Many dental patients make the mistake of settling on a dentist simply because the treatment is covered by the patient’s insurance company. But why leave something as important as your health and appearance to a large financial corporation? Would we allow our banks to choose our heart surgeon?

Insurers often do business with a particular dentist because that dentist agrees to take a discounted fee in return for the business flow generated by being part of the insurance network. Top cosmetic dentists generate traffic on their own. That’s why the best dental treatment, both family and cosmetic, may be found outside the insurance network.

Becoming one of the stars of this illustrious specialty is no easy task. Consider first that cosmetic dentists have all practiced for years under the ‘old’ family practice model, gaining enormous clinical experience from the variety of conditions they treat and maintain. Then consider that, after all this experience, these professionals choose to undertake more clinical and classroom study to learn even more about the dental issues they address everyday, in addition to learning state-of-the-art methods of improving smiles.  Advanced post-graduate training enhances their ability to perform cosmetic dentistry at the highest level. What should become clear is that the best cosmetic dentists have earned their independence from the insurance model because they work for their patients to deliver the care their patients need and want.

Many patients don’t bother to look outside of their networks because they believe that uncovered treatment is unaffordable. But in reality, the top cosmetic dentists don’t just serve the rich; they offer a variety of financing options and payment plans to those with more modest budgets so that healthy and beautiful smiles are within nearly any budget constraint.

To get the best care, many patients ought to consider thinking “outside of the network.” The results are sure to make them smile.