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Al Clark, Agent 2452 W Interstate 20 Arlington, TX 76017 Bus: 817-468-3033
Al Clark, Agent 2452 W Interstate 20 Arlington, TX 76017 Bus: 817-468-3033
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IF MOTHER NATURE DIDN’T BLESS YOU WILL A GREAT SMILE, TODAY’S COSMETIC DENTISTRY COULD GIVE YOU A SMILE YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED. Cosmetic dentists can reshape worn teeth, straighten crooked smiles, and replace teeth that are missing, which can have an enormous impact. Beyond improving your appearance, cosmetic dentistry can benefit you in numerous other ways. Smiling without embarrassment helps build your self-confidence, putting you at ease at work and in social situations. But first, you’ve got to find the right dentist for the job.
DAVID BUICE
“If you don’t have the smile you desire, you may benefit from dental implants, crowns, or porcelain veneers. Contact a cosmetic dentist who has years of experience and a gallery of before and after photos so you can see for yourself what a difference a smile can make.”
Dr. John Bauer MANSFIELD FAMILY DENTISTRY
Ask for referrals. If you have a relative or friend who’s had cosmetic dental work, ask how satisfied they are with the result. If you already go to or know a dentist who doesn’t perform cosmetic procedures, ask them for recommendations. Depending on your situation, they might also recommend other specialists before you undergo cosmetic treatment.
Look at online reviews and local publications. Patient reviews and testimonials can tell you a lot about dental procedure success and the overall office atmosphere. A simple search can yield a wealth of information from past patients on the cosmetic dentist you’re considering. Look at before and after photos and verify that the practice has the technology required to perform procedures you might be interested in. One excellent way to validate the credentials of a cosmetic dentist is to find out if they’re a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Members of the AACD receive extensive training beyond dental school on the latest advances and techniques in cosmetic dentistry. They’re also required to pass rigorous written and oral exams and take regular continuing education classes to keep abreast of the latest developments in cosmetic dentistry. You can also check the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners, which has licensee information available online.
Consider their location. This might seem trivial, but cosmetic procedures can sometimes require multiple offi ce visits, and you probably want a dentist who is reasonably close to your home or work. You may also consider in-office comforts such as various types of sedation, headphones, or less intrusive x-ray technology and 3D scanning.
Ask about payment options. Talk to your insurance company to see what sorts of services it covers and confi rm with the practice that they will accept the type of payment you’d prefer — or if they offer payment options that will make the cost of service reasonable for your budget. Schedule an initial consultation. When done correctly, cosmetic dentistry is safe, effective, and long-lasting. But done incorrectly, it can lead to long-term problems. During the consultation, explain your desired outcome and listen carefully to the proposed treatment options and the expected result. And don’t hesitate to ask questions about any lingering doubts you may have.
Finally, as you’re considering your options, remember that a beautiful smile can build your self-confidence and open doors you never knew existed — while it can sometimes come with an investment of time and money, the dividends can be worth it.
REMODELING YOUR HOUSE IS NOT ONLY AN INVESTMENT THAT CAN INCREASE YOUR HOME’S VALUE, BUT AN IMPROVEMENT IN ITS LIVABILITY AND FUNCTIONALITY. It can also enhance your quality of life. While it’s fun to dream about remodeling, it may also be intimidating. We’ve all heard about home remodeling projects gone wrong, but keep in mind that this represents a minority of home remodels. At the same time, this doesn’t mean you don’t need to do your homework before choosing a professional remodeler. Some diligence on your part will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience from start to finish.
“Of course, when hiring a contractor, you want to do all the right things like interview the contractor, check their references, look at pictures of their work, make sure they use licensed trades, and verify insurance. These things are all important but equally important is that you MUST like your contractor and TRUST your contractor. You are entering into a partnership and will work very closely with this person inside your home on a daily basis, so it is important that the chemistry and trust is there.”
Tiffany Young TIFFANY YOUNG & CREW
Begin by developing an idea of what you want to do with your remodel, including the scope and your available budget. Then prioritize your list of your needs and wants. As you compile a list of the reputable home remodelers in your area, ask real estate agents and others for referrals. Look at the remodeler’s longevity in the marketplace versus being wooed by offers such as a $7,000 kitchen makeover. Consider their reputation as well. A remodeler dedicated to maintaining the highest integrity and standards is a good way to ensure your project’s success.
Additionally, given the scope of your project — a new bathroom, an addition, a whole home renovation, an upgraded kitchen — look for contractors who focus on the kind of remodeling you want. For example, a remodeler that primarily offers quick, inexpensive kitchen and bathroom remodels may not have the depth and breadth required to adequately perform a whole home renovation.
Once you’ve narrowed your choices down to around three home remodelers, schedule an in-home consultation with each. During the consult, make note of whether the remodeler listens to you and appears willing to collaborate and offer insightful and creative ideas. You must feel that you can “work” with your chosen remodeler. Are they a good listener, upfront, honest, communicative, and knowledgeable? Were your questions answered to your satisfaction? Do you trust them to pay attention to the big picture as well as the little details?
Next, get an estimate from each home remodeler and compare quotes. Go through them in detail to make sure they are apples to apples. Then ask to see a few of their projects that were similar in scope and budget. Many remodelers have pictures available on their website and in portfolio books.
You may also be able to talk with homeowners about their experience with the remodeler. Ask if the project was completed on time, how change orders were handled, the quality of craftsmanship, and how the remodeler addressed issues because, in most cases, something unforeseen is bound to come up during a project.
When you have chosen a home remodeler, remember that any contract or legally binding document you intend to sign should first be reviewed by an attorney well-versed in construction law. Consider items such as a workmanship warranty, lien releases, and recourse if your project is not completed on time or does not pass inspections. Your peace of mind is worth it.