A cosmetic dentist focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth. They focus on enhancing your teeth’s color, size, shape, position, alignment, and your smile's overall look. Cosmetic dentistry can include shaping, whitening, sealing gaps, and replacing missing teeth.

If you would like your teeth to be more attractive, you may want to work with a cosmetic dentist who is certified, experienced, and equipped to meet your needs.

Choosing the Best Cosmetic Dentist

While cosmetic dentists can treat cavities and perform simple dental treatments, they pay more attention to your teeth's look. If you have complex health or dental issues, you may need to address them before you start cosmetic dentistry.

Also, find out more about cosmetic dentistry to see if it is an appropriate fit for you. Cosmetic dentistry may be suitable for you if:

• You keep a healthy oral hygiene practice

• Your teeth, gums, and bone are generally healthy

• You do not clench or grind your teeth

• You have enough tooth enamel

• You have dental issues that cosmetic dentistry can address, such as a gummy smile, crooked, chipped, or cracked teeth, teeth discoloration, or tooth gaps

To find the best cosmetic dentist:

Ask Your Regular Tooth Doctor

Your tooth doctor may be able to perform some aesthetic treatments. Additionally, they can recommend or refer you to a specific cosmetic dentist.

Search Through a Professional Dental Association

National dental associations, such as the America Dental Association (ADA), keep lists of dentists by their field. For instance, you can search by state and area of specialization. When you find a prospective cosmetic tooth doctor, verify with your state’s certifying body to check that the dentist is in good standing.

Experience, Practice, and Safety

Assess your prospective tooth doctor’s experience in the procedure you are after, as well as their practice.

• Where has the dentist trained?

• What qualifications do they have?

• Do they do a good job? Ask to see before-and-after photos of their work.

• Which methods do they prefer? If there is more than one method, how do they guide their clients in choosing one?

• Do they take advantage of relevant opportunities to enhance their skill?

• Do they provide sedation for those who are scared of dental procedures?

These questions can help you determine the best cosmetic dentist for your needs.

Ask About Long-term Prospects

Not all aesthetic dental procedures have lasting solutions. For example, the foods and drinks you take can affect teeth whitening. Likewise, dental bonding may discolor, chip, crack, or break.

​​​​​​​Thus, it is important to ask the cosmetic dentist how long you can expect whitening and other aesthetic treatments to last.

Talk About Costs and Payment Preferences

The prospective aesthetic tooth doctor should be ready to provide a full list of fees. The list should also include estimates of how much they will charge you for their suggested treatments. In addition, the dentist should tell you how many treatment sessions you will have and how long they will last.

Remember to inquire about your payment options. Because insurance plans do not cover most cosmetic treatments, your cosmetic dentist may have other preferred options. Check whether their payment options are flexible.

For more on choosing the best cosmetic dentist, visit Dr. Sam's Premier Dentistry at our Sherman, Texas office. Call 903-708-6400 to book an appointment today.