I’ve been seeing a few dentists in the area to get a consultation for a smile makeover. One of them told me they were the best because they use Da Vinci labs for all their work. He was the only dentist to tell me that. Are they the best lab to work with? Should I only look for dentists who use that lab?
Amanda
Dear Amanda,
You’ve brought up a very interesting point about cosmetic dentistry. What really is the most important when it comes to getting an excellent smile makeover? Is the lab or dentist more important?
Truthfully, they both matter but for different reasons. However, the dentist matters more. If you want the best smile makeover, you want to look for the best cosmetic dentist. A bonus to that is they’ll also use the best ceramists from the best labs.
Cosmetic dentistry isn’t a recognized specialty. They are simply general dentists. However, some general dentists invest more time and training in developing the knowledge and skills necessary for beautiful cosmetic work. Those studies have to be done post-doctorally because smile makeovers aren’t taught in dental school.
One way to judge their skill and artistry is by looking at their smile galleries. This is a collection of before and after pictures showing cosmetic work they’ve done. The results should blow you away with how great it is. If it doesn’t, try another dentist.
Labs and Cosmetic Dentists
While having a great ceramist is very important, it cannot make up for a bad dentist. Think of the dentist as a medical doctor and the ceramist as the pharmacist. While the pharmacist can fill the prescription, they cannot diagnose and prescribe treatment. They can fill the prescription correctly or incorrectly.
As far as DaVinci Labs is concerned, they are a large lab that has spent a lot of marketing money on branding themselves as a great lab for cosmetic work. However, they don’t just limit themselves to doing work for great cosmetic dentists, like some labs do. They’ll take any work.
That being said, they reserve their best ceramists for the better cosmetic dentists and use their run of the mill ceramist for everyone else.
Most of the best cosmetic dentists prefer to work with a smaller lab where they have a good working relationship with a master ceramist.
Choose a great cosmetic dentist for your porcelain veneers and they will make sure they use a great lab.
I hope this helps you in your decision.
This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Cosmetic Dentist Dr. William Becker.