Presenting a positive face to the world has many benefits. However, those with stained, uneven, chipped, or even missing teeth fail to put their best face forward, and they're often so self-conscious about their appearance that they don't smile at all. This can lead others to believe that they are simply bad-natured, unfriendly, or unhappy. Fortunately, a there is a branch of dentistry dedicated to helping people obtain smiles that they're glad to show off. Cosmetic dentistry can range from in-office whitening procedures to implants that replace missing or damaged teeth. The following are three strategies designed to ensure that you get the most out of your experience with cosmetic dentistry.

Select Your Cosmetic Dentist Carefully

Because cosmetic dentistry isn't regulated like medical dentistry, degrees of expertise among cosmetic dentists can vary widely, so it's always best to play it safe when selecting a cosmetic dentist. Your primary dentist should be able to steer you in the direction of a reputable cosmetic surgeon. You should also ask friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, and acquaintances who have recently had cosmetic dentistry for honest evaluations of the dentist who performed the service. Always check credentials of a cosmetic dentist before you book an appointment, and, if you still aren't certain that a particular dentist is the one for you, ask for a consultation. This should be low cost or even free. During the consultation, you should strive to get a general feeling for the your level of comfort with this particular dentist and how experienced he or she is with the type of procedure that you're wanting to have done. You should also ask the dentist to show you a portfolio of their work, and pay particular attention to the before-and-after photos of people who have the same type of work done that you'll be having. 

Additionally, always ensure that the cosmetic dentist that you choose is a member of The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. 

Communicate Clearly With Your Cosmetic Dentist

Once you've decided on the cosmetic dentist who best suits your individual needs and desires, communicate clearly with that person about your expectations. Both you and your cosmetic dentist should have realistic expectations concerning the outcome of the procedure -- if he or she makes promises that don't ring true, it may be time to ask for another opinion. You should also provide your cosmetic dentist with photographs depicting your desired outcome. Your cosmetic dentist should also have a computer program that can provide mock-ups of what you will look like after the procedure has been performed. 

It is also extremely important to communicate clearly with your cosmetic dentist concerning your medical history and be forthcoming about any prescription and over-the-counter medications that you are currently taking as well as any nutritional supplements. Certain types of anesthesia, for instance, may react badly to certain types of medicine. Your cosmetic dentist will ask you to fill out a comprehensive medical history report prior to the procedure, so be sure to take the time to fill it out as thoroughly as possible. 

Follow The Directions Provided By Your Cosmetic Dentist

After you've gone through the initial consultation, decided on a dentist, and filled out the necessary paperwork, your cosmetic dentist will provide you with instructions for you to follow before and after your procedure to ensure optimal results. Instructions may range from foods and beverages to avoid after having your teeth professionally whitened and other aftercare tips to medications to avoid on the morning of the procedure. Take the time to read the list of instructions thoroughly and closely adhere to every component. 

To learn more about cosmetic dentistry, contact a dental office like BayView Dental Associates.