Dentist | Cosmetic Dental Care | Vernon Hills, IL
Today more than ever, the choice of a cosmetic or implant dentist is a critical decision that should be made with the utmost care. So how do you choose a cosmetic or implant dentist? After all, in today’s marketplace, many general dentists perform at least some types of cosmetic dental procedures. Over the past few years, there has been a dramatic influx of cosmetic dentists into the field so much so that in the industry, being a cosmetic or implant dentist is almost a cliché . . .
Why? Because these days, any general dentist who does things as simple as whitening teeth can claim to be a cosmetic dentist. So when someone is looking to get a Hollywood smile, what should they expect? Are all dentists the same?
Choosing the right dentist for you, one with substantial experience in complex cases, extensive hands-on training, and a gentle approach that compliments your needs and wants is critical to achieving the most successful outcome – your gorgeous new smile. Educated and discerning people will realize that most cosmetic dentistry, if done properly, is a complex and precise set of operative procedures that will dramatically affect their lives for years to come. Selecting a dentist can be a difficult and confusing process. In the end, it is a personal decision that each person must make for himself or herself. We can, however, offer some advice, which our clients have found helpful during the selection process.
The most important of these tips include the following:
Smile More Today is on the cutting edge of modern aesthetic dentistry. We offer the most advanced technology available today which means shorter, more comfortable visits and predictable, long-lasting, and naturally beautiful results.
Intra-oral camera that captures detailed close-up images of your teeth, Digital x-rays that emit 90% less radiation than traditional x-rays, iCAT dental cat scan for high definition 3D imaging of jaw and tooth details, Soft tissue laser for aesthetic gum contouring, periodontal (gum) therapy, Digital photography for client, doctor, and laboratory communication, Digitally generated surgical plans for the most precise and minimally invasive implant procedures, 3D treatment planning to see your end results with orthodontic aligners.
To perform cosmetic dental procedures at the highest level; technical skill, an artistic eye, and a rigorous program of post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry is needed. It may surprise you to learn that the vast majority of dental schools don’t teach any courses in cosmetic dentistry. For the few that do, they are usually limited to only a few introductory courses. Your mouth is not the place for on-the-job training. Therefore, it is crucial that the cosmetic dentist that you select continually completes series of hands-on courses in cosmetic dentistry.
The field changes rapidly and keep abreast of what was state-of-the-art five or ten years ago is not anymore. In depth training is essential to learn the latest techniques and materials to get optimal results. The significance lies not only in developing the dentists clinical judgment and technical skill, but also in demonstrating his/her commitment to practicing cosmetic dentistry at the highest level of excellence.
In dentistry as in medicine, specialties exist that indicate a higher level of education, knowledge, and expertise in particular areas of focus. Presently, however, there is not an American Dental Association (ADA) recognized specialty in cosmetic dentistry.
There are however a few rigorous programs, which requires dentists to attend a number of continuing education courses in cosmetic dentistry, be tested, and submit a number of cosmetic cases to be judged by a panel of cosmetic dentistry experts.
Find a cosmetic dentist who is honest in his/her assessment of your needs and of their ability to meet your expectations.
Be wary of the doctor minimizing your recovery period and telling you just how “easy and simple” everything is going to be.
Find a doctor with a good chair side manner who conveys to you that they care about you as a person as well as a client. Cosmetic dentistry is a process not a single operation. Find someone with whom you can talk easily.
It is just as important that he/she understands what you desire as that you understand what they are describing. To accomplish these goals, the first thing the cosmetic dentist should do is listen and make sure he or she understands all your concerns, needs and desires as they relate to your dental health and the look of your smile.
Only then should they spend time diagnosing and consulting on the recommended treatment plan, which should be individualized for each client.
