The author of the article
Boris Lipovetskiy, DMD, 31 years experience
In this guide, we will help you navigate the process of selecting a cosmetic dentist and highlight the key factors important to consider. Learn how to find a dentist with the appropriate experience, review their portfolio, understand the importance of different treatment methods, and more. By following these recommendations, you will be able to make an informed decision and enjoy the benefits of a radiant and confident smile.
The Treatment Process
A skilled cosmetic dentist will ensure that your unique needs are met. Here are the key aspects to consider:
A thorough consultation is the starting point for an expert cosmetic dentist before treatment. It includes a detailed examination, a discussion of your goals, and an explanation of treatment options. The consultation should give you a clear understanding of the process and expected results.
Look for a dentist who will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
It's important for the cosmetic dentist to address aesthetic issues and also identify and correct the underlying cause behind the issue. For example, a patient may choose a smile makeover with veneers. However, it is crucial that the dentist assesses the bite condition to prevent complications such as TMJ disorders (headaches and even premature veneer failure).
Ask if the dentist uses minimally invasive techniques. These methods often result in less discomfort and faster recovery, while providing excellent outcomes.
Dr. Lipovetskiy on the Importance of a Comprehensive Approach
Each patient has unique needs and expectations. My approach is to carefully listen to the patient, understand their expectations, and then use advanced techniques to create their ideal smile. In my practice, I use Tekscan to evaluate the bite and identify any anomalies that need correction. The Tekscan technology allows for precise measurement of bite force and distribution, while TENS helps relax the muscles to find the optimal jaw position.
This holistic, comprehensive approach is excellent because it not only addresses symptoms but also identifies and treats the underlying causes. Read more about full mouth reconstruction.
What Kind of Technology Does a Cosmetic Dentist Use?
When choosing a cosmetic dentist, be confident that you will receive high-quality, efficient, and effective dental care tailored to your unique needs. We highlighted some important treatment methods here:
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Dental Laser in the treatment of hard and soft tissues ensures precise, minimally invasive procedures with quicker healing times and less discomfort.
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3D Imaging X-Rays, which provide a comprehensive view of your dental structure, allowing for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
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iTero Digital Scanning for creating clear Invisalign mouthguards. This technology captures detailed 3D images of your teeth, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal results.
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KOR Teeth Whitening System is highly effective in removing stubborn, deep-seated stains, including tetracycline stains, resulting in a brighter, more radiant smile.
Doctor's opinion
In my practice, I use advanced equipment such as dental lasers, 3D X-rays, and iTero digital scanning to ensure precise and effective treatment. I use Opalescence for teeth whitening, and for persistent dark or tetracycline stains and fluorosis, I apply the KOR system.
This holistic comprehensive approach allows me not only to address visible issues but also to identify and treat underlying problems, ensuring complete dental health and a beautiful smile.
Experience and Portfolio
Ensure that the dentist has experience in cosmetic dentistry. It's not just about the number of years in practice, but also the quantity of restorations performed. Good dentists take pride in their work and proudly showcase it.
You can view "before" and "after" photos of their work on the clinic's website or official social media pages. Clinics also usually maintain a photo album of their completed cases.
Check that the work is recent and regularly updated. You need a dentist who consistently performs cosmetic teeth restorations day in and day out, and does so with quality.
Experience in cosmetic dentistry is not just about the number of years in practice but also the quantity and variety of procedures performed. A well-documented portfolio is crucial as it demonstrates tangible results of the dentist’s work and helps patients envision the potential outcomes of their own treatment.
When reviewing a dentist’s portfolio, look for cases similar to yours. This will give you an understanding of whether the dentist can handle your specific issue and the quality of their work. Additionally, you can watch videos on their YouTube channel to see how the office looks and learn about the dentist's approach.
Qualifications, Education, and Awards
Like any physician, a dentist must have a foundational education in dentistry and continually improve their qualifications through ongoing education in cosmetic dentistry.
