Cosmetic Dentistry Minnesota - How to select MN dentists.
With over 2000 Minnesota dentists to choose from, how do you choose the right one to perfrom a smile makeover. This term has become common place since the boom of makeover shows. It has a connotation with free dentistry however that is only true for the lucky patients that were chosen to be contestants.
In Minnesota like every other state there are general dentists that choose to focus their practice around the esthetic end of the profession. They are usually fee for service dental practices that do not accept dental insurance. Cosmetic dentistry training occurs after a Minnesota dentist graduates from dental school. There are multiple solutions to help a patient achieve a better smile that vary in cost and time frame.
For example if you are someone that has gaps between your teeth you could: have orthodontic treatment: invisible braces (invisalign or orthoclear) , metal braces and take 6 months - two years to close the tooth gaps. You will still have your natural teeth and the correction will have been completed. Another option to close tooth gaps from a Minnesota cosmetic dentist would be porcelain veneers - the one distinct advantage is time, your teeth gaps could be closed in as little as two visits to the MN cosmetic dentist. YOu could also choose the shade of white you want and could contour the veneer to create an enhancement to your smile.
Cosmetic dentistry in Minnesota - How to select the right MN cosmetic dentists and questions to ask:
If its veneers you are interested in:
1. Experience is a key factor to weight when choosing a cosmetic dentist, check to see that the doctor has performed many cases in the past and currently and ask to see his before/after shots. It also helps to see a case that is close in nature to your own. Most dentists in Minnesota know to take before and after photos and even before digital cameras came along the doc should have slides or photos of their work.. Be leary of a dental practice that only shows stock photography.
2. Training - ask the dentist what continuing education courses they are taking relating to porcelain veneers, even the best cosmetic dentists continue to learn new techniques just like top athletes have coaches to help them improve. This is a sign of a winner. Some well known and reputable associations include the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, some Minnesota dentists may be accredited by the AACD, this is a high accomplishment within the association that is a good indictation you are dealing with a highly trained cosmetic dentist. The Las Vegas institute for advanced dental studies is also a well know training facility for cosmetic dentists. They are commonly referred to as LVI docs and /or LVI dentists.
3. Testimonials - happy patients are a good sign, in the end its the patient who is paying for beautiful teeth, if they are happy with the results and have no issues that is a plus.
The bottom line when seeking cosmetic dentistry in Minnesota: do your homework, meet with at least 3 dentists and compare notes. Anyone that pressures you is probably not the right practice. This is a lifestyle decision and one that should be made with education about the pros and cons of porcelain veneers and other esthetic procedures.