If you have yellowing, chipped, or missing teeth, a cosmetic dentist can work with you to improve your smile and restore your confidence. How do you pick a dentist that you know you’ll be comfortable with, and that you can trust to give you the best results?
Here, we address five key factors to consider as you’re selecting a cosmetic dentist.
1) Proximity
You shouldn’t have to travel too far to get the cosmetic dentistry services you need. The procedure you’re interested in may require multiple visits (for example, patients undergoing Invisalign treatment will need to see their dentist every four to six weeks), so a shorter commute would be in your best interest. This way, going to a routine follow-up appointment will be less of a hassle.
At Muscaro and Martini Dentistry, we offer our services in the South Tampa area near Hyde Park and Westshore. Our centrally-located office is easily accessible to our patients in the greater Tampa Bay area.
2) Past Work
As you’re looking for a dentist, pay attention to the work they’ve performed in the past. Your smile deserves the care of a confident, seasoned team. Choose a professional with valuable experience.
Look for before and after photos on a dentist’s website. If you can’t find any examples of their portfolio online, request samples. It’s wise to steer clear of a dentist who is unwilling or unable to provide example photos.
It’s also in your best interest to choose a dentist with plenty of experience in the type of treatment you are seeking. An individual looking for a full-mouth reconstruction to repair their damaged teeth likely won’t receive the care they need from a whitening specialist, just as a patient seeking to have their teeth professionally whitened may not find their ideal results in an orthodontist’s office. Make sure their expertise closely matches your needs.
3) Professional Status
When choosing a dentist, it pays to do your homework. You’ll want to make sure they have the proper credentials and qualifications so that you can feel comfortable in their care.
If you’re looking for a cosmetic dentist, check to see if they’re a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). This organization has been setting industry standards for cosmetic dentists for nearly 40 years.
The AACD requires that participating members continue their education to best serve their patients. Members are up-to-date on the latest research, equipment, and techniques in the industry. Additionally, all members must undergo intense clinical testing processes to prove their competence and dedication to cosmetic dentistry services. When you visit a dentist with AACD accreditation, you can be confident in the services you receive.
In addition to AACD certifications, both Dr. Timothy Muscaro and Dr. Caitilin Martini proudly hold memberships with the American Dental Association, the Hillsborough County Dental Association, and the Florida Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, among other individual certifications. If you are seeking a well-qualified team, you can be confident in entrusting your goal of a perfect smile with us.
4) Referrals & Reviews
You are probably more likely to trust the opinions of friends, family, and people you know when it comes to recommendations. Word-of-mouth advertising is the most effective way to spread the reputation of an establishment, and this is no less true when it comes to dental offices. When looking for local dentistry, it pays to pay attention to the opinions of locals. What do they have to say about the staff members and the work they’ve had done?
When you get a real-life account, you can better understand your potential dentist’s way of doing business. How were their communication processes? Did they provide flexible payment plans? Did they prioritize patient privacy? Finding a good match feels more reliable when you can rely on first-hand accounts.
If you’re unable to receive personal recommendations when looking for a new cosmetic dentist, online reviews are a great place to see testimonies from those who have been patrons. You can see patient reviews that Muscaro and Martini Dentistry has received on our testimonials page.
5) Your Initial Consultation
Cosmetic dentistry isn’t only about performing high-quality work. It’s also about receiving treatment with care, compassion, and respect. Before you settle on a dentist, you should ensure that they will value you as a person and not just a paying customer.
The initial consultation is a critical part of how to pick a dentist. You may want to speak with several dentists to get a feel for the office environment and staff members. Is the office clean and orderly? Will you be met with compassion and understanding when you ask questions about your treatment?
If it’s a place you anticipate feeling comfortable at, you’ll know it’s the right dental office for you.
Schedule an Appointment with a Cosmetic Dentist in Tampa, FL
Are you looking to get in touch with a qualified cosmetic dentist in South Tampa? Schedule an appointment with Muscaro and Martini Dentistry today! We’ll help you achieve the smile of your dreams and make you feel comfortable and cared for throughout your cosmetic treatment.
In addition to cosmetic dentistry, we also focus on health-centered dentistry, helping patients with snoring, TMJ, and gum disease restore their dental health. Call us at (813) 839-6999 to learn more about our services!