Choosing a dentist near La Crescenta, CA for cosmetic dental services

You have probably never heard someone say, “What does it matter? It’s only your teeth,” because teeth are incredibly important! They have tremendous influence on your health, happiness, and appeal to others. That is why choosing the right provider for cosmetic dental services in the Glendale, Montrose, or, La Crescenta, CA area is so vitally important – your smile is at stake.

Credentials count

To practice in the United States, most dentists first complete four years of study to earn a bachelor’s degree, usually with focus in biology, chemistry, physics, or mathematics; then four more years at dental school, including a one- or two-year internship. The DDS/DMD program includes courses such as:

• Dental anatomy
• Dental anesthesiology
• Endodontics
• Geriatric dentistry
• Molecular biology
• Neuroscience
• Oral microbiology
• Oral Surgery
• Orthodontics
• Pathology
• Pediatric dentistry
• Periodontics
• Pharmacology
• Physiology
• Prosthodontics
• Radiology

After successful completion of a written and clinical examination, the individual becomes licensed. Thereafter, a dentist must take a specified number of hours of continuing education as mandated by the state. However, many CE courses focus on practice management rather than emerging techniques.

It is fine to inquire into all aspects of a prospective dentist’s academic background. In what area is his bachelor’s degree? Has he had any specialized training? Is he licensed in other states or countries? Has he received awards, accolades, or recognition for research or achievements? What recent CE has he taken?

The “Meet the Doctor” page on the dentist’s website may provide the information you need. If it does not – ask!

Expect experience

Cosmetic dentistry is not an area of specialization defined by the American Dental Association. Rather, the term describes treatments that are performed to enhance the appearance of your smile. Any dentist licensed to practice in California may offer cosmetic dental services. However, that does not mean quality or results are comparable.

Creating aesthetic outcomes is equal parts technical skill, natural artistry, and experience. Over time, as a dentist sees many patients, he becomes adept at evaluating face shape, skin tone, the shape of lips, and gums. Only with this depth of experience can he recommend the most flattering cosmetic services to complement other features and bring the entire face into balance.

It is important to bear in mind that nearly every restorative treatment also incorporates an element of aesthetics. Even if you are getting a filling, crown, bridge, dental implant, or orthodontics for functional reasons, you want the work to blend with your smile and look natural. That requires experience.

Before committing to treatment, schedule a cosmetic consultation. Talk with the dentist about your concerns and ask what procedures he recommends. Then be sure to request before and after photos of actual patients, to analyze quality of the work. Check consumer review sites like Yelp, Google+, Angie’s List, and HealthGrades to find out what patients genuinely say about their treatment.

Seek out the “click factor” 

You must place a great deal of faith in the dentist you choose for cosmetic treatment. You will ultimately put your budget, time, oral function, and appearance in your dentist’s hands. So, one of the most important factors in selecting this individual is whether your personalities “click.”

After the initial consultation, ask yourself honestly:

• Did I feel relaxed and comfortable talking with this dentist?
• Did I feel rushed?
• Were my questions answered in understandable terms?
• Were treatment options thoroughly explained?
• Were payment and finance options discussed openly?
• Do I like this person?

The click factor can make all the difference between a disastrous or lackluster dental experience, and one that is fully satisfying. 

General and cosmetic dental services in the La Crescenta, CA area

Bright Smiles Dental Studio provides a full range of care for patients of all ages. Dr. Carlos Garcia believes this broad approach helps his patients get the most out of preventive, general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry treatments. His expertise is backed by dual DDS degrees, hundreds of hours of continuing education (far exceeding the statutory requirement), and more than two decades of experience. Yet it is the beautiful smiles of his patients that tell the true story of Dr. Carlos’ dedication to the outcome of every cosmetic and restorative treatment.

If you are considering cosmetic dental services in the La Crescenta, CA area, ask your friends, neighbors, and co-workers who they recommend. Then follow their advice – call (818) 290-8788 to schedule your appointment at Bright Smiles Dental Studio.