There are scores of dentists who can keep your teeth healthy, but when it comes to choosing someone to give your teeth the look you've always wanted, it gets harder to choose. No matter if you're after world's most sought-after cosmetic dentists, Dr. Kevin Sands has shared his top tips for picking the right doctor for you.
If you've ever wanted a movie star smile, brighter and healthier teeth, or a grin that brings you more confidence, cosmetic dentistry can help you find it.
But not all cosmetic dentists are created equal. And making the right choice can mean the difference between a smile you love and one that you simply tolerate.
Check the Credentials
Cosmetic dentistry is an extremely technical field, and high-quality practitioners must go through extensive education and training. It's important to ensure that any dentist you choose has a high educational pedigree and remains in good standing with professional organizations, Dr. Kevin Sands said.
As a graduate of the University of Southern California Dental School and the highly respected Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, he knows what he's talking about. In addition to his schooling, dentists like Kevin Sands spend time every year honing their craft by learning about the latest technology and treatment advances.
It's also important to check your dentists' professional affiliations, Dr. Kevin Sands said. Prestigious professional organizations, like the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), act as stamps of approval for medical professionals. They ensure that their members keep up with continuing education, act ethically, and adhere to strict professional standards of care when treating patients.
Experience and Expertise
Beyond education, it's important to consider the specific area of skill and years of experiences a cosmetic dentist has, Dr. Kevin Sands said.
Some cosmetic dentists offer a wide variety of services. Others specialize in a single area, like veneers or full-mouth reconstruction. Before you book an appointment, make sure that your goals align with your dentist's skill set.
But no matter what route you choose, look for a dentist who has a long record of successful surgeries and years of experience in general dentistry, Dr. Kevin Sands said.
A cosmetic dentist who has a broad understanding of oral care and years working with patients can provide the best overall experience for patients. A working knowledge of the full range of oral care options will ensure that your cosmetic dentist can help you make the best decision for your treatment plan and deliver the safest, most effective way to achieve your goals.
Check the Reviews
Cosmetic dentists are trained to create bright, great-looking smiles through a variety of methods, including porcelain veneers, tooth whitening, reconstruction, and more. But the world's best cosmetic dentists are not only technically skilled, Dr. Kevin Sands said, they're also artists.
Luckily, it's never been easier to check the results for yourself. Dr. Sands encourages patients to take full advantage of the tools available to them and cyber-stalk their dentists.
Before booking an appointment, look through a dentist's feed on Instagram and other social media apps. See what kind of results they deliver. Read patient testimonials and reviews on aggregator sites like Google Reviews, Yelp, and Healthgrades.com. And don't focus solely on the positive.
Dr. Kevin Sands says it's important to read both the good and bad reviews to get a full understanding of a dentist and their practice. Keep in mind that every business will have some negative reviews, but if you notice any trends that seem important to you, such as a prickly approach or a refusal to discuss other options with patients, it may be a good sign the dentist is not right for you.
Reviews also give you a chance to see how the patients themselves feel about their treatment. Even if a dentist's Instagram feed is full of great-looking smiles, if the patients aren't happy with the finished product, does it really matter?
Consider the Consultation Process
The patient-doctor connection is a vital and often-overlooked part of choosing a cosmetic dentist, Dr. Kevin Sands says.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to cosmetic dentistry. Every smile is unique and deserves a personalized treatment plan. The road to getting the very best results always begins with a conversation between dentist and patient.
A great cosmetic dentist will explain your options clearly, listen carefully to your goals and concerns, and help you make an informed decision.
A dentist who provides a worthwhile consultation will make you feel at ease, Dr. Kevin Sands said. If you don't feel comfortable with either the dentist, their staff, or their office, it's a good sign you need to find a different practitioner, he said.
Making a Final Decision
Dr. Kevin Sands has earned a world-renowned reputation for his ability to deliver movie-star smiles in the most comfortable way possible. As one of California's most sought-after cosmetic dentists, he understands the importance of finding the right fit between dentist and patient.
He recommends that anyone who feels ready to explore the benefits of cosmetic dentistry should do their research by checking the qualifications, expertise, experience, and personal approach used by the cosmetic dentists in their area.
Your smile is something you use every day, he says. The right smile will increase your confidence and your oral health.
If you want your mouth to be perfect, you need to choose a cosmetic dentist who fits with your goals.
