Before and after pictures are something that you might be used to seeing on internet ads for weight loss programs. However, before and after pictures can have legitimate medical reasons in other medical fields as well. In fact, before and after pictures are a common technique used in cosmetic surgery (and cosmetic dentistry). Patients might want to see before and after pictures from a local dentist’s portfolio before they commit to their own treatment or surgery.
There is likely more than one option for a cosmetic dentist in your area. This can make it difficult to find the best local cosmetic dentist for you. This is where before and after pictures are useful for both the cosmetic dentist and their prospective patients.
Cosmetic Dentistry: Before and After Pictures
How can you choose a great cosmetic dentist near you that will get the results you want to see? Before and after pictures have a lot to do with this!
For a professional cosmetic dentist, before and after pictures are a big part of their portfolio. Before and after photos are something that you can ask to see from the most reputable cosmetic dentists.
Before and after images can also have legal implications for cosmetic dentists and their patients. For an image to be seen as a legitimate before and after picture, consent is key. In fact, there have been many lawsuits where consent was not properly obtained.
What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Standard dentistry focuses on teeth cleaning, as well as the immediate repair of dental emergencies, certain dental surgeries, and sometimes procedures like root canals and extractions.
Cosmetic dentistry is a more specialized direction of dentistry that focuses on the restoration of teeth, rather than their immediate repair or extraction. If you need veneers and crowns or have cracked teeth or any type of reconstructive dental surgery a cosmetic dental specialist will offer the most help.
A cosmetic dentist offers dental care that will repair and sometimes restructure issues of the mouth, teeth, gum line, and jaw.
What’s the Point of Before & After Pictures?
Pictures serve as a practical example for dental surgeons to their patients. For a cosmetic dentist, allowing patients to view photos will show an excellent demonstration of their skills. In many ways, before and after photos are similar to a positive review for a dentist.
Before a patient books a procedure with a cosmetic dentist, before & after pictures can show patients exactly what the dentist is capable of doing.
Legitimate before/after pictures have their place, but unfortunately there are also many fake before and after pictures circulating around on the internet. An unfortunate fact, some before and after pictures you will see on the internet just aren’t real and show better results than reality.
Signs of Fake Before and After Pictures
Fake or edited before and after pictures might look close to the real thing, but they can never be quite as good as legitimate examples of a dental surgeon’s work. False before/after pictures are more likely to be low-resolution images, and everything from the patient’s skin tone to the angle will be too good to be true.
Some fake before and after pictures have even been taken from stock image websites instead of representing actual patients.
Legitimate before and after pictures are best sourced from surgeons themselves.
When in conversation with your local cosmetic dentist, ask for before and after images of your treatment or surgery. Most dentists are happy to comply. In fact, most cosmetic dentists will already have a library of previous patient images (obtained with their consent) to show you.
Can I Request Before/After Pictures?
Yes, not all cosmetic dentists will be able to provide before and after photos.
However, it is best to err on the side of caution with cosmetic dentists who cannot provide examples of their previous work. Similar to hiring an artist, you should think twice about anyone who doesn’t have a past portfolio to show you.
Cosmetic dentistry is about the final appearance and structural strength of the end results. Only the best dentists will be able to show you their prior work with confidence.
Check Your Waiver
Did a cosmetic dentist ask you for before and after pictures during a procedure? If so, check your surgical waiver or speak to your dentist about their intention for the images. Many doctors will use before/after images to document a patient’s progress. However, some will also use these images to show to future patients.
If you would not like before and after images to be seen, make sure to note this during the discussion.
Consent is necessary in order for a dentist to use private patient images. Know that consent can also be a fine-print point that’s worked into a surgical waiver. This is why we encourage patients to read all documentation carefully. As always, speak honestly with your dentist about any requirements or concerns you might have.
All Smiles Family Dentistry in Omaha, NE
At All Smiles Family Dentistry, we are proud to provide high-quality care to all our patients both young and old thanks to our compassionate and experienced dental team. We offer a clean and comfortable clinic to help you feel relaxed during your visit. Contact All Smiles Family Dentist.