A beautiful smile is one of our most important assets when it comes to interacting with others and making a positive first impression.
A study found that a new, improved smile makes you appear more intelligent, interesting, successful and wealthy to others.
So, enhancing your smile should be considered a priority, but finding the right cosmetic dental practice to perform this enhancement is even more vital.
With the increasing number of cosmetic dental practices popping up everywhere, where should you start, and what should you look for when choosing the best cosmetic dentist for you?
Read our comprehensive guide to help you find the right cosmetic dental clinic as you embark on your smile transformation journey.
Why you should search beyond ‘cosmetic dental practice near me’
Often, people tend to choose their dentist based on who’s most available or what’s in the area.
While that might be fine for general check-ups or dental cleans, it may not be the best approach for receiving cosmetic treatments.
Every dentist has their own smile-design style some look natural while others look a little more Hollywood. To make sure you receive a smile that matches your expectations, you should review a range of dentists and their smile results, and find one that best aligns with your aesthetics.
Tips on finding the right cosmetic dental practice
In this day and age, there are plenty of resources at our disposal that can make finding the right cosmetic dentist easy.
Utilise the internet
Google It!
With the help of Google, you can have millions of search results pop up on your screen in less than one second.
Type in ‘cosmetic dental practice’, have a browse, and look for well-constructed websites with good information.
Although the website should not be the only thing you rely on, attention to detail on their website can be a good reflection of the cosmetic dental clinic’s standard of care.
Checking out google reviews is also a great way to get a quick gauge of patient satisfaction and can provide honest accounts of people’s experiences.
Jump on Social Media
Aside from letting us keep up with family and friends, Facebook and Instagram can be great for connecting with cosmetic dental clinics.
Scroll through to get a feel for the practice’s style; it’s important to find a style that speaks to you.
You can also DM the clinic for more personalised information.
Follow Dental Boutique on Instagram
Get talking
Word of mouth has always been a reliable way of being introduced to something you have not come across before.
We cannot be expected to go and try every single cosmetic dental practice before finding the right one, so it’s a good idea to ask family and friends for their experiences and recommendations. They may have had their own dental cosmetic transformation, or know of someone who has.
Talking to people you know can also give you first-hand information you may not get anywhere else.
Get some visuals
We’ve all heard it: a picture paints a thousand words and it couldn’t be truer. Looking at Before and Afters can give you so much information around a dentist’s style and capability.
There are two elements to look out for when browsing Before and Afters:
- Style and quality: is it close to what you had in mind?
- The number of Before and Afters published: how many patients are featured? This will reflect how many patients were satisfied with their results.
Cosmetic Dentistry is truly an art, and finding the right artist is quintessential to the process.
Get in touch
Pick up the phone
Calling up lets you speak to someone at the cosmetic dental practice, which can give you a sense of the clinic’s energy. It’s also a great opportunity to ask questions you can’t find the answers to online.
Inquire about what happens in their cosmetic dentistry consultation
If you’re happy with how the phone call is going, and you like the clinic’s energy, then asking about their cosmetic dentistry consultations is a great question to end on. It will give you an idea of what to expect should you wish to book a consultation.
Don’t be afraid to ask
Once you’re at your appointment, take your time to listen and absorb. During a cosmetic dental consultation, your dentist will be able to go through:
- Concerns that you have
- Your treatment options
- The pros and cons of each option, for example:
- Costs
- Number of appointments needed and their lengths
- Longevity of the treatment
- Estimated recovery time.
Don’t rush, and make sure you ask any questions you may have, no matter how silly you think they may be. Here’s a glimpse into possible questions.
Ask how much time the dentist dedicates to cosmetic dentistry
Ample experience plays a big role in overcoming hurdles and delivering the ideal result. A dentist who only performs cosmetic dentistry once in a while may not be as well equipped to create the smile you are after.
Ask what type of materials and products they use
Products and materials vary so much in quality and longevity, so you should find out if they use high-grade materials that last.
You should also share if you’ve experienced allergies or sensitivities to materials or products, and see what options they may have available for you.
Ask about their accolades
Has the cosmetic dental clinic received any recognition for their work in the industry? A multitude of awards should not be the only factor influencing your decision, but being recognised by different organisations can reflect the quality and consistency of their work.
Ask about payment options
Do they provide flexible payment options? Are there payment plants that make their treatments affordable to their patients? Asking these questions can help you understand how accessible their treatment plans are.
Listen to your gut
With so much information at the touch of a button, it can be easy to hyper-focus on data or numbers. At times, you need to let your intuition have a say.
Look for a cosmetic dental practice with the right culture and zest, from the front desk staff to the clinical support personnel and these are the people you will be interacting with during the course of your treatment.
And most importantly, find a cosmetic dentist who has the passion to share your vision and be there for you every step of the way.
The takeaway
Finding the right cosmetic dental clinic can seem daunting, but being prepared and knowing what you are looking for can alleviate much of the pressure.
Start your search online in the comfort of your own space and get talking to people around you. Then, narrow down by looking at Before and After photos, and the quality and experience of the dental cosmetic team.
Get a sense of the team’s culture by phone and in person. Remember that at the end of the day, it should be someone you can build a relationship with for years to come.
