The Most Important Criteria To Choose Your Dentist

Are you looking for a dentist? Whether you are dissatisfied with your current dentist, you’ve moved, or your insurance has changed, choosing a dentist can be a challenge. That is, unless you know what to look for. Here are the top criteria to consider when choosing a dentist. 

Experience 

One of the most important qualities of a dentist is experience. You want a dentist who knows what they are doing from years of experience working with actual patients. Education and training is important, but it doesn’t teach what a dentist can learn in the field. Find out how long the dentist has been practicing before scheduling an appointment. 

Location 

It is important to choose a dentist who is conveniently located for you. When all goes well, you will only need to go to the dentist every 6 months for routine cleanings and exams. However, if a dental emergency occurs, you will be glad your dentist is close by so you can receive fast treatment. 

Qualifications 

Check the dentist’s credentials to make sure they have completed the necessary education and certifications to provide the services they offer. You may think that an established dental practice would be fully licensed, but nothing is certain unless you take the time to look them up. Check the state dental board’s website for online verification for all of the dentists at the practice. 

Insurance 

Find out if the dental practice you are considering accepts your insurance or if they are in-network with your insurance. These two terms do not mean the same thing. A dental practice that is in-network with your insurance provider will have pre negotiated rates that will be lower for patients who are covered under certain insurance companies and plans. If a dental practice accepts your insurance, it means that it will receive whatever amount your insurance plan will pay them, and the rest of the cost will be up to you. 

Age of Patients

If you have children, consider a family dental practice that accepts patients of all ages and provides pediatric dentistry in addition to adult dentistry. This provides the convenience of taking the whole family to one location for dental care. It also allows you to set an example for your children as you receive dental care and show that it is a priority for you. 

Technology

Look for a dental practice that uses up to date technology. Advanced technology and equipment provides an advanced level of care and diagnostics that can improve your dental health and your experience. Minimally invasive procedures and techniques make dentistry more comfortable for patients and improve outcomes. 

Friendly Attitude

Do you want a dentist who knows you by name and greets you warmly at each visit? This is more difficult to find, but it is possible. Don’t settle for any dental practice that doesn’t treat you like family. After all, this is somewhere you will visit frequently for many years. 

Chang Dental Group Meets All of These Criteria and More 

If you’re looking for a new dentist in the Natick, Massachusetts area, Chang Dental Group provides comprehensive dental services for families. We are currently accepting new patients and would be happy to welcome you and your family to our practice. 

Call 508-653-0444 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Practice 

Why should I choose Chang Dental Group?

We are a family dental practice in every sense of the word. We know our patients and families by name and greet you with a smile and a warm greeting at each and every visit. Our qualifications, experience, and advanced technology allow us to provide the highest quality dental care. We offer a wide range of services to meet all of your dental needs in one convenient location. 

What do your patients say about you? 

Thanks to our many satisfied patients who have written glowing reviews about our practice, we are one of the top rated dentists in Massachusetts according to Google Reviews. Look us up and read what our patients are saying to help you decide if Chang Dental Group is the right dental home for you and your family.

Am I a Candidate for Smile Makeover?

You’re not alone if you’re unhappy with the appearance of your smile. According to a survey the American Association of Orthodontists commissioned, approximately one-third of American adults share your feelings.

You may not have to live with a smile you’re less-than-satisfied with. A cosmetic dentist could provide you with a smile makeover that dramatically improves your confidence.

The best way to learn whether you’re a candidate for a smile makeover is to consult with a cosmetic dentist. They can evaluate your teeth and determine what services and treatments you may need. However, while you wait to see a dentist to learn more about this topic, the following guide should help you better understand whether you may benefit from cosmetic dentistry services.

Signs You’re a Candidate for a Smile Makeover

It’s important to understand that “smile makeover” is merely a general term for the improvements a cosmetic dentist can make to your smile. The treatments that one patient’s smile makeover consists of may not be the same as another patient’s. 

Reasons you might be a candidate for a smile makeover include the following:

Stained Teeth

Teeth can become stained for a variety of reasons, from drinking tea to smoking. Although there is no shortage of whitening kits and toothpastes available over-the-counter, to achieve ideal results, you’re likely better off scheduling a professional teeth whitening treatment with a cosmetic dentist. They use tools and techniques that consumer products can’t match.

Cracked or Misshapen Teeth

Are any of your teeth cracked or otherwise damaged? If the damage is severe, a dentist may recommend extracting the tooth and replacing it with a dental implant. You may also be a good candidate for dental implant treatment if you’re already missing teeth and wish to restore your smile.

If the dentist doesn’t find the damage is severe enough to justify extractions, they may recommend veneers instead. A veneer is a porcelain shell that resembles the front of a natural, healthy tooth. A cosmetic dentist can bond a veneer to the front of a damaged tooth to conceal it.

A cosmetic dentist might also suggest veneers if any of your teeth are significantly misshapen. A veneer can make it appear as though all your teeth are the perfect shape and size.

Missing Teeth

Again, if you’re currently missing any teeth, a smile makeover can involve replacing them with dental implants. Or, you may replace missing teeth with a bridge. You might consider this option if you’re missing multiple teeth that would normally be adjacent to one another in the same row.

Asking a Dentist About a Smile Makeover

The difference between a basic cosmetic dentistry treatment and a smile makeover is simply the scale of the work. If someone is unhappy with the look of their smile for reasons that may require a combination of several treatments to address, they might be a candidate for a smile makeover. In some instances, a smile makeover even involves replacing most or all of a patient’s teeth.

A cosmetic dentist can determine whether you need a smile makeover by closely examining your teeth and assessing your general oral health. Remember, while you may not be happy with your smile now, by undergoing treatment, you could change this, enjoying years of confidence and attractiveness.

Learn More About Getting a Smile Makeover in Natick, Massachusetts

At Chang Dental Group, in Natick, MA, we’d be happy to answer any questions you may have about smile makeovers. Contact us online or call us at 508-653-0444 to request an appointment.