Dental Nightmares

I have a friend who just had the most horrible experience at the dentist. She went in to correct imperfections in her smile that had come with aging, but came out frowning instead about both the process and the outcome.

Finding the right dentist is critical for successful procedures that will impact for years the appearance and function of your mouth and teeth.

According to Dr. Susan Hollar (who is one of fewer than 250 accredited cosmetic dentists worldwide), “Most dental schools don’t teach adequate courses in cosmetic dentistry. To perform restorative and cosmetic procedures with the greatest artistic eye and highest technical skill, a dentist must study cosmetic dentistry in a post-graduate program like the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) with an accreditation process similar to board certification. The dentist you select should have substantial experience in complex cases, extensive hands-on training, an expert approach to your particular case, and a gentle chair side manner to ensure comfort and easy questioning.”

Visit www.AACD.com for a list of accredited dentists in your area and for information about procedures, techniques and materials. Educate yourself about the procedures you’re considering, interview several cosmetic dentists before deciding, and tour their offices and in-house labs. You’ll be able to assess who’s given an honest evaluation of your needs and who has the highest standards for execution. You want the dentist who’s a perfectionist—the one who wants to meet your expectations for excellence but needs to exceed his/her own.

Look at before-and-after photos of the restorations you want. Beware that commercially produced photos can be acquired, so confirm who’s done the work. Ask how long the restorations last and if they’re warranted against breaking, chipping and staining.

See if the dentist uses a procedure known as the “Trial Smile”, a simulation of your new smile that adheres to your teeth. Not only do you get the look and feel of the future, but also an accurate assessment of procedural time and fees.

Great cosmetic dentistry is really an art. Take the time to do your research and find the best qualified in the field.