According to research conducted by the Oral Health Foundation, 53% of people under the age of 35 in the UK have had a cosmetic dentistry treatment.
And with so many influencers flashing porcelain veneers and blinding white teeth, it’s easy to understand why the cosmetic dentistry industry is booming more than ever.
But social media isn’t the only thing driving an increase in cosmetic dentistry procedures in the UK. Thanks to modern technology, cosmetic dentistry treatments are more advanced and accessible than ever before.
Have you been tempted to transform your smile with cosmetic dentistry? Want to know how to find the perfect cosmetic dentist to carry out your treatment?
Stick around because, in this blog, we’re helping you narrow down your cosmetic dentist search, know what to look out for, and how to choose the best practice to suit your goals.
First, do you actually need a cosmetic dentist?
To help you figure out whether cosmetic dentistry is a good option for you, we’ve compiled a list of questions you can ask yourself to assess your suitability.
- Are your teeth mildly or severely crooked?
- Do you have one or more overlapping teeth?
- Do you have yellow teeth?
- Are your teeth discoloured or stained?
- Are your teeth spaced too far apart?
- Are you missing one or more teeth?
- Do you have chips or cracks in your teeth?
- Are you unhappy with the size of your teeth?
- Are you unhappy with the shape of your teeth?
- Do you have an overly “gummy” smile?
If you answered yes to one or more of the above, then going down the cosmetic dentistry route might make a huge difference not only to your smile but also to your confidence – as long as you choose the right cosmetic dentist, that is.
Want to learn more about cosmetic dentistry and if it’s right for you? Check out our previous blog, “What is a smile makeover and do you need one?”
Step 1: Find cosmetic dentists near you
If you’re looking for a cosmetic dentist in London or further afield, here are some quick ways to get a list of possible options.
“Near me” Google search
This one is easy! Simply search “cosmetic dentists near me”, and good ol’ Google will do all the hard work for you and show you a list of cosmetic dentists in your area.
Cosmetic dentist directories
The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry has a super handy directory that allows you to type in your area to find a list of registered, licensed cosmetic dentists in the UK. You’ll find us on that list too, as Dickens Yard Dental is a full member of the BACD.
Ask people you know
Are there any influencers, friends, or family in your life who you know have had a cosmetic dentistry procedure carried out? Why not reach out and ask them for a recommendation? Or view our smile portfolio to see our cosmetic dentistry results!
Step 2: Compare cosmetic dentists
Choosing a cosmetic dentist isn’t something you want to rush. After all, transforming your smile can be a big investment, and for some procedures: permanent.
So, do your research by looking at the following factors to ensure you’re putting your teeth in trusted hands.
Reviews
Reading cosmetic dentistry patient reviews is a fantastic way to weed out any “red flags” and know that choosing a particular cosmetic dentist will be a safe bet.
Check out their reviews on their Google Business Profile, social media channels, and website to get a good idea of their quality.
Location
Do you want to visit a cosmetic dentist close to where you live to make travelling back and forth easier? Or would you prefer to go to the highest-rated cosmetic dentist, no matter where they’re located?
Consider how far you’re willing to travel for your cosmetic dentistry treatment and let this dictate who you shortlist.
Approach
Every cosmetic dentist has their own way of doing things, approach to patient care, and individual practice “vibe.”
Try to find a dentist whose approach makes you feel comfortable, calm, and secure by reading their website. Are you a nervous patient? Want to know all the details? Need help with budgeting? There’s a cosmetic dentist out there for you!
Experience
Does your cosmetic dentist only specialise in one area, like porcelain veneers, or do they cover a wide range of cosmetic dentistry procedures?
It’s important that you find a cosmetic dentist who can achieve all your goals, not just one, and has the proven qualifications and experience to create a great quality result.
Case studies
If a picture says a thousand words, a smile makeover before/after says a thousand! You can read all the information you can find about potential cosmetic dentists’ services, awards, and experience.
But how do you know what to expect if they can’t show you their results? Request case studies if your prospective dentist doesn’t have them on their website!
Pricing
Pricing will, of course, be a major factor in your decision-making process. Every patient will have their own budget limitations.
However, even when you’re not in a position to splash out on luxury cosmetic dental work, you can still enjoy the same quality result by finding a dentist that lets you spread the cost of your treatment over a few months or years.
Have you figured out what cosmetic dentist appeals to you the most? Great! Now you can complete the final step in your cosmetic dentist search.
Step 3: Schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation
Your cosmetic dentistry consultation will be the final deciding factor in whether or not you go with a particular cosmetic dentist.
When you meet a cosmetic dentist in person, ask them all your burning questions, and visit the practice, you can get a natural feel for them and understand what it might be like to have them treat your teeth to a beautiful transformation.
During your consultation, you can ask your cosmetic dentist to give you an image of the expected results after your treatment, information about your options, and a timeline that works best for you.
And if the consultation doesn’t go well, i.e., you don’t connect well with your cosmetic dentist, you don’t like their practice environment, or they don’t treat you how you’d like, then it’s back to the dentist drawing board!
Could our cosmetic dentists in Ealing be your perfect match?
Now that you know how to select the best cosmetic dentist to suit your needs, from doing your research online to seeing what they’re like during a consultation, why not investigate whether you can add Dickens Yard Dental to your cosmetic dentist shortlist?
At Dickens Yard Dental, we’re in the business of transforming smiles (and confidence) by delivering premium cosmetic dentistry services with impeccable results. From teeth whitening to porcelain veneers, our dentists create smiles so good, you’ll never want to hide it again!
Oh, and did we mention we are nervous-patient proof? Everything from our friendly approach to our relaxing, modern clinic in Ealing, London will instantly put you at ease, no matter the treatment. Book a treatment or chat to us today to get started.