How do you find the best Chicago Cosmetic Dentist?
Are you trusting your smile to just anybody? If you need cosmetic work, can you trust your neighborhood general dentist to do it? For many, trusting anybody other than a great cosmetic specialist can be a difficult decision to make.
The success of porcelain veneers or of a complete smile makeover hinges on the experience and skill of the doctor. Protect yourself against lackluster results and failed treatments by choosing the best dentist you can find.
The American Dental Association does not recognize cosmetic dentistry as a specialty; therefore, any general dentist can perform cosmetic procedures. There are no specific titles for cosmetic dentists to distinguish themselves as having more continuing education or experience. Here are some ways to help you decide which dentist can offer you the best results.
A good Chicago cosmetic dentist will have before and after images
It is important to ask for examples of the dentist’s work before you commit to treatment. Look through the before and after pictures of cosmetic procedures of every doctor you might go to.
It is in your best interest to visit the website and look closely. Good photographic skills are required to do cosmetic dentistry. Dentists use pictures for treatment planning. Pictures will instantly show the talent of the doctor.
Examine the before and after pictures of other patients with similar cosmetic issues to the ones you would like to correct. Before and after treatment pictures can help you decide if you’ll get the results you desire. These pictures should match your smile issues. Looking at them can give you an idea of what to expect.
Make sure that the images aren’t purchased images done by other dentists. There are many “so called” cosmetic dentists in Chicago but, why not try to find the best one?
Read patient reviews for the doctor
Previous cosmetic dentistry patients can often tell you more than just the results of their procedure. Testimonials and treatment stories can explain what to expect during the procedure, the nature of the practice, and the quality of customer service. Hearing another patient’s point of view is often the best insight into how you will be treated as a patient.
Study credentials of the dentist
Many offices hope that you assume expertise when you see state of the art equipment or spa services. Remember that the equipment doesn’t create the magic. The brains, artistic talent, and creativity of the practitioner do.
Look for specific training in cosmetic dentistry and prosthodontic procedures or certifications in advanced methods. A dentist’s biography page can provide information about his or her education and sometimes a mission statement. Memberships with cosmetic dentistry organizations, fellowships, and examples of higher education are signs of a good cosmetic dentist. If you are evaluating academic credentials, ask for a list of published articles.
Honestly, there is one best way to find out how good a dentist is. Ask other dental specialists. Not physicians, but rather ask gum specialists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, and even root canal specialists. They directly see the work of all the restorative dentists in the area.
Call around to these dental specialist’s offices. Ask the doctors and their staff who the best Chicago cosmetic dentist is. Sometimes you have to drive farther to see the better dentists.
Ask your dentist plenty of questions
It is in your best interest to interview your dentist. At a consultation or second opinion, do not be shy about sharing your specific needs. Go to the office prepared to ask many of questions about your options. Make sure that the doctor feels that what you want is the best for you.
Does your dentist listen to you? A great cosmetic expert is prepared to answer these questions. They can talk about other clients who had the treatment and what they experienced. They can explain how the procedures go and give you a sense of how long the cosmetic treatment will take.
A good dentist can help you develop a dental treatment plan with compassion and understanding. There are ways to prepare for your dental visit to make it more valuable to you.
Do all cosmetic dentists have an “Artistic Expertise”?
Beautiful work is hard to come by. Many general and cosmetic dentists in Chicago will claim proficiency but only do a couple of small cases a year. There are many other criteria upon which you can evaluate a dentist. For some patients, it boils down to location and cost.
Be careful when choosing the cheapest general dentistry option. Dentistry delivered with high aesthetic standards is like fine artwork. It requires more skill and more time from the dentist and the dental lab to create. Cosmetic dental procedures done at this level will be more expensive than that done by an average general dentist.
What treatment offerings do highly qualified cosmetic dentists do better?
- A pre-treatment interview to fully clarify your goals
- A more comprehensive oral exam including xrays, photos, videos if needed
- Oral hygiene instructions such as how to brush your teeth or how to floss
- Oral cancer screening
- Professionally supervised teeth whitening
- High end esthetic restorative care
- Screening for gum disease, bad breath, and sleep apnea
- Artistic smile planning process
- Porcelain crowns and tooth veneers
- Infection control
- Dental implants
- Composite bonding and tooth colored fillings
- Collaborative cosmetic dentistry
Get the best second opinion you can find
Take time researching potential doctors before you make a selection for your dental care. You want to feel confident that you are offered the wisest treatment options and that you will achieve the best possible results.
Do you have problems with your teeth? Do you hide your smile in family photos or in professional portrait shots? Dr. James Fondriest understands that an embarrassing smile can cause you to hide your true self. Consider all of your options when seeking to achieve your smile’s true potential.
We invite you to explore all that this website has to offer. Perhaps you will discover who is considered by many in dentistry who is the best Chicago cosmetic dentist. We invite you to contact our dental practice at 847-234-0517 to schedule a consult.
Dr. Fondriest is a Nationally recognized and highly sought after cosmetic dentist. He serves clients from throughout the United States