How To Choose the Right Dentist for Your Dental Veneers

If you’ve decided dental veneers are the right solution for your smile, you’ll want to choose the right dentist for the job. While some dentists are fantastic for general dentistry and basic checkups, others place a greater emphasis on cosmetic dentistry — which is what everyone’s smiling about right now.

Choosing the right dentist for your dental veneers is a case of undergoing a little research until you find that ideal boutique clinic. From verifying credentials and methodology to leafing through that before-and-after portfolio, there are many ways you can locate the dentist Melbourne can count on for cosmetic needs. So, without further ado, let’s review some investigative strategies that will help you find the right dentist for your dental veneers.

Clarify Credentials & Expertise

To become a practising dentist in Australia, you must hold the bare minimum of a bachelor’s degree in dentistry, as well as registration with the Dental Board of Australia. But to specialise in cosmetic dentistry, you’ll have ideally completed further credentials, certifications and training. When searching for a dentist to trust with your veneers, keep your eyes peeled for postgraduate degrees or diplomas in cosmetic dentistry, or evidence of additional training in procedures related to dental veneers.

Review the Before-&-After Portfolio

Many dentists will put their money where their — or, rather, your — mouth is by showcasing their work in a portfolio of before-and-after pics. The more comparative snaps there are, the clearer idea you’ll have of how good a job they do. Compare each ‘before’ with each ‘after’ and notice the contrast in aesthetics, shape and colour. Would you be happy to wear a smile of this quality, and does it look as natural as you were hoping it would look?

Cast an Eye Over Online Reviews

Though subjective, online reviews are a great way to gain insight into how a dental clinic operates — sometimes literally. As a general rule, you should consider clinics boasting upwards of four stars only. While it’s almost inevitable that successful businesses will receive the odd negative review, if they’re receiving enough to skew their overall rating, that’s likely a reflection on the business itself. As you read reviews — be they on Google, Womo or similar — take note of patient feedback and see if you can identify patterns. What you want to see is positive feedback about the dentist’s skill, communication and customer service overall.

Seek Referrals & Recommendations

While tens or hundreds of online reviews can’t be wrong, it always pays to seek advice from people you trust. If you know a friend, family member or colleague who’s undergone successful cosmetic dentistry or veneer treatment, you should ask them for a recommendation. Of course, you can take the recommendation for what it is and weigh it up against your own research, but word of mouth from trusted sources — as opposed to a faceless sea — can certainly help inform your final decision.

Schedule a Consultation

Before undergoing a cosmetic dental procedure, you’ll want to attend a consultation. At this appointment, you can discuss your goals, concerns and expectations. If the dentist takes the time to understand your needs, explain the veneer procedure and provide honest recommendations, you’ll know you’re onto a winner. Overall, you’re looking for a professional who makes you feel at ease and provides full transparency.

Enquire About Technology & Materials

When it comes to technology, techniques and materials, you want your dentist to be either up with the latest trends or ahead of the curve. Ideally, your dentist will operate advanced technology, using the most up-to-the-minute techniques to deliver premium results. They’ll also use high-quality materials to turn over the most durable and aesthetically pleasing veneers imaginable.

Ask About Composite Resin (if Applicable)

While Dental on Clarendon offers both composite and porcelain veneers, please note that not all dentists will offer the former. Regarded as the ‘beginner’s choice’, composite veneers are lower-quality than their porcelain counterparts and won’t last as long. That said, composite veneers can be a great choice for when you’re first starting out and you’re unsure if you want to commit to wearing veneers for the rest of your life. If you want to get the ball rolling with composite resin, it’s important to enquire if the dentist in question offers composite veneers as well as porcelain ones.

Investigate Costs & Payment Plans

Dental treatments don’t have a fixed rate. Rather, the dentist assesses them on a case-by-case basis, determining them by factors such as complexity and materials used. At your consultation, ask the dentist for a ballpark estimate of how much your veneer treatment will set you back. You should enquire about payment plans, as well as which private health or dental insurance their clinic accepts. If they do accept your nominated fund — if applicable — you can then make a cost–benefit analysis about whether you can afford the treatment and if you would like to go ahead with this clinic.

Follow Up About Follow-Up Care

A good dentist will detail aftercare guidelines to follow following a procedure. Your consultation is your chance to ask the dentist’s stance on this. If the dentist details a recommended oral hygiene routine and has a set idea about how often you should schedule follow-up appointments, that’s the mark of a professional who’s internalised a best-practice approach to dental veneer maintenance. They should also provide some general advice about how to get the longest life out of your veneers.

Consider Dental on Clarendon for Your Veneers

A dentist Melbourne trusts, cosmetic dentistry is where Dental on Clarendon shines — almost as bright as the smiles we create! We’re an especially great choice for veneers as we offer both composite and porcelain veneers, covering all options for beginners and seasoned smilers alike. If you want a dentist with a cosmetic focus and a full suite of professional services, you’ve hit the jackpot! Book your consultation with Dental on Clarendon and let’s get the ball rolling on your new set of veneers. Pick up the phone and call us on (03) 9690 3285 or hit that Book An Appointment button on our website!