What does it really mean to be a Raleigh NC Cosmetic Dentist?

I’m a strong advocate of consumer awareness. For that reason, I like to be up-front with prospective patients not only about my practice, but about the practice of dentistry in general.  We like patients who make an informed decision in choosing our practice over others.

Many people don’t realize that being a Raleigh NC cosmetic dentist doesn’t require any special certification by the NC Dental Board. And even the American Dental Association (ADA) doesn’t provide a definition for a cosmetic dentist, even though they do provide useful information about the various technologies and dental procedures that are used by cosmetic dentists.

In a nutshell, being a Raleigh NC cosmetic dentist means that you’ve been licensed by the state of North Carolina to practice general dentistry, have a DDS degree, and have a special interest in providing cosmetic dentistry services. This is why it’s especially important for consumers to do their homework when choosing a Raleigh NC cosmetic dentist. Having interest in something is not an indication of skill level. If you’re comparing your options, look closely not only at before/after pictures, but also at the dentist’s specific depth and breadth of experience in performing cosmetic dentistry procedures. Ask about specific experience as it relates to the cosmetic dentistry treatment plan being recommended for you.

Begin your approach to finding a good Raleigh NC cosmetic dentist for your needs much like you would approach buying a car. You may not make the best choice if you are swayed only by looks (before/after photos) and cost. Performance/function must be considered, too. To consistently achieve a great look and function requires experience. The biggest difference between buying a car and buying cosmetic dentistry services is that with smile enhancement every case is different. Cars of a specific model/year can typically be expected to perform the same, and there’s a “standard” way to service them. Some cosmetic dentistry cases are “easy,” some are much more challenging. Before/after photos don’t tell the whole story!

Depth of experience helps to increase the chances that you’ll be satisfied not only with the look of your teeth, but also with the way your teeth function. Beyond assessing experience, you may also want to look for a Raleigh NC cosmetic dentist who will be concerned about your happiness with your smile long after you walk out of the office door. Our practice is in it for the long haul – we want to service your long-range general dentistry needs, too. Our goal is to help you preserve the healthy, beautiful smile we create!