Choosing the right Encino dentist that specializes in cosmetic dentistry can seem daunting. You really want to have the best smile possible so of course you want the best possible dentist to give it to you.  Cosmetic dentistry is different from regular dentistry as it considers not only the health of your teeth and gums but their overall appearance as well.  So how do you choose the right dentist for you?  Let’s look at some credentials your cosmetic dentist should have.

Membership in the California AACD

One of the best places to look for a cosmetic dentist is on the website created by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.  There is a search tool there to help you find dentists near you that have the expertise that you are looking for.  This site is beneficial to your search because they only list members with the right accreditation to call themselves cosmetic dentists.

How Long Have they Been Practicing

Cosmetic dentistry requires a level of education beyond regular dentistry so you want to know how long they have been practicing and what services they specialize in.  Some dentists here in the Encino area, may only perform root canal procedures while others specialize in the Invasalign method of straightening your teeth.  Check with the dentist to make sure they offer what you need and how long they have been doing it.

A Before and After Photo Gallery

Many dentist will put before and after photos on their website so you can see their work first hand.  You can see the problems that had to be fixed and what it looks like after all the procedures are completed.  This can allow you to see the proficiency and creativity of the dentist in question.

References and Reviews

This is your smile we’re talking about so you want to work with a good dentist.  One of the ways to check what past patients have to say is through reviews.  There are plenty of places online where you can check a dentists review, you can start with Google itself and Yelp as well.  This will give you an idea of how other patients felt about their experience.  Bear in mind that not all reviews are genuine so use caution.

A Consultation

Before you go ahead with a procedure you should sit down with your cosmetic dentist and discuss exactly what you want your end result to be, that way he can not only outline a comprehensive treatment plan but he can also outline the costs.