You may not notice it, but if you’re like 30% of the population, you put on a smile more than 20 times in a day! Only 14% of people smile fewer than five times a day.
That number can even increase if you always surround yourself with other people who always smile.
After all, smiles really are contagious (the same goes true for frowning) and researchers back it up. (More on this later.)
But what if you don’t have the nicest, whitest set of teeth out there? Then perhaps it’s time you consider looking for the best cosmetic dentist.
With more than 195 thousand dentists in the US though (many of whom offer dental cosmetic services), how can you choose the right one?
Don’t worry. Today, we’ll show you not only how to pick a dentist, but the right cosmetic dentist for your age too. So, read on!
Why Smile More Often (And Do It with Whiter, Healthier Teeth)
A lot of people know that smiling makes them look younger. What many don’t know is that smiling – largely associated with happiness – can extend their lifespan by up to 35%! This knowledge can put a smile on anyone’s face (see what we did there?).
That should also be enough for you to grin more often. To surround yourself with constantly smiling, cheerful people.
As mentioned above, there’s a contagiousness behind smiles. How so?
According to researchers, it’s because of the human nature called “facial mimicry.” It’s much thank to this ability that we can read situations correctly (and act accordingly.)
As such, when you smile, you’re spreading the good vibes and people will more likely smile back at you. The same goes true when others smile at you. The cycle continues, and the longer it does, the longer (and happier) you may live!
Studies also found a link between smiling and social health. One study found that women who smiled more (and genuinely) were more likely to get married within five years. Many years later, the researchers found that these smiling individuals also had more satisfaction in their marriage.
In any case, there’s so much more to smiling. But of course, wouldn’t it be better if you take pride in a whiter, straighter smile?
Much thanks to highly experienced practitioners, such as award-winning Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, you now have many tools and treatments at your disposal to improve the looks of your smile.
The final choice rests upon you, but with the six dentist tips below, you’ll have an easier time choosing the right cosmetic dental procedure and practitioner.
1. Your Age Matters
More than 50% of cosmetic dentistry patients fall under the 31 to 60-year-old age bracket. This said, many cosmetic dentists have geared most of their practice’s focus on this group.
This also means that they may not be as experienced in dealing with issues affecting younger (or older) patients.
For instance, tooth discoloration becomes more prominent as one ages. It also becomes harder to remove the older one gets. So, if you’re over 60, and this is the first time you’ve considered teeth whitening (both through DIY teeth whitening and a professional), it pays to work with a cosmetic dentist experienced with your age and the kind of teeth staining severity you suffer from.
The same goes true for teeth straightening procedures, which for the longest time, were best carried out at a younger age. Only a few cosmetic dentists have the expertise and tools that can fix crooked teeth outside of braces (veneers, for example).
2. The Areas of Specialization
Although the American Dental Association doesn’t consider cosmetic dentistry as a specialty, those who practice it have areas of specialization. Simply put, some of them may only focus on teeth whitening, crowns, and veneers.
But what if your smile requires more than just whiter teeth? Then you need to look for a cosmetic dentist experienced in the specific area you need help with.
A good example is when your previous veneer has gone wrong. Many of these cases require redoing of the entire porcelain laminate. Note that not all cosmetic dentists can fix inferior or bad veneers.
Another example is oral implant dentistry. Dental implants require surgery, so you want to make sure your chosen dentist has experience in more complex procedures. It’s a good idea to check a practitioner’s membership with the Academy of Osseointegration.
3. Length of Time in Practice
How long a dentist has been providing cosmetic dental procedures can tell a lot about their experience. After all, their office wouldn’t have remained open for 30 years or so if their treatments didn’t work. Or if their patients weren’t happy and satisfied with the work done.
This also tells you that a dentist puts importance in continuing education. Remember, technology gives birth to more modern cosmetic treatments constantly. Think painless dentistry, same day-dental implants, and 1-week smile makeovers.
This said, the most reliable practitioners keep themselves up-to-date with industry changes. They remain at the forefront of cosmetic dentistry technology.
4. Accreditations and Affiliations
Many dental schools only cover the basics of cosmetic procedures. Typically though, coursework focuses on general dental procedures.
Since you’re looking specifically for dental cosmetic services, you want to ensure the dentist has the credentials to show for it.
Some of these credentials you want to look for include membership with the following:
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
- Academy of Osseointegration
- American Dental Association
- Academy of General Dentistry
You should also consider your state’s local dentistry and cosmetic dentistry associations.
5. Choose A Dentist Who Makes the News (Good Publicity Only, Please)
Of course, this isn’t “a must,” but it’ll make you feel more at ease knowing that your choice in a cosmetic dentist is someone so trustworthy both local and national media gives him/her credit.
The same goes true for awards-winning dentists. Awards are recognition of a dentist’s skills and capabilities, which means that you and your teeth will only be in the best hands.
6. Availability of Financing Options
Cosmetic dentistry isn’t cheap. If you find a dentist who offers services “too good to be true,” chances are, they really are.
Don’t let this stop you from getting your teeth whitened so you can smile more often and more broadly. The most reputable and reliable cosmetic dentists offer financing services, so be sure to check this as you carry out your search.
Ready to Transform Your Smile with the Aid of the Best Cosmetic Dentist?
Your smile is one of the most important assets you have. So, make good use of it! Not only does it help you improve your social health; it may also be key to a longer-lasting, more enjoyable life.
And by improving its appearance through the help of the best cosmetic dentist, you’ll soon be sharing more smiles with people around you. Share the love (and happiness), as they say.
Want more tips and tricks to a healthier, happier you? Then please feel free to check the health & fitness section of our blog out.