See actual smile makeovers crafted by Dr. Karen McNeill, a cosmetic dentist serving the Redmond, Seattle, and Bellevue areas.

If you rely on your long-time family dentist for cosmetic dentistry, think again. The fact is, many dentists are generalists who simply have not practiced cosmetic dentistry, or at least not regularly. Even after the dentist has completed advanced post-doctorate training, the experience of treating countless patients for cosmetic dentistry is immeasurable. Great cosmetic dentistry is an art form requiring years of experience. If you are considering cosmetic dentistry, you should ask exactly how many veneers has the dentist placed or how many full mouth reconstructions he/she performed? If this number is few and far between, you may want to reconsider.

FYI – Dr. Karen McNeill has extensive experience and has created countless beautiful, life-changing smiles.

While technical talent is necessary to produce a great clinical result, it is not sufficient. The artistry involved in creating a beautiful smile should never be underestimated. Truly, cosmetic dentistry is a balance of art and science. A perfect smile should be both natural-looking and aesthetically appealing. It is important that you entrust your smile to someone with a keen artistic eye in addition to technical skill. Each tooth should be treated as a micro-sculpture, carefully considering such factors as color, line, angles, shape, thickness, translucency, and occlusion. The dentist should then understand the importance of design and aesthetics of one’s face as a whole.

Each and every tooth relates to the patient’s facial characteristics to ensure each element of the overall design functions cohesively. As a result, each smile will be created characteristically unique and perfectly suited to the individual patient. Most importantly, the dentist should have the ability to understand the individual preferences of each and every patient to be able to interpret and perfectly create the dream smile the patient had envisioned for himself or herself.

FYI – As a true industry leader in cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Karen McNeill has pursued cosmetic dentistry with artistic integrity. She relishes in the “artistry” of creating a beautiful smile. Dr. McNeill coined the phrase “Smile Artistry” over 10 years ago, long before the term “Smile Artistry” became relevant to dentistry. Her focus has been and continues to be creating beautiful smiles with artistic integrity, transforming the lives of her patients forever.

Making the continual investment in the latest advanced technology requires a large commitment from any dentist. Dental technology is costly and requires further investment in training to operate. Unforeseen to most patients, having the latest advanced technology is important for optimum results. In general, the latest technology will allow for better accuracy and precision. Less invasive procedures aid in faster recovery times, which means less downtime for the patient. Ultimately, they create better results.

FYI – With the advent of computers and the digital age, dental instruments have changed radically in the last 20 years. Gone is the day of the surgical scalpel, replaced by the laser tissue removal instrument, which is far less invasive. Since inception, we continue to invest in the latest laser and digital equipment. This commitment has earned Dr. McNeill’s office a reputation from local media for having the latest technology and most progressive dental treatments.

Find a doctor that does not cut corners and has integrity for smile perfection. The formation of veneers and ceramic materials is done in the laboratory. Your dentist’s choice in first-rate materials and equipment is key. It is important that you recognize a sense of integrity and perfectionism from your cosmetic dentist because this mindset will carry through all aspects of your smile creation.

FYI – Dr. Karen McNeill has integrity that will never compromise any aspect of smile creation. She is meticulous and a perfectionist, only utilizing the finest materials and equipment throughout.

You will want to review “actual patient” work performed by the cosmetic dentist. Ask to see “before and after” photos. Beware that there are commercially available photos and albums that show the possibilities of cosmetic dentistry. You will want to confirm that you are looking at actual work performed by the dentist you are considering.

FYI – We have a large gallery of real patient photos so you can view and compare different smile designs. Also, these photos will help you to communicate and determine how you would like your own dream smile to look.

Behind every cosmetic dental practice is a lab that produces custom porcelain veneers, ceramic and composite restoration materials. The quality of veneers and other materials are only as good as the supplier. Materials must stand the test of time in strength and be stain-resistant. Equally important, they must appear perfectly natural in shape, color, and translucency. Your dentist should be working with a first-rate exclusive laboratory that caters only to elite cosmetic dentists.

FYI – We work with an exclusive lab that produces only the finest elite cosmetic veneers and other materials.

Do you know that various educational levels of post-doctorate cosmetic dentistry are currently not recognized by most states (including WA)? Clear distinctions between general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry have yet to be defined and regulated. This means any dentist can practice cosmetic dentistry. As frightening as this may sound, it is currently up to the patient to inquire about his/her dentist’s level of advanced cosmetic training and experience.

