Our Top 5 Tips for Choosing a Cosmetic Dentist
Finding a cosmetic dentist whom you can trust with the beauty and restoration of your smile can be a daunting task. This is especially true if you don’t know where to start looking. Let us help! Here are our top five tips for finding the best cosmetic dentist for your unique needs.
1. Ask for Referrals
Professional or personal – word of mouth is key! Ask for referrals from friends, family or professionals with experience in oral health and cosmetic dentistry. Referrals from people that you have fostered a relationship with is a great place to start when finding a professional to enhance your smile. Asking those you trust can give you peace of mind that they are sharing their honest opinion and experience; and that the dentist they are recommending is competent and offers satisfactory services.
2. Do Your Research
Dig deep into the credentials of dentists that are of interest, or have been recommended to you. Look into their experience in the cosmetic dentistry procedures that you want, their longevity in the practice, and the results of their methods. A qualified cosmetic dentist would be happy to offer consultation, share testimonials, showcase ‘before and after’ photos, discuss procedures in further detail, and answer any of your questions or concerns.
3. Technology
The success of a cosmetic dentistry procedure depends not only on the knowledge and skills of the dentist, but also the technologies that they are using! Cosmetic dentistry is a continuously evolving profession. Be sure to ask what your potential dental practitioner is doing to advance their skills, how they have committed themselves to continuing their education, and ensuring that their patients receive the best technology available in the industry.
4. Awards & Organizations
Most aesthetic dentist websites proudly list any awards, distinctions or professional organizations that the dentist belongs to. By looking up these professional organization websites, you can usually tell a lot about the philosophies of a dental practice.
Many organizations such as the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and Canadian Dental Association, both of which Dr. Edward Lowe belongs to, require extensive training and high standards for accreditation. Learn more about Dr. Lowe’s experience and education here.
5. Trust Your Instincts
Who you trust with your smile is ultimately up to you! We highly recommend setting up a face-to-face consultation with a cosmetic dentist that is of interest to you. This will give you the opportunity to communicate what your unique goals are, ask questions, and get a feel for the office itself. Because this type of work can require a fair amount of time spent in the dentist chair, a positive atmosphere is imperative.
Ask yourself and take time to reflect: How do you feel in the dentist’s office? Is the staff friendly and personable? Do you feel like you can ask questions, and voice concerns? Do you feel rushed to make a decision, or enlightened by the options that are available to you? A quality dentist will listen to your goals for your teeth, and provide insight for creating a smile that is not only healthy, but you are proud of. A warm office atmosphere will make the entire experience a positive one, and help reduce any anxieties. Let your intuition guide you!
Choosing the right cosmetic dentist is crucial to achieving the results you desire. If you have any questions or concerns about your smile, we invite you to book an appointment at our downtown Vancouver office. We would love to discuss your unique needs, and how we can help you achieve your best, healthy smile!
– Dr. Ed Lowe, and the Lowe Centre Dental Team
