How to Choose a Cosmetic Dentist in Palm Beach County

Pat had porcelain veneers to create
her Palm Beach Smile!  Click here
to read Pat's testimonial.

A great smile is always in fashion.  But, some of us were not born with a smile we love.  And, for some of us, time has caught up with our smiles.

Some need a little.  Some need a lot.

What it takes to create the smile you've dreamed of can vary quite a bit.  For some, it may be as straightforward as whitening and some touch-up bonding.  Others may need more involved treatment such as porcelain veneers and crowns.  In any case, finding the right dentist is important.

What is a Cosmetic Dentist?

If you look around, it seems every dentist is a "cosmetic dentist."  It's not a recognized specialty like orthodontics or oral surgery.  So, any dentist can make the claim.

How do you go about finding the right dentist for cosmetic treatment?  There are a few ways you can research the best cosmetic dentist for you.  Most dentists today have websites.  Though most of the websites are nothing more than a boilerplate / template website with "insert dentist name here."  Those same sites usually have "stock" before & after photos, which are simply bought or licensed photos.  If you look at enough dental websites, you'll see the same photos over and over.  These websites do not reflect the actual abilities of the dentist.

The proof is in the photos.

This is a combination of porcelain veneers and crowns done
by Dr. Michael Barr.  Look for sharply-focused photos like
this one, so you can get a good idea of the dentist's results. 
Click here to see Toni's story and before and after photos.

The first thing you should look for are before & after photos of actual cases done by the dentist.  A cosmetic dentist worth his or her salt will have photos of their own cases.  And, they should indicate that they are actual cases in the website.  To see actual cases done by Dr. Michael Barr at his Boynton Beach dental practice, click here.

On the other hand, if you are in consultation at the dentist's office, they should be able to show you photos of their own cases right there.  Are they quality photos with sharp focus and good lighting (so you can really see the results)?

No photos?  No deal!

Education and experience.

Dr. Barr presenting at a national
conference in Las Vegas.

You can also ask the dentist about his or her training and continuing education.  Has the dentist taken cosmetic "hands-on" courses?  Has the dentist taught courses?  Published articles or cases?  Taking continuing education courses is important.  I'm not suggesting that teaching or publishing is a critical factor.  But, it does set a dentist apart as a leader among colleagues.

Look for testimonials on the dentist's website and online reviews.  Of course, we all know that online reviews can be a double-edged sword.  My advice is to consider the credibility of the reviews, both negative and positive.  What is the context of those reviews?  Also look at the major trends of the reviews rather than going by a single positive or negative review.  Click here to see Dr. Michael Barr's online reviews.

Successful communication.

One of Dr. Barr's most challenging cases - his dad!
Click here to see more amazing before and after photos.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, does the dentist listen to your concerns?  Do you feel you are communicating your goals effectively?  Is there a "connection?"  You should be on the same page regarding your goals and expectations.  Have your options been explained to you?  Did the dentist explain the pros and cons of each option?  What about possible complications?  Future maintenance and costs?

More about Michael Barr, DDS

Dr. Barr has immersed himself in continuing education throughout his career, with a focus on cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry.  He has published numerous articles and also taught various courses on cosmetic dentistry over the years.  Every photo on our website is a real Palm Beach Smiles patient.  Dr. Barr wrote every word, did all the treatment, and took the photos himself.  There is no store-bought content on our website.  It's all the real deal!  Visit our Boynton Beach Dentist website by clicking here.

If you have any questions, you can contact us at our Boynton Beach office by calling 561-736-2377 or Contact us by email at Palm Beach Smiles.