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Ask the Expert: Is Cosmetic Dentistry Right For Me?

1. How do I know if I need cosmetic dentistry?

“Need” is an interesting word to describe the motivation to seek cosmetic dental care.  Often times “want” is more than sufficient justification to consider smile improvement.  The emotional component and social implications of an attractive smile cannot be understated, and if a patient feels in any way that they might benefit from smile improvement they should call for a consultation.  A good cosmetic dentist will listen carefully to the patient’s wants and formulate a plan that will achieve the proper result.  Oftentimes, small, conservative changes will make a tremendous difference in the patients’ appearance and the way they feel about themselves.

2. How do I find a good cosmetic dentist? 

Unfortunately, any dentist can call themselves a cosmetic dentist as there are no regulations currently that prevent that.  It is important however to find someone who has the proper credentials, assuring that you are going to get the best possible result.  The gold standard in credentialing is the Accreditation and Fellowship program of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.  Only 79 doctors around the world have reached Fellowship status by demonstrating their proficiency and expertise in all phases of Cosmetic Dentistry.  To find a qualified cosmetic dentist call the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry at 800-543-9220 or visit their website at www.AACD.com

3. Can I use over the counter whitening kits to bleach my teeth?

I am often asked about the effectiveness of whitening strips and other over the counter whitening techniques.  Although you may get some improvement with these methods of whitening, the results are not as profound as in office treatments such as “Zoom” whitening.  We have also noticed that the result is not all that permanent and frequent reapplication is necessary.  By the time you have spent so much money reapplying the over the counter products you will have spent more money than had you gone to your dentist for the in-office treatment in first place.

4. Why do fees vary from one cosmetic dentist to another?

Although nobody should pay more than they should for anything, the expression “you get what you pay for” is quite true when seeking cosmetic dental care.  No doubt there will be a variation in fee from one office to another, but there are cost variables that can make all the difference between an ordinary and extraordinary result.  One of the biggest considerations is the laboratory and the technician who will create your new smile along with your cosmetic dentist.  I have highly trained, experienced dental artists, just outside of Beverly Hills, who handcraft beautiful, natural smile restorations.  This, along with the choice of state-of-the-art restorative materials assure the best possible smile makeovers for my patients.

5. Can a cosmetic dentist take care of my routine dental needs?

It is a great misconception that cosmetic dentists do not do routine dental care for their patients.  In fact, it is to the patient’s advantage to have a cosmetic dentist perform all routine care to assure that even basic dentistry maintains the proper look of a beautiful smile. Routine care is not necessarily more expensive at a cosmetic dentist-just more attractive!

Exton Dental Health Group & The Pennsylvania Center for Cosmetic Dentistry
101 John Robert Thomas Drive
Exton, PA 19341
610.363.2300
www.extondental.com

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