Cosmetic dentistry is a highly specialized practice and cannot be trusted to just any old dentist. While your general dentist can most likely do an excellent job treating your basic oral hygiene needs, he is generally not the right person to trust with your aesthetic smile makeover. Cosmetic dentistry blends skill, artistry, and craftsmanship in a way that very few dental specializations do.


In order to ensure the best results for your cosmetic dentistry procedure, it is important to conduct a thorough search before deciding on your cosmetic dentist.


Get Recommendations


One of the best ways to start your search for a cosmetic dentist is to ask others you trust for recommendations. The first person to talk to is your general dentist. He will most likely know which cosmetic dentists in the area have the best reputations.


Friends and family members who have undergone cosmetic dentistry procedures can also be excellent resources. Ask them as many questions as possible about their experience, including whether or not they would recommend their cosmetic dentist.


Research your Cosmetic Dentist’s Training and Experience


It is important to look for a cosmetic dentist who has acquired additional training from a highly accredited cosmetic dentistry institution. Look for an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) certified dentist who devotes the vast majority of his practice to cosmetic dentistry. If possible, choose a dentist who has trained at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, the premier cosmetic dentistry institution in the nation. By choosing an LVI dentist, you can be confident that your cosmetic dentist is using the most advanced techniques and technology in the field.

Technology Matters


Modern advances in cosmetic dentistry offer you a variety of ways to achieve natural-looking, long lasting results with minimal pain and discomfort. It is important to select a cosmetic dentist who uses the most up-to-date technology in the field. Look for a practice that uses:


• Digital x-rays

• Lasers

• Intraoral imaging

• TENS units for neuromuscular dentistry procedures

• CAD/CAM restoration



Get a Feel for the Practice


At your initial cosmetic dentistry consultation , ask as many questions as possible. Make sure your potential cosmetic dentist discusses all of your options as well as the risks and complications associated with each procedure. View "before and after" photos of previous procedures performed by the dentist. Ask for the contact information of former patients who can serve as references.


It is important to find a cosmetic dentist who listens to all of your questions and concerns at the consultation. This will be a strong indicator as to the level of personal attention you will receive during your procedure. If you do not feel comfortable at the consultation, keep searching.