Looking for a Smile Makeover dentist in NYC? Here's 8 tips to find the best one!
If your teeth and gums are healthy, but not as attractive as you'd like, it might be time to consider a smile makeover with a cosmetic dentist in New York City. A great smile can have a positive impact on both your social and professional life so it makes sense to invest in cosmetic treatments with a reputable cosmetic dentist. A smile makeover can help if your teeth are dull, stained, or yellow, in addition to a "gummy" smile, gaps between teeth, missing teeth, chipped or cracked teeth, and much more. While you may have a general dentist that you go to for annual exams, cleanings, and dental health treatments (fillings, crowns, root canals, etc.), you should look for an experienced cosmetic dentist to perform your smile makeover.
While many cosmetic dentists are also general dentists, not every general dentist is a cosmetic dentist. Confused? That's why our team at SmilesNY has put together eight tips that will help you find a great New York City cosmetic dentist to perform your smile makeover.
1. Education Matters
Every dentist should have both an undergraduate degree and either a doctorate in dental surgery (DDS) or dental medicine (DMD) from a reputable program. A good cosmetic dentist should have additional training beyond their degrees in aesthetic treatments. For example, the dentists of SmilesNY are members of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentists and attend advanced education seminars to learn about the latest techniques and equipment in cosmetic dentistry. Your general dentist may offer certain cosmetic treatments, but that doesn't mean they are the best choice to perform your smile makeover.
2. Experience is Key
In addition to education and training, you want to look at a cosmetic dentist's experience. Look for a cosmetic dentist who has been performing cosmetic procedures for a while and not someone who is still learning the craft. Experience is very important in cosmetic dentistry, since it requires a combination of skill and artistry. You want a cosmetic dentist who will understand want you want and has the skills to deliver great results.
3. Treatments offered
It may seem a little obvious, but make sure the cosmetic dentist you choose offers the treatments you are interested in. For example, if you are thinking about porcelain veneers, look for a cosmetic dentist who is experienced in designing and placing custom veneers. If you are unsure what cosmetic treatments you want, look for a practice with a wide range of procedures so they can help you decide what you want to include in your smile makeover. If you want to "test drive" veneers and see how you like the work of a cosmetic dentist, consider temporary veneers, like Cosmalite, which is offered by SmilesNY.
4. Location for Convenience
Consider the location of the practice when looking for a cosmetic dentist. Is their office easy to get to from your home, work, or school? Think about when is the best time of day for you to get a cosmetic dental procedure and then calculate how long it will take you to get to their office. Conveniently located in the Upper East Side (UES) near Midtown, SmilesNY is easy to get to if you live and/or work in Manhattan.
5. Flexible Hours
Along with the location of the practice, look at the hours when a cosmetic dentist sees patients. Are they open early so you can go before work or maybe you'd prefer they stay open late so you can get a treatment on your way home. Check the practices hours on their website and see if they fit your schedule.
6. Patient Reviews
Check online reviews for practices that you are considering, but keep in mind that these may not all be true. It's difficult to sort actual patients from online trolls, so don't let a few bad stories dissuade you, especially if there are a lot of great reviews. You should also ask your friends and family if they have been to a cosmetic dentist. If you like their results, ask who they went to.
7. Compelling Photos
A picture is worth a thousand words when it comes to cosmetic dentistry, so check their website for before and after photos. Seeing actual results can be very helpful when you're trying to choose a cosmetic dentist. Check how natural their results look, particularly in cosmetic treatments that you are interested in. A good photo gallery on a practice's website can also give you an idea of what problems cosmetic dentistry can address.
Consultation
When you've narrowed down your choices to a few cosmetic dentists, contact each practice to schedule a consultation. Some dentists charge for these meetings, so ask about this before you schedule an appointment. During your consultation, be open and honest about what you do and don't like about your smile. This will help them decide which procedures to recommend for your smile makeover.
Get ready to start your smile makeover
One great practice that we know checks all the boxes you should look for in a cosmetic dentist in New York (impressive education and training, a wide range of cosmetic treatments, amazing reviews, plus stunning before and after photos) is us, SmilesNY! We'd love to schedule a consultation for you at our office in Manhattan and get started on your smile makeover journey. Our experienced team takes great pride in helping our valued patients regain confidence when they take on the streets of New York City with their best smile.