I recently saw a new patient for a consultation on her smile. Throughout our conversation, she expressed her discontent with her smile which underwent 2 orthodontic treatments and several crowns for the upper anterior teeth. Some lower teeth were unnecessarily extracted for the previous orthodontic treatment. At time... There were tears in her eyes.

In fact, this is not the first time a patient came to me with tears in her eyes because of regrets, discontentment, and resentment for past treatments done to the smile. Why?

Cosmetic dentistry is often advertised by almost every dentist you can encounter. Many dentists do have the services offered listed something along the line of ..." General and Cosmetic Dentistry". As a patient, to avoid disappointing results, you may want to consider:

- The dentist's training and credential with reputable institutions such as the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry - www.aacd.com

- Ask to see the work in detailed and up-close photographic images

- Ask about what was done and how the result of the dentist's work was achieved

- Pursue multiple consultations with different dentists before you make a final decision on the treatments

- Be prepared to invest in adequate treatment time, because "a beautiful smile in two visits" is a marketing concept: Excellence, Precision, and Quality dental work require dedication to the art and science, and taking the time to help achieve the best possible outcome.

Don't be sold to a business-driven dental office. That is how you can prevent yourself from coming home with unexpected dentistry.

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Alex Nguyen, DDS is a Saratoga Dentist who practices General Dentistry, Cosmetic, and Implant Dentistry. For over 20 years the practice has been serving the residents of Santa Clara County and San Francisco Bay Area.