Don't hesitate to ask the dentist about their qualifications and education. This information is often available on the clinic's website in the "About the Doctor" section or on specialized medical websites. Be sure to inquire about:
- Basic Medical Education: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
- Additional Education in Cosmetic Dentistry: Ask how often they attend continuing education courses and which programs they have participated in.
- Membership in Professional Associations: The best cosmetic dentists are often members of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Membership provides access to scientific publications, seminars, and training in the latest aesthetic dental technologies.
- Awards and Certifications: Ideally, the dentist should have awards in the field of cosmetic dentistry. You can see the originals of these awards on the walls of their office, and their photos in the dentist's electronic portfolio.
A Few Facts About Our Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Boris Lipovetskiy:
- Graduated from Perm State Dental Academy in Russia
- Continued his education at Tufts University
- Received postgraduate education at LVI Global in Las Vegas, a leading institution in modern cosmetic dentistry
- Member of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology
- Certified in the Invisalign system, a highly aesthetic method for correcting bites using clear aligners
Reviews & Recommendations
Reviews are a simple and reliable way to learn about a cosmetic dentist. The most trustworthy sources are people you know personally. It's likely that someone in your circle has recently undergone dental treatment.
Ask your relatives, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances if they liked their chosen dentist and why. Find out what their dental issue was, how the dentist resolved it, whether they liked the treatment approach, and if they are satisfied with the results.
The second method is to look for reviews of the selected dentist on medical review platforms. Major websites ensure that reviews are left by actual patients. Some reputable sites include:
Search for reviews that include photos. Ensure the recommendations are recent. If a negative review is from five years ago, it may not be very relevant. Over several years, a cosmetic dentist is likely to have improved their skills and qualifications.
Personal Impression
In the final stages of selecting a cosmetic dentist, you will likely narrow down your choices to 2-3 doctors. But how do you ensure you've made the right decision? A primary consultation can help. Schedule an initial examination. It doesn't obligate you to anything but allows you to meet the dentist personally, learn about their treatment methods, and decide if this is the right dentist for you.
During the Consultation, Pay Attention to:
Communication
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Assess how attentive the dentist is. Do they provide detailed and clear answers to your questions? Do they offer multiple options for smile reconstruction? Do they explain the treatment details, including the equipment and materials they will use?
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If the dentist seems arrogant, uncommunicative, or secretive, it's better to look for another.
Comfort
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Ensure you feel comfortable in the clinic. Do you like the interior? How friendly are the staff, such as administrators and dental nurses? Can you schedule appointments at convenient times? What amenities does the clinic offer, such as comfortable chairs, calming music, televisions, and free coffee?
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If the clinic staff are rude or you cannot establish a connection with them, or if the clinic's decor makes you uncomfortable, the treatment experience will not be pleasant.
Price Transparency
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Ask for the total cost of the comprehensive smile restoration, from design to final procedures. Ensure the dentist provides an all-inclusive price with no hidden fees. Ideally, you should receive a printout with the names of the services and their costs.
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Be cautious if the clinic cannot provide an exact cost for each treatment stage after the consultation.
Guarantees
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Inquire about the guarantees the dentist provides. How long are they valid? What are the conditions? What specific work will the dentist redo for free and in what circumstances?
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Reputable cosmetic dentists offer long-term guarantees. If there are no guarantees, it indicates low qualifications and a lack of commitment to quality treatment.
Follow-Up Care
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Find out if the dentist will monitor you after the smile reconstruction is completed. How long and how frequently will the check-up visits be? Are they free, or how much do they cost? Will the dentist adjust restorations if issues arise?
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If the cosmetic dentist avoids follow-up care after the main treatment, they are likely not invested in the result, which means they do not care about the long-term quality of the smile reconstruction.
FAQ
The goal of cosmetic dentistry is to enhance smiles. For some patients, teeth whitening is enough, while others may need a comprehensive approach, from teeth alignment to gum contouring and veneers.
