How do you find out if a cosmetic dentist is any good?

[Dr Trek 1]

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Hey guys,

I need to have a minor cosmetic procedure done (i.e. a small chip on my upper right laterl incisor filled with tooth resin). I want it done by someone who does a lot of cosmetic dentistry. Since I don't know much about dentistry or dentists in my area, I did a google search for cosmetic dentists in my city.

I found one really well-put together website for a dental practice a few minutes away from where I live. There was a detailed description of all the dental work they do. I don't know if I can post the link on SDN... but it seemed to be a general dentistry practice that also does a lot of cosmetic procedures and the bio of the dentist, a DMD, talked about his excessive cosmetic dentistry training. Anyway, I emailed him and he emailed me back quite promptly, and seemed very friendly, knowledgable, and friendly.

From my comon sense point of view, he seems like a very legit. cosmetic dentist. However, I want to be sure since a cosmetic dental procedure is something you live with forever. How can I be sure, other than word of mouth, that he is an excellent cosmetic dentist? Are there any online directories about this or anything?

Thanks for any input!

 

[lgreen_aci]

Maybe call or stop by the office and see if they can show you some before and after photos of the dentist's work.

 

[gryffindor]

However, I want to be sure since a cosmetic dental procedure is something you live with forever.

Nothing is forever. If you have a "chip" that will be filled with "tooth resin" - that is essentially a type of plastic. How long does plastic last, especially when it is subjected to wear and chewing and coffee every day?

Word of mouth is usually the best way to find someone who knows what they are doing. Ask your friends & coworkers who they trust and would recommend.

 

[toofache32]

...However, I want to be sure since a cosmetic dental procedure is something you live with forever. How can I be sure, other than word of mouth, that he is an excellent cosmetic dentist?...

"Cosmetic dentistry" is one of the great scams and marketing ploys of dentistry. First, there is no way to know and, more importantly, there are no guarantees in any form of healthcare...including cosmetics. Secondly, there is no recognized board certification for cosmetic dentistry. All dentistry is cosmetic...nobody ever asked me "hey doc, can you make me all snaggle-toothed?" Even a gold front tooth is a cosmetic request.

Also, I would be wary of relying on how some guy's website looks as an estimate of the quality of his dental work. I know this doesn't help and isn't the answer you were looking for, but I just want to make sure you know there is no answer to your question.

 

[Dino_D]

Fixing a small chip doesn't require an awesome cosmetic dentist, just needs a competent dentist. The top cosmetic dentists are sought after by big cases like 10 over 10 veneers and things of that nature. Think about going to a top cosmetic dentist and asking him/her to fix a little chip on your tooth. They will probably laugh (inside their head). 🙂

 

[toofache32]

Nothing is forever. If you have a "chip" that will be filled with "tooth resin" - that is essentially a type of plastic.

I was thinking the same thing. "Cosmetic" procedure are inherently less-reliable than traditional restorations and sometimes must be replaced in only 3-5 years. I'm not sure who told you that dentistry should "last forever", especially cosmetic dentistry.

 

[gryffindor]

Fixing a small chip doesn't require an awesome cosmetic dentist, just needs a competent dentist. The top cosmetic dentists are sought after by big cases like 10 over 10 veneers and things of that nature. Think about going to a top cosmetic dentist and asking him/her to fix a little chip on your tooth. They will probably laugh (inside their head). 🙂

They'll do it. And then they will charge you big for that little chip which probably will take him/her 15 minutes to fix.

Seriously, even I fill little chips on people's upper front teeth, and I am far from an advertised cosmetic dentist. It's actually an easy procedure because there is no tongue fighting me, very minimal saliva and blood, no needles (if the chip is in enamel only then local anesthesia is unnecessary) and I can do the procedure easily without needing the help of an assistant.

 

[OMFSCardsFan]

They'll do it. And then they will charge you big for that little chip which probably will take him/her 15 minutes to fix.

Seriously, even I fill little chips on people's upper front teeth, and I am far from an advertised cosmetic dentist. It's actually an easy procedure because there is no tongue fighting me, very minimal saliva and blood, no needles (if the chip is in enamel only then local anesthesia is unnecessary) and I can do the procedure easily without needing the help of an assistant.

I used to fill the chips as freebies on my good dental school patients. It's a nice way of quickly and cheaply rewarding people for good behavior, showing up for appointments, etc. Just make sure you document what you've done in the progress notes. I didn't charge them for it, but I DID document it.

For the OP, having a small chip replaced is hardly something that you need to find a cosmetic dentist to do. Any fourth-year dental student could probably do just as nice of a job, although it would probably take a touch longer. I wouldn't be concerned about it.

 

[PainDr]

I'm about to undergo a complete restoration. I've only been in this locale since July (completing my subspecialty fellowship) and really didn't know who to go to. I Did some research and chose a guy with a slick web site and even slicker "smile gallery". His work looks amazing and his patients include several local/national celebrities (several were featured on his web site). My question is, will I pay a premium for working with this dentist. I haven't had the consultation yet (scheduled for later in the week), but his staff informed me it would probably be in the range of $25,000-30,000. I've been waiting years to get this done and want it done right. Does this price range sound correct? What do you guys think.

