"Dr. Titensor is the first in the nation to receive the Dental Warranty seal of approval!"
Every patient is given a full repair/replacement Dental Warranty through Dental Warranty Corp on eligible treatments with optional longer terms.
New Patient Online Offer:
Free Home Whitening or Oral Sedation Special!
How to Choose a Great Cosmetic Dentist
Choosing a cosmetic dentist is a serious subject that requires research and contemplation. Your image, health, and happiness depend upon making the right decision. How can you know that the cosmetic dentist you choose has the substantial experience and skills in complex cases as well as the hands on training and expertise needed to give you the results you are looking for/with minimal to no damage to your teeth.
Since cosmetic dentistry is not a recognized specialty by the American Dental Association, any general dentist can perform cosmetic dental procedures. If you read an ad, website, or sign that says a dentist is a “cosmetic dentist,” understand that while that professional has to maintain a license for general dentistry, he or she did not have to complete any certification or coursework before claiming to be a cosmetic dentist. In some regard, aren’t all dentists cosmetic dentists? Most general dentists place white fillings and crowns, offer teeth whitening, and do cosmetic bonding. So the question becomes, how can you evaluate a dentist to determine his or her cosmetic dentistry capabilities?
Considerations in Choosing a Cosmetic Dentist
- Don’t Rush Your Decision
In most cases, cosmetic dental procedures don’t require immediate care. By taking time to learn about cosmetic procedures, techniques, materials, and dentists, you’ll reap great benefits. Most dentists offer a free cosmetic consultation, so you may even want to schedule a few “interviews” during your information-gathering process. - Review the Dentist’s Education and Postgraduate Training
All licensed dentists in Texas must complete 12 hours of continuing education each year. Many dentists exceed the required number of hours. You need to focus on the type and amount of continuing education a dentist has when choosing a cosmetic dentist. Advanced training in the many aspects of cosmetic dental case planning, procedures, technology, and function mean that a dentist knows more about this area of dental care, so he or she can leverage that knowledge to your advantage. Many dental schools don’t offer cosmetic dental training, and you certainly don’t want to be the training ground for an inexperienced cosmetic dentist! Considerable hands-on training should top your list of requirements for your cosmetic dentist. Advanced training in the many aspects of cosmetic dental case planning, procedures, technology, and the bite and function of your teeth means that a dentist knows more about this area of dental care, so he or she can leverage that knowledge to your advantage.
- Choose Someone You Feel You Can Trust
Honesty is the best policy when it comes to a cosmetic dentist. A dentist who will sit down and discuss his or her findings, along with treatment recommendations and explanations, will earn your trust. Ask questions, and consider how you feel about the quality and presentation of the answers. While many contemporary cosmetic dental procedures are conservative and minimally invasive, a dentist who tells you everything will be quick and easy may not be telling the complete truth. - Find a Good Communicator
Because cosmetic dentistry is a process, and your satisfaction is dependent upon the dentist understanding and meeting your expectations, communication is a huge factor. You need a cosmetic dentist who has a friendly, open chairside manner. Someone who will explain procedures in terms you can digest. Someone who will answer your questions thoroughly and succinctly. The initial consultation will give you a good idea of how you and the dentist communicate. Videos, before-and-after photos of real cases, and mock-up models or digital imaging of your potential smile will supplement communication and improve your cosmetic dentistry IQ. - Go with a Perfectionist
Filling a cavity in a back tooth doesn’t require perfection. Designing and placing sensational, natural-looking porcelain veneers for front teeth does. Your cosmetic dentist should be a perfectionist. You’ll look at your smile every day. Don’t you want it to be perfect? - Go with an Artist
Education, technology, and experience are key factors for a good cosmetic dentist. However, artistic ability is also a big consideration. Your cosmetic dentist should be able to visualize his treatment plan on you. He or she must understand symmetry, balance, and the role of spacing in esthetic design. Shading, sculpting, and designing teeth of pleasing size with your features are tasks that require an artist’s eye. - Evaluate the Dentist’s Experience
Just because a dentist claims to be a cosmetic dentist does not mean that he or she has actually completed cosmetic dental cases. What experience does your potential cosmetic dentist have? Does his or her website include photos, testimonials, and case descriptions? Can you actually speak with a satisfied smile makeover patient? Find out how much time, effort and planning the dentist puts into assuring that you get the smile you are looking for.
- Review the Dentist’s Real Cases
A portfolio of before-and-after photos – of the dentist’s actual patients – will speak volumes of the dentist’s capabilities. Do results look natural? Are the coloring, shape, and spacing of veneers pleasing? Do you see faults? Ask the dentist questions and carefully consider his or her response. Ask to review photos of patients with cases similar to yours. - The Other Things
Personal references from cosmetic dentistry patients, a guided tour of the dental office, and information about the materials, technology, and team may worth your time. Also consider appointments. Do the office hours meet your scheduling needs? For more invasive procedures, are you concerned about comfort and sedation? - Evaluate Lab Quality
Make sure the dental lab your cosmetic dentist uses has high qualifications and the technicians work well with the dentist to get the best results.
Dr. Titensor’s website features information about his education, the cosmetic dental procedures he offers, and a smile gallery. We invite you to explore our website, then call our Flower Mound, Texas office to schedule your complimentary cosmetic dentistry consultation and private tour of our office. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask. We will be pleased to provide you with all of the information you need to evaluate Dr. Titensor for consideration as your cosmetic dentist.