How to Pick a Good Cosmetic Dentist
Do you want to look your best? If so, you may want to consider cosmetic dentistry.
Cosmetic dentistry is a broad term that covers several procedures that all aim to give you the smile of your dreams. But you want to make sure the job is done right the first time.
Our dentist breaks down how to pick a good cosmetic dentist so you don’t have regrets about choosing someone on a whim.
What is a Cosmetic Dentist?
A cosmetic dentist is a dental professional who practices cosmetic dentistry. Their goal is to improve the appearance and function of your teeth and gums.
While they can perform all of the functions of a general dentist, they specialize in the aesthetics of your smile and are usually more qualified for certain cosmetic procedures than a general dentist.
How to Pick a Good Cosmetic Dentist
When picking a cosmetic dentist, there are several criteria you should look into.
- Figure Out What Procedure You Want – A lot of dentists can do most cosmetic procedures, but some have more experience with certain ones.
- Look at Reviews – People tend to leave reviews when they are highly satisfied or highly dissatisfied. Looking at a dentist’s reviews will give you a good idea of how experienced they are based on their rating and amount of reviews.
- Look at Reputation – In today’s world, it’s fairly simple to see if a dentist has received any awards. Usually, a simple Google search of their name will give you articles about awards they earned.
- Word of Mouth – Like reviews, people tend to only talk about a dentist if their experience was exceptionally good or bad. If you know anyone who has gone to a cosmetic dentist, ask them about their experience.
- Compare Prices – Most of the time with cosmetic dentistry, you get what you pay for. There are some exceptions, but dentists with experience and a good reputation can usually get by charging a little more than competitors.
What Training Does a Cosmetic Dentist Need?
Cosmetic dentists go through the same training as general dentists, but some choose to continue their education in specialty areas after dental school. This allows them to obtain more experience and specialize in certain procedures.
What Does a Cosmetic Dentist Do?
If you pick the right cosmetic dentist, they will improve the look and function of your teeth. Do you want a whiter smile? Straighter teeth? Or fixing chipped teeth? A cosmetic dentist can do all of that and more.
Teeth Whitening
You’re not alone if you have discolored teeth. Most of the things we consume can directly stain teeth or make them more susceptible to staining.
Our office in Point Pleasant offers whitening treatments done by our staff, as well as a take-home whitening kit.
Veneers
Veneers are used to improve the appearance, color, and/or shape of your teeth. They are thin porcelain shells that are placed over your existing teeth.
Before attaching the veneers, your dentist will have to remove the enamel from your teeth to allow for a strong bond. They will then attach veneers using dental cement.
Due to the way they’re attached, veneers are a permanent dental restoration option and are irreversible.
Dental Crowns
Artificial dental crowns are used to replace the crown of your natural tooth. They go over teeth that are damaged or decaying to keep them strong.
They are also used to replace entire teeth when used in conjunction with dental implants.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are very popular and highly recommended for the cosmetic dentistry process. They are strong and can last a lifetime because your jaw bones will bond to them.
Implants are screwed into your bone as replacements for the roots of your natural teeth.
Inlays and Onlays
Dental inlays and onlays are often discussed together because they both replace a damaged portion of dental crowns but in slightly different ways.
Dentists use inlays to replace a portion of the center of the cusps (the top of your tooth). They remove the damaged area and shape the cusp in a way that promotes a solid bond to the inlay.
Onlays replace a larger portion of the cusp – oftentimes the entire thing.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a procedure in which your dentist layers composite material over damaged teeth. This repairs them and makes it less likely for the damage to progress.
It usually isn’t viewed as a permanent fix because the compound dentists use isn’t as strong as something like a porcelain veneer or artificial dental crown.
Enamel Shaping
Enamel shaping, or re-contouring, is a popular procedure in cosmetic dentistry. It involves shaping your teeth so they look more uniform.
It’s a great way to round off squared or pointed teeth, shorten long teeth, and fix minor imperfections.
Reasons to See a Cosmetic Dentist
Cosmetic dentistry often improves the overall look of your teeth, but a big part of it is restoring functionality.
Damaged, misaligned, and discolored teeth can affect your daily life. Tooth damage and misalignment can make you change the way you chew, talk, and even breathe!
Wouldn’t you love to restore your smile and your confidence? Believe it or not, an experienced cosmetic dentist can have lasting impacts on your happiness and life.
Cosmetic Dentistry in Point Pleasant, NJ
Picking the right cosmetic dentist in Point Pleasant can be the difference between getting your dream smile and having to spend more money getting the original job fixed.
If you want to start your journey to the smile of your dreams, call us or book an appointment online, today!
About the Author
Dr. Joseph Zicchino provides a wide array of cosmetic dentistry services, including Invisalign® Clear Aligners, at his practice in Point Pleasant, NJ. He earned his dental degree from NYU Dental School and established Coastal Dental Group in 2004. For more information call (732) 714-1030 or to schedule an appointment!