Here’s what you should know: First, attending a respected university with a top doctorate program is key to establishing a good foundation in General Dentistry. However, universities and colleges are not geared for advanced Cosmetic, Reconstructive and Neuromuscular Dentistry. Post-doctorate cosmetic training must be sought at one of the few advanced training facilities located around the country. This is a large commitment for most dentists, as it usually entails out-of-state travel on a regular basis over many years.

As we know it, advanced cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry training is a relatively new phenomenon. Over the last 20 years, schools for post-doctorate cosmetic education have either sprouted up or fragmented. This may account for many dentists having received advanced training from an array of sources. Since 1995, LVI Global has been steadfast in its growth and has emerged as having the most comprehensive program for post-doctorate dental education in the world. It has grown into a 62,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility located in Las Vegas, Nevada. Nowadays, dentists travel from out-of-state and worldwide to attend LVI Global. It is significant if your dentist has attended.

In addition, it is recommended that your dentist has completed all advanced courses at LVI (not just some) and is deemed a ‘LVI Global Graduate’ having earned full accreditation. A LVI Graduate shows that your dentist has made the most comprehensive commitment to the pursuit of advanced cosmetic and reconstructive dental training.

In addition to being a LVI Global Graduate, your dentist should be a member of the following support associations. These organizations provide seminars and additional testing for dentists to test their knowledge and ability soundly.

• LVI Global – Advanced Cosmetic & Reconstructive Dentistry (Graduate – Full Accreditation)
• The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry ( AACD )
• The American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry ( AAED )
• The American Society for Dental Aesthetics ( ASDA )

FYI – Dr. Karen McNeill received her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from The University of Washington. She ‘has completed all courses in post-doctorate advanced dentistry from LVI Global and is deemed an ‘LVI Global Graduate’. This includes all training in Advanced Cosmetic, Advanced Reconstructive and Neuromuscular Dentistry from LVI Global. In addition, she is a member of all of the organizations listed and a Sustaining Member of The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Functionality and health are foremost. Performing aesthetic reconstructions entails advanced knowledge and experience. Treating individual teeth is an artform by itself, but treating a smile is much more complex. Understanding how the bite functions and the facial muscles work in totality is crucial to your overall functionality and long-term health. This is known as Neuromuscular Dentistry (NMD).

If you are having any cosmetic dentistry performed, a cosmetic dentist trained in Neuromuscular Dentistry should be chosen. NMD should be combined with Advanced Reconstructive Dentistry and Advanced Aesthetic Dentistry. Your dentist should have completed advanced training in all three areas. This will ensure your dentist has the training and necessary knowledge of the complexities involved in cosmetic dentistry.

FYI – Dr. Karen McNeill is highly trained in all three areas of advanced dentistry (Advanced Aesthetic Dentistry, Neuromuscular Dentistry, and Advanced Reconstructive Dentistry). This combination of advanced training has provided her with the extensive knowledge and understanding to perform complex cosmetic dentistry.

At your consultation, you should expect to make a connection with the cosmetic dentist and staff. Cosmetic dentistry is a process. Trusting your intuition is key. You should feel comfortable and at ease with the staff and doctor. Why? Communication is vital in creating your ideal smile that is individually suited to you.

FYI – Dr. Karen McNeill understands the importance of great patient/doctor communication. She will want to get to know YOU to learn all your characteristic likes and dislikes. Dr. Karen McNeill thrives on open patient communication throughout the process while guiding you in making the appropriate aesthetic decisions. This is all part of the design process to help create your dream smile.

Quality cosmetic dentistry is surprisingly affordable for most and not just for the rich and famous. In addition, financing is now readily available at most cosmetic dental practices making it more accessible. However, on the flip side, it is important to understand that cutting corners in cosmetic dentistry may compromise your results, or worse. Your cosmetic dentist should have:

1. Advanced cosmetic training.
2. A vast wealth of hands-on experience in cosmetic dentistry.
3. An eye for artistry.
4. The highest grade of materials and equipment.

Each of these variables should be scrutinized when considering a cosmetic dentist. Be very skeptical if you are quoted less than the prevailing experienced cosmetic dentists in the area. Cosmetic dentistry is not something you want to compromise on.

FYI – Dr. Karen McNeill is highly trained in all three areas of advanced dentistry – Neuromuscular Dentistry, Advanced Reconstructive Dentistry, and Advanced Aesthetic Dentistry. Her experience is immeasurable, having created countless dream smiles. She is celebrated for her virtuosity in artistic smile design. Only the highest grade of materials and the latest state-of-the-art equipment are used. In sum, you may not be famous or a star, but you will certainly look and feel like one with your new dream smile.