List of 0 local businesses for "cosmetic dentistry" near Santa Ana, CA with reviews.

Finding a Cosmetic Dentist - A YLocale Guide

An Introduction to Cosmetic Dentistry

To start with, what is a cosmetic denstist and why would someone need one? A cosmetic dentist is simply a dentist who specializes in the procedures involved in working with the aesthetics of a patient's smile, teeth, gums, and bite.

There is actually no official specialty known as "cosmetic dentistry" recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA). There are groups such as the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) and the American Society for Dental Aesthetics (ASDA) which may provide accreditation to dentists.

If you are concerned with the appearance of your smile or your teeth, you may wish to seek out a cosmetic dentist.

How to Search for a Cosmetic Dentist

If you have friends or coworkers who have a cosmetic dentist that they know and trust, this is often an excellent way to find out about good cosmetic dentists. Be sure to ask about their experience with the dentist. You'll need to make a determination to see if their dentist seems like someone that would work well for you.

There are also websites with listings and reviews such as Angie's List, Yelp, and right here at YLocale. At these sites, take a look at reviews from other customers to learn about their experiences.

Ask Questions

After narrowing down the list to few candidates, you may wish to speak with them or contact them electronically and ask them some questions about their experience and work.

Consider asking them how long they have been in business. This may be a good time to ask about the fees for the procedures you might have in mind.

Note that since the ADA does not recognize cosmetic dentistry as a specialty, any dentist may claim to be a cosmetic dentist. You may wish to ask about what certification or training they have received in the field of cosmetic dentistry.

If you think you are likely to need a porcelain veneer to be placed on your teeth, it is a good idea to ask about where the veneer will be produced. This is usually done outside the dentist's office and you might want to find out the name of the laboratory. Once you have this information, try and research a bit to make sure this laboratory is a high-quality and/or certified lab.

Cost

The cost of cosmetic dentistry procedures can vary widely, but be careful if you're thinking of selecting a dentist purely based on a low cost estimate. You could end up with a suboptimal experience and risk damaging your teeth. A fee of $2000 per tooth is not unreasonable for a qualified cosmetic dentist.

Finding That Smile

With the right questions and due diligence, you can be on your way to having an improved smile that helps you feel better and increase your confidence.