Your pearly whites are the key to your confidence. When you flash a smile, it lights up the room. Your toothy grin speaks volumes about your personality.
You may be wondering why we opened an article about restorative dentistry with a list of cliches. Lean in close, and we’ll let you in on a secret—they’re cliches because they have been proven to be true time and time again!
The appearance of your teeth does matter. It can put a pep in your step, give you the feeling of freedom to laugh and enjoy your life without being self-conscious, and boost your confidence to new heights.
With modern dental techniques and technologies, there’s no reason to settle for less than a smile that will make you feel all of those things and more. The question is, how do you choose a restorative dentist to take you to the promised land of beautifully bright smiles?
We’re glad you asked! Check out our top things to consider when choosing a restorative dentist for a jumpstart on finding the perfect fit for you!
What Type of Restoration is Right for You?
Today, there are several restorative procedures that can elevate your smile to new heights. The type of restoration that you need and/or are interested in will influence which restorative dentist is right for you.
The first thing to do is familiarize yourself with the types of procedures that are available. You can do this by researching on your own, and we recommend speaking to a dentist (or dentists) about the available options, as well.
For example, do you simply want stains removed, or are you unhappy with the shape and alignment of your teeth? Simple questions like these can help narrow down the procedure(s) you opt to receive and who performs them.
If you are looking for a dentist that performs pediatric restorative dentistry, your list will shrink even further!
A Reputation that Precedes
With information made so accessible thanks to the internet, you can do quite a bit of snooping before you ever call or visit a dentist. While we do not recommend basing your entire perception of someone off of what you read online, perusing reviews and feedback left by previous patients can give you a foundation of knowledge and inform your decision.
Knowing the reputation of a restorative dentist can save you from headaches, help you determine if a particular dentist fits what you’re looking for, and enlighten you to any wonderful (or less-than-great) experiences previous patients have had!
Experience and Ability
If you know the types of restorative dentistry you wish to receive, you will need to find a dentist that performs those procedures. However, not all dentists have the same amount of experience when it comes to restorative dentistry, especially if the technique and/or technology used are relatively new.
We recommend searching for someone with a proven record of success performing the procedures, as well as an office that is modern and capable of facilitating a comfortable, safe experience!
Make it Personal
After you’ve driven yourself a bit mad through days of internet searches, we recommend you take a deep breath and do things the old-fashioned way—personal connection and communication. After all, the best ways to get to know someone are to speak to them directly and sit down face-to-face with them.
Of course, you can’t do this with the dozens of dentists in your area, so consider using the other methods discussed here to develop a concise list of dentists to connect with personally. Ask specific questions, voice your concerns, and take your time to determine who you are most confident in and comfortable with.
If you follow these steps, chances are you’ll end up with a fantastic restorative dentist and a lovely new smile!