute
- Membership organizations (ADA, AACD, etc.)
- State and local institutions
3. Reviews and testimonials
Expertise and credentials matter, but you also want a great patient experience. Positive reviews and testimonials, especially about the dentist’s patient care and professionalism, help you find an enjoyable dentist and make the process as easy as possible.
Look on their website for before-and-after photos of real patients. These images can show that the dentist delivers excellent results and is willing to put their handiwork online for the public to see.
4. Pricing and financing
Cosmetic procedures differ in price, but cosmetic dentists may also charge different amounts for the same procedure. Evaluate the costs of the procedure you need at different dentists, but weigh the price against reviews, expertise, and other information you looked at. The goal isn’t always to get the cheapest care but the best care for your dollar. Sometimes, paying more for expertise and credentials can pay off in terms of better work and a more pleasant experience.
That said, cosmetic dentists may offer financing options to make cosmetic care more affordable. Typically, this lets you spread the procedure’s cost over several months. However, you may end up paying more since the dentist will add interest.
5. Insurance coverage
Dental insurance tends to not cover cosmetic procedures since policies are designed to help you pay for medically necessary care. That said, some aspects of certain cosmetic dentist treatments have a healthcare function. For instance, damaged or missing teeth are both a medical and aesthetic concern. A dental crown can replace a damaged or lost tooth, protecting against bone loss and restoring your ability to eat and speak. Since dental crowns are medically necessary, you may get coverage for it. At the same time, it restores a seamless smile, making it a cosmetic procedure.
Select the best cosmetic dentist in Cartersville, GA
Finding a cosmetic dentist can be easy, with so many options available. Start by seeing if the dentist has extensive experience in the cosmetic procedure you need, and look for credentials like AACD accreditation. Scan the reviews, testimonials, and photos to get a good idea of the patient experience and the dentist’s work. Weigh the dentist’s skills and experience against their pricing and explore financing options. Don’t forget to check with your insurance if there’s a medically necessary component to your procedure that insurance can cover. Keeping these in mind when looking for a cosmetic dentist will help you find an excellent professional to beautify your smile.
