I kind of had the type of smile I wanted in my mind when I went to see my cosmetic dentist. The problem is he keeps arguing with me and suggesting something else.  First he thinks I want the teeth too long, then he thinks I want them too white.  I just brought him a picture and showed him what smile I wanted.  I don’t see what the problem is.  The girl in the picture I bought has a similar face structure to me, Do I stick it out with this dentist or look for another one?

Mandy P. – Illinois

Mandy,

I think you should look for a different dentist. In most procedures any general dentist will do. However, there are some procedures, such as porcelain veneers and dental implants, that really require the best dentist possible.

Here is the reason why.  There is no recognized specialty in cosmetic dentistry. Any general dentist can call themselves a cosmetic dentist. However, that doesn’t mean they are truly qualified.  For a dentist to be really qualified in cosmetic dentistry it takes considerable post-graduate training.

One of the things we’re taught is that the patient dictates whether they are pleased with their smile, not the dentist.  I would look for someone who is AACD accredited.  Those dentists reach the highest level of expertise with cosmetic dentistry.  They’ll be able to give you any smile you want.

This blog is brought to you by Tulsa Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Jerome Cha.