Self conscious smiles are becoming a thing of the past as more and more people opt to have tooth imperfections corrected through cosmetic dentistry. Many people are choosing to have private dental treatments such as porcelain veneers, tooth whitening or even orthodontic braces to eradicate problems such as crooked smiles and stained teeth.
Cosmetic Dentistry for a Celebrity Smile
While many people envy the smiles of celebrities such as Katie Price, Tom Cruise and Miley Cyrus opting for cosmetic dental treatments to achieve a celebrity-style smile should not be taken lightly. Prospective patients must carry out careful research to ensure the dentist they choose is qualified and capable of carrying out the work they desire at a price they can afford.
Cosmetic Dentist Qualifications?
In the UK there is no specific postgraduate qualification for practitioners wishing to carry out cosmetic dental work. This means that any qualified dentist can claim to offer expert cosmetic dentistry, so quality of work and care can vary. As a response to this situation the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD) was formed, to help patients make informed choices when contemplating cosmetic dental treatments.
A spokesman for the BACD said: “Currently any qualified dentist can offer cosmetic dentistry and no UK postgraduate qualification is recognised in cosmetic dentistry. Finding an appropriately skilled cosmetic dentist is essential to ensure treatments are beautiful, natural looking, and successful in the long term.”
Qualified Cosmetic Dentists
The BACD recommends that patients use one of their registered dentists when opting for a cosmetic treatment. All dentists registered with the BACD are required to have spent 75 hours training in cosmetic dentistry in the last two years, keeping them up to date with the latest techniques.
Choosing a Dentist for Cosmetic Treatments
Prospective patients can do their own research to help find the right dental practitioner for their needs. Hints and tips to find the right dentist include:
- Use a BACD registered dentist, a list can be found on the BACD website
- Ask to see their portfolio. A reputable dentist should be able to provide examples of their previous work.
- Ask for testimonials. If a dentist has satisfied customers, he may be able to put prospective patients in touch with them to discuss their experience.
- Ask about the cost – and check what aftercare is included, a problem not covered by the initial fee could make treatment very expensive.
- Ask about the procedure, patients should be sure they fully understand what their selected treatment entails and how it will affect them.
Research Cosmetic Dentists
Anyone planning a costly tooth treatment should shop around, research dental care providers thoroughly and make sure they are completely happy before handing over any money or agreeing to any treatment. Dental treatments can be invasive and have an impact on the patient’s life, so should not be entered into lightly.
This article is intended for information only; anyone with concerns about their oral health should contact their dentist.
Jenni Potter - Jenni Potter is a qualified senior journalist and newsroom veteran with 10 years experience on titles across the UK. Jenni is also a ...
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