Finding a Cosmetic Dentist – State College, PA
Factors to Keep in Mind During Your Search
Since the American Dental Association does not technically consider cosmetic dentistry a specialty, any dentist can call themselves a cosmetic dentist. Unfortunately, this can make it very difficult to know exactly who you can trust when it comes to cosmetic treatments. Below, you’ll find a list of the most helpful tips for finding a cosmetic dentist in State College, PA. If you have additional questions or concerns regarding your search, Donald Marks Family Dentistry would be more than happy to help! Until then, take a moment to read through our tips below.
- Location and Scheduling – Always take the time to see if they are within a reasonable distance of your home and work. See if their dental office hours currently line up with your current schedule. If they can’t meet these basic accommodations, move on to another dentist.
- Training – Call the dental office directly or visit their website to see if they have any information regarding their training or education. Ask what courses they took regarding cosmetics, whether it was during their initial schooling or through post-graduate studies.
- Payment Options – Most dental insurance plans do not offer coverage for cosmetic dentistry. That means you’ll either have to pay out-of-pocket or take advantage of other financing options the dental office offers. This could be third-party financing programs like CareCredit. Ask if they have an in-house dental plan that offers discounts on cosmetic services after signing up.
- Treatment Time – Confirm how long certain treatments will take to perform. Make sure that if the dentist has any plans to be out of the dental office for an extended period of time that you know about it beforehand.
- Technology – If the dentist has taken the extra steps to include advanced technology in their dental office so they can perform cosmetic treatments more effectively, it’s a major sign that they are prepared to make your smile look exactly the way you want. For example, digital impression systems can make it easier to create custom-made restorations or clear aligner trays designed to straighten teeth.
- Variety of Treatments – Ask the dentist upfront if they have the treatment you’re looking for, whether it’s teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, cosmetic bonding, inlays and onlays, or clear aligners. Ask them how long they’ve been providing that form of cosmetic dentistry and if they have examples of other patients they’ve provided that treatment.
- Smile Portfolio – When you have an idea of what your future smile will look like thanks to photos of previous patients, it can really make a difference. Any cosmetic dentist worth their salt is more than willing to share examples of previous cases where patients had their smile enhanced.
Why You Should Always Do Research First
The last thing you should do is assume a dentist knows what their doing when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. When done correctly, cosmetic treatments are safe, effective and designed to stand the test of time. One of the best ways to get started learning about a dentist’s expertise and cosmetic background is by setting up a cosmetic consultation. Since many cosmetic treatments can affect your teeth permanently, you’ll want to make sure to do your research before choosing just any dentist in your neighborhood.
