What is a Cosmetic Dentist?
A cosmetic dentist is trained in aesthetic dental treatments that not only enhance your smile, but also aim to complement your general health and overall well-being. With cosmetic dentistry, the goal is to create lasting positive changes to your confidence, health, and smile. This is often achieved with conservative treatments designed to increase patient comfort while preserving as much natural tissue as possible, such as porcelain veneers, tooth-colored fillings, and Invisalign® clear braces. Cosmetic dentists undergo additional training beyond the bare minimum to keep abreast of evolving dental techniques that can improve the patient experience.
How Do I Choose a Qualified Cosmetic Dentist in San Diego?
There are many dentists who provide cosmetic treatments, but this does not present the same level of experience as a trained cosmetic dentist. It can be difficult to narrow down your options for care in San Diego, but the following tips can help guide you during the process of finding the best cosmetic dentist for your needs:
- Read online reviews: Patient-written dentist reviews can give you a good idea of one’s reputation, as well as their ability to meet the needs of previous patients. We encourage you to explore online reviews across Google, Yelp, and other third-party platforms to gauge a dentist’s levels of patient satisfaction.
- Check educational background and professional memberships: Research a dentist’s level of education, training, and any professional affiliations to gain a sense of how involved he or she is in the field of cosmetic dentistry.
- Research practice and available treatments: Make sure a dentist performs your treatment-of-interest by perusing the services listed on their website. It can also be helpful to learn whether he or she offers amenities/technology to potentially enhance your visit, such as sedation dentistry and laser dentistry.
- View before-and-after photos: A dentist’s smile gallery can illustrate the types of outcomes you can expect to receive from a given treatment, which is why we invite you to explore before-and-after photos to ensure your aesthetic desires are reflected in a dentist’s portfolio.
A good cosmetic dentist should always listen carefully to your concerns and present you with the best treatment options available. Your consultation should allow you to establish a rapport with your dentist, and help you determine whether you trust him or her with your smile goals.
Questions to Ask Your Cosmetic Dentist
Your initial consultation is an invaluable opportunity to not only get to know your dentist, but also to receive answers to any questions or concerns you may have about your dental plan. While we understand you may be nervous about your first visit, the following questions can provide a starting point to help you gain a better understanding of a dentist’s experience, as well as the services available at their practice:
- How long have you been practicing dentistry?
- Do you specialize in any treatments or fields of dentistry?
- What dental technologies do you offer that can improve patient comfort?
- Can I see before-and-after photos of previous patients who received my treatment?
- Do you provide any amenities or solutions for dental anxiety?
- How do I manage tooth sensitivity?
- How often should I go to the dentist?
Dr. Libby is committed to not only meeting your unique needs, but also exceeding your expectations. Contact Dr. Libby at our conveniently-located Mission Valley office to speak to a member of our team or if you’re ready to book your appointment.