Dentists have recently been inundated with requests to make their patients' teeth whiter, straighter, more in line, and so on. As a society, we weren't always so conscious about our teeth, but we certainly are these days. With Hollywood stars and models there to inform us subconsciously on a daily basis that we probably aren't measuring up in the looks department, we have turned to cosmetic dentistry--among other things--to try and catch up. If you're among the many people who would like a brighter smile, here are some tips you can use to find the right dentist.

The first place to start is with your regular place of dental care. Ask them if they know any good cosmetic dentists and if they can give you a referral. They may even provide the services you need. If not, they could at least point you in the right direction and possibly give you some advice when it comes to the procedures you want done. The more information you can get from your primary care provider, the better. And if you can snag a referral, it could get you to the front of a busy appointment schedule with a good dental office.

Another place to look is the internet. There are several websites that provide ratings and reviews of dentists and doctors. These ratings can steer you in the right direction and tell you who other patients tend to prefer. Even if you don't get much help from the user reviews, you should be able to find some information online about the types of services being offered by dental offices in your area. If you have specifics in mind, you can narrow your search by using these procedures as a guideline.

Once you have a good cosmetic dentistry office in mind, don't be afraid to ask questions. You may want to ask whether or not the doctor is certified. You may want to see some before and after shots of work he has done in the past. Whatever comes to mind, don't be afraid to ask. If they want your business and are interested in treating their patients with kindness and dignity, they won't mind answering those questions that are pertinent to you making your decision.

Be wary of any cosmetic dentists who seem too eager to land you as a patient. You want the facts, not a piece of salesmanship. Sure, some of that will inevitably come into play, but you shouldn't feel pressured into getting anything done. Remember: you're having a medical procedure done, not buying a used car. Demand to be treated in kind.