I think I want veneers and I am lining up the dentists that I want to see about them. I have 2 appointments scheduled with prosthodontists, but my roommate says that I should see a cosmetic dentist too. Which is the top dentist for porcelain veneers, a cosmetic dentist or a prosthodontist? By the way I am asking the same thing on a prosthodontist’s site to see how your answers differ. Thanks much! - Gwen
Gwen - The best dentist for your porcelain veneers is an artistic dentist—a dentist who not only knows and has the tools required to give you a beautiful smile, but also has an artistic approach to it.
A prosthodontist is trained in the restoration and replacement of teeth. Many prosthodontists have artistic inclination—but not all of them do. A cosmetic dentist has taken training to give you a smile that looks beautiful and natural, but not every cosmetic dentist is an artist.
With each dentist that you visit, ask to see before-and-after pictures of smile makeovers that he or she has completed from start to finish. Look for the color, shape, style, and size of the teeth. Do they look natural, personalized, and beautiful? Find out how much input you will have on the look of your new smile. The dentist’s willingness to listen to your preferences will give you an idea of whether or not you will get the smile you really want. Ask questions about how the steps each dentist will take to ensure that your veneers are not too thick or too white, and that get the smile you really want.
Before you schedule appointments look for credentials for both the prosthodontist and the cosmetic dentist. A cosmetic dentist who is accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry has successfully completed written and oral exams, submitted beautiful cosmetic cases, and participates in ongoing training to even further develop his or her skills.
This post is sponsored by a NJ top dentist (voted by NJ Monthly Magazine) and accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.