According to recent studies, more than half of adults aged 35 and under in the UK have made cosmetic changes to their smile.
From teeth whitening and veneers to crowns and composite bonding, there are many different cosmetic dental treatments available to alter the appearance of your teeth, whether they’re off-colour, chipped, or slightly misaligned.
If you’re considering cosmetic dental treatment, it’s not a decision to take lightly, and you should be sure that the dentist you choose possesses all the skills and qualifications to carry out your treatment to the highest standard.
So, how do you choose a good cosmetic dentist?
Discover five key things to consider below.
1. Qualifications and training
In recent years, the UK has seen an uptick in unqualified people performing cosmetic dental treatments – most commonly beauticians offering salon-based teeth whitening treatments.
Whilst it may seem low-risk on the surface, the chemicals used to achieve the desired results can be toxic, and cause permanent damage to the teeth and gums.
Only registered dental professionals are equipped to assess your oral health, carry out treatments safely, and deal with any issues that may arise in the process.
To check if a dentist is qualified to perform cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening, check that they’re registered with the General Dental Council (GDC), and that the practice they work from has been assessed by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Typically, you’ll be able to find a dentist’s GDC number online or ask them to provide this if you have any concerns.
2. Experience and expertise
You should always look for a dentist with specialised training or certifications in cosmetic dentistry, like postgraduate courses or memberships in organisations like the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD), for example.
Ask questions such as how long they’ve been practising cosmetic dentistry and how often they perform the treatment you’re interested in to gauge how much experience they have.
Usually, you’ll find dentists specialising in specific areas (veneers, teeth whitening, composite bonding, etc) are a better choice than general practitioners.
3. Reputation and reviews
Patient reviews can be helpful in your search for a cosmetic dentist.
They reveal the good, the bad, and the ugly where patient satisfaction is concerned, and unveil the dentists you should probably steer clear of.
Platforms like Trustpilot and Google reviews are great for this, as well as personal recommendations from family and friends.
4. Consultation and communication
You can distinguish good dentists from not-so-good dentists by the way they communicate with their patients.
Everyone has different preferences, but generally, you want to look out for professionals who listen to your needs, discuss your options in-depth, and set realistic expectations for your treatment.
So, be sure to book a consultation with your chosen dentist to see if they tick all the boxes.
5. Portfolio
Finally, look to see if your chosen cosmetic dentist has a portfolio of past work that you can review.
Request before and after photos of previous patients to assess the quality of their work, or see if these are readily available online before making an appointment, to make sure it’s up to standard and aligns with your aesthetic preferences.
Looking for a cosmetic dentist?
Choosing a cosmetic dentist isn’t a decision you should take lightly, and you shouldn’t just go with the first one you find so make sure you sit down and spend some time doing your research.
Whether you need a cosmetic dentist in Cornwall or a cosmetic dentist in Richmond, you’re guaranteed to find a qualified, highly experienced professional who can help you achieve your smile goals.
