Interested in Porcelain Veneers or Other Cosmetic Dentistry? Be a Discerning Buyer
Did you know that some of the nation’s best cosmetic dentists practice in Atlanta? Are you thinking about enhancing your smile with porcelain veneers? If so, you will want to make sure you choose the right Atlanta cosmetic dentist for the job. Choosing the right cosmetic dentist for your porcelain veneers is extremely important because while ALL general dentists can place porcelain veneers and call themselves cosmetic dentists, not all dentists are equally trained or experienced.
Choosing an Atlanta Cosmetic Dentist
Selecting an Atlanta cosmetic dentist for your porcelain veneers can be an daunting task. Use these tips as a tool to simplify your quest for the perfect smile.
Price
As consumers, we’re taught to shop around, and that pricing is one of the most important factors to consider. Of course price is always important. However pricing is not the MOST important consideration when shopping for porcelain veneers or any other cosmetic dentistry procedure. In fact, pricing should be one of the last deciding factors in the process. Here’s why: if you go to 4 consultations for porcelain veneers in Atlanta, you will find that all practices are not alike. In some offices, you will know right away that the cosmetic dentist has vast knowledge and experience. This skill and expertise along with up-to-date technology gives the dentist a big advantage when it comes to delivering the best product. In other offices, you will be left with questions, wondering whether or not this office will deliver the best smile for you. Chances are the price difference in these two offices will be vast. However, similar offices should have similar fees. Experienced cosmetic dentists’ fees are usually higher than those of the general dentists who don’t do porcelain veneers very often. You don’t want to be a “practice patient” for a dentist who doesn’t do veneers every day.
Research your Atlanta cosmetic dentist in the same way you would research a surgeon. Would you look to the cheapest heart surgeon if you had to pay for your own life-saving heart surgery? The cheapest medical professional might not be your best choice when investing in your health and beauty.
Conversely, just because an Atlanta cosmetic dentist is the most expensive does not mean he or she can provide you with the best outcome. Here are some things you’ll want to look at when making your choice:
Experience
There are two areas of experience to consider:
- How much experience does the dentist have?
- What is your experience like in that dental office?
More years being a dentist does not equate to higher skill level. So, just because a dentist is old and has been practicing for decades doesn’t mean he or she is better than a dentist who achieved his degree a few years ago. The best cosmetic dentists embrace leading-edge oral health technology and procedures, and they are willing to invest their time and money in becoming the best at these procedures. This is a very important factor to consider when shopping for a cosmetic dentist for your porcelain veneers. Experienced cosmetic dentists should also be able to show you examples of their work. They should have portfolios, books, and photos showing off their porcelain veneers on their patients – not just some “purchased” photos of smiles hanging in the office. While you browse these books of smiles, look for cases like your own – do you like the results? Does this dentist offer several ways to achieve your goals? Or does the dentist have only the “10 Veneers” option in his or her toolbox? Experienced cosmetic dentists use many different tools to achieve perfection for their patients. If a dentist just went to one weekend course about “10 veneers,” then he or she may not have the wealth of knowledge of another cosmetic dentist.
What was your experience during your consultation visit? Did you feel comfortable, well taken care of … relaxed? Some dental offices are clinical and cold. Others offer a more spa-like atmosphere, which can put patients at ease. Some practices know how to reduce dental fears and anxieties that so many people face. How you feel in the dental office should be an important factor in your decision.
Service Offering
What services does that dentist offer above and beyond porcelain veneers? Is the dentist interested in just the expensive porcelain veneers procedure, or does the dental team show concern for your overall health? Some practices excel in both cosmetic dentistry and general dentistry including the important emerging aspect of oral-systemic health. A look at the overall service offering could help you narrow down your choices before you choose to develop a relationship with a dental team.
Professionalism
You should go to several consultation visits before making your decision. These visits should be fun and informative. Pay attention to the practice atmosphere and the dentist’s chairside manner as well as that of the dental team. Are they gossiping about the latest “Housewives”? Or are they experts in their field and genuinely tuned in to your wants and needs? Whether having routine, emergency, or elective dental work done, hiring a team who puts you at ease is important.
