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The cosmetic dentistry industry may reach a whopping 32 billion dollars in the year 2026.

Cosmetic dentistry is a field of dentistry that aims to improve the appearance of your teeth and gums. While the focus of a general dentist is to ensure healthy teeth and gums, cosmetic dentists have the knowledge and skills to help your teeth look their best.

But what should you look for when you’re choosing a cosmetic dentist? How do you know which cosmetic dentist is right for you?

If you’re thinking about seeing a cosmetic dentist, read on to learn more about what to look for in a cosmetic dentist and what they can do for you.

What Do Cosmetic Dentists Do?

Cosmetic dentists have skills and training in a variety of treatments to help your smile look amazing. Here are some common services that cosmetic dentists offer:

• Teeth Whitening

Cosmetic dentists use a specialized whitening gel to achieve a brighter smile. Your smile can be whiter in about an hour at your dentist’s office.

• Veneers

Veneers are thin shells of materials like porcelain that cover up chipped or cracked teeth or fill in gaps giving teeth a smoother look. Veneers prevent infection as well since bacteria seep through cracked teeth into the bloodstream.

• Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is when the dentist applies a bonding agent to the tooth and hardens it with light. This “bonds” the materials to the tooth, improving its appearance.

• Tooth Shaping

Do you have misshapen teeth? A cosmetic dentist knows how to properly form them to blend in better with your surrounding teeth.

• Crowns

Crowns cover fillings or tooth decay to prevent further infection to the tooth and the body. Crowns can be natural-looking or made of metals like gold.

• Dental Implants

Dental implants replace missing teeth. They’re permanent and allow you to eat and speak normally while blending in with the rest of your teeth.

If you’re curious about a cosmetic dental procedure, you can always ask your dentist if they offer it as a service.

• Choosing a Cosmetic Dentist

When you’re thinking about options for dentists, and who you’re going to let work on your teeth, you only want the best. But how do you find the best? Here are some tips for finding the best cosmetic dentist for you.

• Reviews

One way to find a cosmetic dentist is by reading online reviews. While dental practices have testimonials on their website, you’ll want to search online for unbiased reviews. This gives you a broader scope of patients’ experiences.

• Referrals

If you know anyone who’s had cosmetic work done, ask them where they went and what they thought of their dentist. Friends, family, and even acquaintances can give you their opinion to help you make a decision.

• Equipment

Dental technology is always advancing, providing safer and more effective ways to keep teeth healthy and looking their best. A cosmetic dentist who uses the most advanced and sophisticated technology gives you the best results for your smile. Ask about the types of technology and tools the dentist uses.

• Experience

General dentists spend several years in school completing the requirements to practice dentistry. However, they spend a few extra years perfecting the skill of cosmetic dentistry, learning the best cosmetic methods, and gaining cosmetic dentistry experience.

• Comparing Dental Costs

When it comes to the cost of cosmetic dentistry, you want to do price comparisons. Be warned: if the procedures seem too good to be true when it comes to price, it probably is. While you don’t want to overpay for any procedures, it’s important to remember that when you have an expert cosmetic dentist perform your treatments, the cost is well worth it.

• Services Offered

Most cosmetic dentists offer a wide variety of services, like those mentioned above. However, if you’re looking for something specific and don’t see it listed be sure to ask your dentist if they offer the service.

• Check Your Insurance

To help offset the cost of cosmetic dental work, you should check with your insurance to see which dentist accepts your insurance. Even if a dentist accepts your insurance, they may only pay a portion of the cost. Check to see which dentists are in your network, so you can have an idea of the entire cost of the procedure.

• Proximity

Depending on what cosmetic procedure you choose, you may need to visit the dentist more than once. Dental implants, for example, require several trips to the dentist’s office, and the same is true with teeth whitening. Finding a cosmetic dentist that’s close to you saves on driving time.

• Ask Your Dentist

Your general dentist may not offer cosmetic services, but they may network with other dentists who do. If you’re looking for dental cosmetic services, ask your dentist who they recommend and get a referral.

• Dedicated to Patient Care

Patient care should be one of the most important things dentists care about. Before you agree to any procedure, you should receive a written copy of your plan, the price, and how you’re paying, with any additional work you need. This way, you have everything in writing should you experience any problems.

• Visit the Office

You can only learn so much from a dentist by reading online reviews and seeing pictures of previous work. If you want to gain a good idea of how they run their office, schedule a consultation or a visit. This way, you interact with the staff and get a feel for the office, and the bedside manner of the dentist.

• Finding the Best Cosmetic Dentist

When you’re choosing a cosmetic dentist, you want only the best and brightest working on your teeth. Take your time, choose wisely, and enjoy your new and beautiful smile!

Are you looking for a cosmetic dentist in your area? Our team of dentists is here to serve you! Book an appointment with us today for your free consultation.