How to Choose a Cosmetic Dentist: Tips for Making the Right Choice
Picking the right dentist is crucial for having a great-looking smile and lasting dental health. Some people don’t know where to start, however. This can be challenging and frustrating, but thankfully the internet has made it much easier to find a dentist that’s right for you.
Obvious we think that patients in the Abilene, TX area should consider visiting our cosmetic dentistry practice, but let’s offer some objective advice below. These tips are also helpful when trying to locate other medical professionals and specialists, so keep them in mind.
Ask Friends and Family Members for Recommendations
Start with trusted sources when you begin your search for a cosmetic dentist. If you know someone who’s undergone dental work recently, ask them about their dentist and their experience. Sometimes a personal recommendation from someone you know will be the beginning and end of your search. If anything, you’ll build some promising leads.
Start Your Search Online
If you don’t know where to start, begin your search online. Type in your city or county and “cosmetic dentist”. Good search engines like Google or Bing will return top results of dentists in your area, which will help you narrow your search. You may even want to use Yelp as a starting point.
If you’re looking for a dentist to perform a specific procedure, consider typing that into the search bar with your city or county (e.g., “Abilene teeth whitening” or “Abilene smile makeover”).
Look for Reviews or Patient Testimonials
Once you have some names, try to find reviews of the dentist and patient testimonials. Google, Yelp, and other online resources should be able to give you a good sense of the dentist’s reputation among actual patients. If the reviews look generally good, you can narrow your search even further. If you notice a lot of poor reviews from patients, you’ll know to steer clear.
Visit the Dentist’s Website and Social Media Accounts
In addition to online reviews, it’s a good idea to check out the dentist’s practice website and his or her social media accounts associated with the practice. This should give you an understanding of their practice philosophy, procedures offered, the results of treatment, and the atmosphere of the practice. Keep an eye out for actual staff and patient photos as these can give you an idea of what the office is like.
Call the Practice
Once you have strong candidates, call the practice. You can ask questions, express concerns, and generally receive answers about the practice and its policies. If you feel good about the dentist’s office over the phone, there’s a good chance you’ve found a solid dental practice to consider.
Consider Stopping By in Person
Good dental care is based on trust and comfort, which is why visiting the dental practice in person could be ideal. You can really get a feel for the office atmosphere and how the practice treats its patients if you are physically there. This also helps you gauge if the cosmetic dentist is someone you can trust. This first impression is crucial for a good dentist/patient relationship.
Weigh Your Options Carefully
You may have a handful of cosmetic dentists to pick from if you’re lucky, so weigh those options carefully. Take time to compare dentists’ credentials, and to consider professional memberships, reviews, and the quality of before and after photos. When you’re confident about your pick, schedule that consultation for cosmetic dentistry.
Contact Tim Simpson, DDS
For more information about cosmetic dentistry and general dental wellness, be sure to contact an experienced cosmetic dentist. We look forward to your visit and discussing these matters with you in much greater detail.
