Esthetic (cosmetic) dentistry is specifically designed to enhance the appearance of the teeth and smile. Since "beauty is in the eye of the beholder", this type of dentistry is highly personalized, artistic, and creative. Esthetic dentistry varies from simple procedures which render results within an hour, to complex treatments which may take several appointments to complete. Particularly with regard to addressing complex issues such as crooked, misshaped, missing, or badly damaged teeth, Esthetic dentistry should only follow careful study, discussion, and goal-oriented planning. Esthetic dentistry should also never take precedence over dental health.

So how do you go about choosing the right dentist to address your esthetic needs? It may come as a surprise to you that most dentists receive no formal training in cosmetic dentistry during dental school and that cosmetic dentistry is not a formally recognized specialty in dentistry. Thus, success in finding a properly trained and experienced Esthetic dentist will require some research on your part. Since you will see changes made to your smile in the mirror every morning, we recommend selecting a dentist who can demonstrate a proven track record in Esthetic Dentistry.

Any competent dentist with substantial experience with esthetic dental procedures will be more than willing to talk about their training, experience, and show you numerous photographs of specific cases they have done which are very similar to yours. If you are talking to a dentist who is showing you cosmetic examples out of a purchased book and who has no examples of their own work to show you, then you may be talking to someone with limited experience in this area.

To assist you in your search, here are 13 questions to consider when selecting an Esthetic Dentist:

1. What type of post graduate training has the dentist had in esthetic/cosmetic dentistry?
2. If you had an examination, did the dentist take the time to photograph your smile and take moulds of your teeth so he/ she could study them carefully before making any recommendations?
3. Did the dentist take the time to explain to you all of the details of your case, all of your options, and important issues such as longevity, durability, risks, or potential complications?
4. Did they show you examples of cases just like yours which they have personally treated? If yes, did you like the way they looked? Did it look natural or artificial?
5. Will the dentist allow you to talk to patients they have treated and who have had similar procedures done?
6. Is the dentist affiliated with any professional cosmetic dental organizations such as the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry or the Academy of Esthetic Dentistry?
7. Upon visiting the office, did it appear to be up to date? Was it clean? Was the staff willing to show you around their office without hesitation?
8. Was the office staff knowledgeable about cosmetic dentistry when you called on the phone or spoke to them in person about it?
9. Is the dentist willing stand behind their work if something unplanned occurs after treatment?
10. What do other dentists (particularly specialists in town) think about the quality of their cosmetic work?
11. Where is - and what is - the quality of their dental laboratory? (The place the esthetic dentistry is actually made) On site? Out of town? Out of state? Mexico?
12. Has the dentist had any complaints made against them by patients to the Virginia Board of Dentistry?
13. Will the dentist allow you to come in and interview them and allow you to learn the answers to the above questions?

To see some examples of Dr. Henny's esthetic dentistry, see our Cosmetic Miracles.