100 West Dental

What to Look for in a Cosmetic Dentist

Dentist at 100 West Dental

Choosing a cosmetic dentist in Ballwin MO for a smile makeover may be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. After all, the quality and appeal of your smile is important to your overall well-being. A cosmetic dentist can brighten your teeth, enhance your smile, straighten your teeth, or even change the shape or size of your teeth. 

Cosmetic dental care is important to overall well-being. In fact, 99.7 percent of people believe a great smile is an important social asset, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), and 96 percent think that an attractive smile makes someone more visually appealing. Nearly three-quarters feel that an unattractive smile can hurt someone’s career opportunities. 

The AACD also found that nearly half of adults think that someone’s smile is their most memorable feature. Smiles are more memorable than what the person was wearing, what they say, or the way they smelled. 

Cosmetic dentistry is especially important in this digital age, as more organizations are doing online meetings and more people are taking selfies with their phones. A cosmetic dentist can be someone’s partner in looking their very best on camera and in person.

What to Look for when Choosing a Cosmetic Dentist in Ballwin MO

Personalized care

Your smile is unique, and so are your needs when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. You need more than a one-size-fits-all approach to appealing teeth – you need a personalized solution that only a dentist who listens to you can provide. Look for a cosmetic dentist who believes that tailored care makes the difference. 

Wide range of services

Cosmetic dentistry is not usually a “one and done” type of care, in that you are likely to need different services as you age: you may need teeth straightening when you are younger, for example, and implant-supported dentures when you are older. A cosmetic dentist should offer a wide range of services to keep your teeth looking great throughout the years. These services may include:

  • Invisalign® orthodontic treatment
  • Six Month Smiles™ adult orthodontic treatment
  • Professional teeth whitening
  • Porcelain veneers
  • Dental implants
  • Implant-supported dentures
  • Composite bonding
  • Full mouth rehabilitation

For the ultimate in service, your cosmetic dentist may also offer general dental care services, such as:

  • Prophylaxis (teeth cleaning)
  • Fluoride treatment
  • Periodontal treatment for gum disease
  • Pain-free digital x-rays
  • Sealants
  • Tooth-colored fillings
  • Tooth extractions

Community-minded

Choose a cosmetic dentist that is committed to improving their community. Being active in one’s community shows a long-lasting commitment to the patients they serve. 

Specialization

A general dentist focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dental disorders, such as cavities or gum disease. Cosmetic dentists, by comparison, specialize in enhancing their patients’ facial appearance. Because everyday dental problems can ruin the appeal of a smile, cosmetic dentists must also be proficient in the treatment of dental disorders. 

A cosmetic dentist primarily focuses on improving the aesthetics of the color, size, shape, position, and alignment of teeth. Cosmetic dentistry also aims to improve the overall appearance of a smile. 

Training and experience

A great cosmetic dentist has undergone extensive training and has many years of experience in the field. Most dentists display their credentials where patients can see them easily, but you can always ask your dentist about where they went to school and how long they have been on the job. 

Excellent recommendations

One of the best ways to choose a great cosmetic dentist is to ask friends, family, co-workers and neighbors for recommendations. Reading online reviews can be helpful, but talking to people you trust may be more useful. People are always glad to share their experiences with a dentist, and the information can help you make a decision. 

The use of advanced dental technology and techniques

Your dentist may use a virtual consult, in which you upload a closeup smile selfie and share any concerns or desires you may have regarding your smile; your dentist reviews your selfie and concerns then sends you a customized video addressing your concerns and providing recommendations before you schedule an appointment

Comfort and convenience

Life can be busy, inconvenient, and stressful – look for a dentist that offers convenient hours and always has appointments available. A comfortable waiting area, clean treatment zone, and friendly staff indicate a higher-quality dental practice. 

Budget-friendly solutions

While cosmetic dental work can be expensive, it doesn’t have to be: seek out a cosmetic dentist that offers affordable prices, payment plans, and other treatment options that may fit a patient’s needs. 

You can find all these qualities in our dentist, Dr. Prior, at 100 West Dental. Our cosmetic dentist in Ballwin MO has the training and expertise to provide personalized care and a wide range of services. Our patients strongly recommend us to their friends, family, and co-workers. Make an appointment with 100 West Dental – whether you just need a dental cleaning or a full mouth rehabilitation (or somewhere in between), our cosmetic dentist in Ballwin MO is there for you.

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