 

[OMFSCardsFan]

I'm about to undergo a complete restoration. I've only been in this locale since July (completing my subspecialty fellowship) and really didn't know who to go to. I Did some research and chose a guy with a slick web site and even slicker "smile gallery". His work looks amazing and his patients include several local/national celebrities (several were featured on his web site). My question is, will I pay a premium for working with this dentist. I haven't had the consultation yet (scheduled for later in the week), but his staff informed me it would probably be in the range of $25,000-30,000. I've been waiting years to get this done and want it done right. Does this price range sound correct? What do you guys think.

None of us could really comment on the price, not knowing what work you need to have done. Additionally, costs vary considerably depending on what area of the country you are in, urban/rural, etc. The best way to compare prices is to have another consultation with a different dentist. Certainly on a $30,000 treatment plan, I'd get a second opinion. I'll go to several dealerships to buy a car that costs much less. You may find someone else that will perform the needed work for less, but you may decide that you're more comfortable with the other guy. Regardless, seeing someone else for a second opinion will only solidify the choice you eventually make.

 

[12YearOldKid]

I'm about to undergo a complete restoration. I've only been in this locale since July (completing my subspecialty fellowship) and really didn't know who to go to. I Did some research and chose a guy with a slick web site and even slicker "smile gallery". His work looks amazing and his patients include several local/national celebrities (several were featured on his web site). My question is, will I pay a premium for working with this dentist. I haven't had the consultation yet (scheduled for later in the week), but his staff informed me it would probably be in the range of $25,000-30,000. I've been waiting years to get this done and want it done right. Does this price range sound correct? What do you guys think.

I have no problem with getting a second opinion. In fact, I think it is a good idea when you are looking at a lot of work like that. But this is NOT the time go price shopping. (not that you mentioned it)

There is sooo much planning and knowledge that goes into a big case like yours. Most dentists can do a "smile makeover" that looks good to the layperson. But the cosmetic aspect is only one small part of doing a big case. A major portion of the dentist's expertise goes into ensuring that your work will not only look good, but function well and be long-lasting.

I think the fact that your dentist has a lot of pictures of big cases he has done is a very good sign. You want someone who has been around the block a few times and has seen what can go wrong and how to avoid those problems. That doesn't necessarily mean an old dentist; just somebody who has done a few cases similar to yours. Look at pictures and ask how those cases are holding up now.

It may be tempting to try and save a few thousand dollars by shopping around, but that is a drop in the bucket to what it will cost your to replace a poorly planned case in 5 years when the porcelain starts chipping off your crowns and your veneers are debonding. I'm not trying to scare you; most dentists out there will refer a case if they think it is beyond their skill level. Just do your homework and work with somebody who listens to you and makes you feel comfortable.

 

[PainDr]

I'm having 10 over 10 veneers. I was really just curious what the price range is for each veneer. Regardless, I'll probably just stick with this guy. I've looked at every web site in town (MAJOR metro area, so there are lots of them) and his work is the best. The gallery shows 35-40 big cases like mine and they're all pretty amazing. Like I said, I want it done right. I've had bonding on the uppers in the past and was disappointed with the results. Bleaching isn't an option (tetracycline discoloration) so I want to go for it! Besides, I had to find some way to spend my signing bonus! LOL! 😀

 

[unlvdmd]

Call a dental lab. That is *truly* the only way to get a real dental opinion other than from another dentist. This is because they know who cuts good preps and who sucks. Most look the "same" on the outside, but the lab can tell you who doesn't send them crap work.

 

[OMFSCardsFan]

Call a dental lab. That is *truly* the only way to get a real dental opinion other than from another dentist. This is because they know who cuts good preps and who sucks. Most look the "same" on the outside, but the lab can tell you who doesn't send them crap work.

That's a great idea. The thought never occurred to me.

 

[burton117]

That's a great idea. The thought never occurred to me.

Ditto!

 

[PainDr]

Well, I've decided to definately go with this dentist. Turns out he really guarantees his work. He will replace any crown or veneer for LIFE (as long as he is still in practice), even if it's due to trauma! 😀

 

[burton117]

Well, I've decided to definately go with this dentist. Turns out he really guarantees his work. He will replace any crown or veneer for LIFE (as long as he is still in practice), even if it's due to trauma! 😀

Quite a guarantee.. Just make sure you get it in writing... Best of luck to you!

 

[OMFSCardsFan]

Quite a guarantee.. Just make sure you get it in writing... Best of luck to you!

Not a bad idea if you're planning on retiring in the next couple of years. I'm off to Bermuda, suckers!

 

[PainDr]

No...he's a fairly young guy, looks to be in his mid 40's.

 

[tx oms]

That's a great idea. The thought never occurred to me.

Like most good ideas.

 

[aphistis]

Like most good ideas.

Ouch.

 

[toofache32]

Like most good ideas.

OWNED!!!

 

[OMFSCardsFan]

OWNED!!!

Who wouldn't want to tame that beast!