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How to Choose a Cosmetic Dentist

Serving patients in Glenview, IL and surrounding communities

Cosmetic dentistry is a highly skilled profession and practitioners vary in personality, preparation, and performance. It is important to select a fully-qualified cosmetic dentist if you want high-qualify results. A general dentist may offer a cosmetic procedure or two, such as teeth whitening, but for true competence in cosmetic dentistry, look for a graduate of the Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Studies (LVI).

LVI is a world-renowned school for post-graduate dental education and our Dr. Dooley and Dr. Quezada have completed the full curriculum, both theoretical and hands-on, in both cosmetic dentistry and neuromuscular dentistry.

Personality

Look for a cosmetic dentist who can listen as well as talk — one who understands what you are trying to say and responds empathetically. Rather than simply consulting a phone book or Googling for "cosmetic dentists in Chicago" and picking the one closest to your house, ask around. Personal referrals from friends and family, neighbors and co-workers are more valuable, because you know these people. You can assess what they are saying in light of what you know about their personalities.

Your current general dentist may make a recommendation, or may have somebody with whom he or she works. A good personal recommendation and first hand observation can help you narrow the field effectively.

Preparation

With your short list in hand, learn more about each dentist by looking up his or her credentials. Most cosmetic dentists have a website these days. Find out where he or she went to dental school and what specific training they have sought after dental school. If a dentist is claiming to be a cosmetic dentist but has only undergraduate dental school training, move on. Cosmetic dentistry is not taught in regular dental schools. A general dentist may pick up a few pointers or skills in continuing education seminars, but that is not the same as completing a full curriculum such as an LVI graduate has done.

All reputable dentists, cosmetic or general, belong to at least one professional organization such as the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. This keeps him or her in touch with new ideas and technology, and in communications with peers.

Performance

When you schedule an initial consultation with a dentist, ask to see the dentist's work. Most dentists are happy to show you a Before and After album. Some have patient photos on their walls. Many have such pages on their websites. Make sure that those photos are of the dentist’s own previous patients, rather than generic pictures showing a procedure’s results.

If you feel any doubt about a dentist’s competence or knowledge, or if you feel uncomfortable in his or her presence, move on to the next name on your list.

At the Colonial Dental Group, we have three highly trained dentists, Dr. Dooley, Dr. Lewis, and Dr Quezada who will work closely with you on your treatment plan. If you are looking for specially trained and highly qualified cosmetic dentists in the Chicago area, please contact the Colonial Dental Group. We will be pleased to schedule an initial consultation for you.