Watch Out for “Cosmetic Dentists” Who Aren’t a Member of This Organization
A cosmetic dentist is defined as a dentist who provides cosmetic dentistry, which refers to services that improve your smile’s aesthetics (how it looks).
But here’s a scary fact:
Any dentist can call themselves a “cosmetic dentist” or worse, “the best cosmetic dentist.”
That’s right, someone fresh out of dental school can advertise themselves as these.
Isn’t this deceitful?
Technically, no. Morally, yes.
You see:
Cosmetic dentistry isn’t an official dental specialty, meaning a dentist doesn’t need board certification to be a cosmetic dentist.
But don’t worry:
We’re about to tell you the easiest way to determine if a dentist takes their cosmetic dentistry career seriously.
How to find a good cosmetic dentist
When searching for the “best cosmetic dentist near me,” look to see if the dentist is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD)… This text opens a new tab to the AACD website…!
The AACD is the largest international organization for cosmetic dentists and dental professionals. It heavily focuses on advancing excellence in the art and science of cosmetic dentistry.
Members of this organization are held to the highest standards.
In other words:
Being a member of the AACD is the closest resemblance to a dentist being board certified in cosmetic dentistry.
The AACD is known and respected worldwide, therefore:
Any dentist who truly wants to be a “cosmetic dentist” will be an AACD member.
Brownie points for us:
Our Gurnee dentist, Dr. Bradley Rule, is an active member of the AACD!
Why does this matter to you?
Let us ask you this, do you want:
- Your smile to look natural?
- Your result to last as long as possible?
- To avoid mistakes or unmet expectations?
- To have a smile that looks beautiful but is also durable, comfortable, and functional?
The answer is yes, of course!
And that’s why AACD membership comes into play.
Dentistry is continually evolving and improving. What was groundbreaking 15 years ago is probably outdated.
Today’s dentistry is quicker, longer-lasting, pain-free, natural-looking, and all-around better.
But a dentist doesn’t just magically come to know and offer all the latest treatments, technology, and techniques. They must continually seek out training and education opportunities, which is exactly what the AACD provides.
As the AACD website states:
“AACD members are recognized as professionals dedicated to constant improvement of their skills and knowledge and to making the life-changing benefits of cosmetic dentistry available to more people every year.”
So, when you want the best cosmetic dentistry, find a dentist who’s an active member of the AACD because then you’ll get beauty, function, and health.
Want proof?
Check out these before-and-after cosmetic dentistry results by AACD Member Dr. Rule.
Real patient stories
Meet Tom (pictured above).
Like many people his age, Tom had:
- Worn-down teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Tooth decay
- Old crowns of different sizes and materials
He wanted his teeth to look better and be healthier.
He chose Dr. Rule for a full mouth rehabilitation, which consisted of:
- Restoring 14 teeth in the upper arch and 8 teeth in the lower arch with crowns and veneers
- Restoring three dental implants with custom fabricated abutments and crowns
Now, Tom has a newfound pep in his step. He regained his youthful smile and confidence!
Meet another patient, Amanda (pictured above).
Amanda consumed several sodas and energy drinks per day. Naturally, this left her with some cavities.
She came to Dr. Rule because she wasn’t happy with her previous dentist’s work:
- Didn’t like the color of the filling
- Fillings felt rough
- Dental floss would shred between those teeth
To fix this, Dr. Rule:
- Removed the previous filling material
- Removed the tooth decay
- Filled her cavities with a tooth-colored composite filling
Now, her teeth look like she’s never had a cavity, and more importantly:
Amanda doesn’t hide her smile anymore. She loves her smile and isn’t afraid to show it off while laughing or taking pictures.
Want results like these?
Find an active AACD dentist for the best cosmetic dentistry!
Other things to consider:
- Does the dentist have a smile gallery to prove their skill?
- What payment options are available? Cosmetic dentistry isn’t usually covered by dental insurance
- Do the dental office’s hours of operation fit with your schedule?
- What are real patients saying in online reviews?… This text opens a new tab to our Google reviews…
Located near Gurnee, IL?
Book a consultation at Bradley Rule DDS!
- Call us: 847-662-7717
- Email us: info@ruledds.com
Our office is conveniently located in Gurnee, IL… opens in a new window to Google Maps…, and proudly serves surrounding communities, including Grayslake, Lindenhurst, Wadsworth, Libertyville, Lake Villa, Waukegan, Antioch, Vernon Hills, Winthrop Harbor, and Mundelein.