From teeth whitening to veneers, the realm of cosmetic dentistry is vast.

Are you looking for a qualified and experienced cosmetic dentist who can help restore your smile? If so, it pays to do your due diligence. Before trusting any team to take care of your teeth, take the time to consider all of your options. Today, we’re here to make that step a little easier.

Below are our tips for finding the best cosmetic dentist in your area. These steps can help you eliminate the guesswork and choose a provider that’s the best fit for you!

Inquire about industry associations.

Anyone can claim to practice cosmetic dentistry, but a real professional will have the industry connections to support those claims. When considering prospective providers, make sure everyone on your list is an active member of the American Dental Association, or ADA.

In addition, inquire about their membership in your state’s dental association. For instance, Dr. Alhadef is a member of the Texas Dental Association. In addition, he is also a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the International Association for Orthodontics, and other organizations.

Each provider may have their own list of other industry credentials and memberships, so be sure to ask about these during your initial interview. In addition, it also helps to partner with a cosmetic dentist who is well regarded as an expert in their sphere. Has the dentist in question published any industry writings or spoken publicly at recent associated engagements? If so, these credentials speak to their leadership and expertise.

For example, Dr. Alhadef’s article on dental management was published in the Washington Post, and he serves as a contributing medical editor for Estate Life magazine. In addition, he also makes regular appearances at local schools in the Dallas area and is an active participant in his community, serving as a member of the Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity, the Dallas Chamber of Commerce, and the Preston Center Rotary Club, among others.

Find a well-reviewed provider.

Research shows 84% of people trust online reviews as much as personal suggestions from friends and family members. To this end, it helps to do a little online research before selecting a cosmetic dentist. Start by taking a look around their website.

If there’s a dedicated page for reviews, click on it and read through a few. This can help you get a general idea of the dentist’s professionalism and quality of service. You can also check for blog posts that include reviews and feedback from past clients.

If you can’t find any reviews or testimonials on the provider’s website, expand your search to include their online business profiles and social media pages. Here, past clients can leave reviews and describe their experiences at the office.

While it’s easy to get caught in a web of reviews and spend hours scrolling through them, try to limit the time you spend on this step. You should be able to discern the dentist’s overall quality after reading a few.

Check out before and after photos.

A great cosmetic dentist will be proud of their work. This is an especially rewarding field, as it delivers immediate, visibly noticeable results. As such, many teams will include “Before and After” photographs on their website to help potential clients understand the difference their services can make.

As an example, check out our Invisalign Before and After photographs! Review these photographs to determine if the results are ones you’d like to replicate.

Ask about experience.

It’s true that everyone has to start somewhere. Yet, you shouldn’t trust an inexperienced dental professional with one of your greatest assets: your smile!

Before you get too deep into the interview stage, ask each dentist on your list to describe their experience in cosmetic dentistry. How long have they been practicing in this field? How long have they specialized in cosmetic dentistry?

Look for someone with years of experience, who can answer any question you ask and has worked with patients who have issues similar to yours. Then, ask about the different kinds of cosmetic dental procedures each dentist provides.

Can they support your needs, or will you have to look for a more specialized provider? Most teams should be able to perform full mouth restoration services with core treatments that include:

• Laser gum contouring
• Invisalign
• Dental veneers

Find a listening ear.

Depending on the service rendered, certain cosmetic dentistry procedures can be more expensive than others. Before you make the investment, it’s common to be filled with questions.

From costs to recovery times, there are myriad data points you’ll need to understand before undergoing your procedure. If any provider makes you feel rushed or disregards your questions, consider this a red flag and continue your search elsewhere.

You should feel comfortable asking as many questions as you need to, especially in the beginning. Look for someone who prioritizes your concerns and cares and takes the time to answer each inquiry as thoroughly as possible.

Look for high-tech resources.

You need a cosmetic dentist who’s looking ahead to the future, embracing tools and technologies that can help improve the patient experience. Ask each provider to describe the level of technology adoption at their office. For instance, do they provide laser dentistry for gum contouring? We do, and we can help show you the difference it makes.

Find a cosmetic dentist today!

Are you ready to improve the appearance of your smile? You deserve to be confident with the way you look, and we can help you get there.

A cosmetic dentist can help you achieve the straight, white teeth you’ve always desired. If you’re in the greater Dallas area, we’re confident that our team can meet your needs. Not only do we meet all of the above qualifications, but in many areas, we exceed them.

Get in touch with our team today to learn more or schedule an appointment!