Cosmetic dentists are in demand; according to a recent study by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the number of cosmetic dentistry procedures has experienced growth in excess of 200 percent, and dollars spent on cosmetic dentistry have doubled in the past five years. Houstonians have a wide choice of cosmetic dentists to choose from, and Dr. Ned Shimizu, a Japanese native, is at the top of that list.
Shimizu practiced for seven years in Japan before moving to the United States. He quickly garnered praise and became the sole recipient of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry's People's Choice Award in Houston. After graduating from Loma Linda University, Shimizu received his Accredited Member status from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) in 2011. This prestigious Accredited Member status is awarded to only 414 cosmetic dentists globally and allows them access to the latest, most innovative methods and techniques in the field of cosmetic dentistry.
Aside from dentistry, Shimizu has a passion for photography and regularly combines the two skillsets when working with patients. He understands the importance of function as well as creating an aesthetically pleasing smile. His ability to combine his passion for art and photography with technical expertise is an asset when working with his patients, "function is important, but you need to make it look nice too."
An artistic eye allows him to create and shape the tooth while using cutting-edge technology to make sure teeth remain intact and in a healthy condition. Shimizu works with a microscope that has 10-15 times the magnification of typical loupes used in cosmetic dentistry." This type of microscope allows for a better fit, and there are maybe three dentists other than endodontists in Houston that have this type of microscope."
Shimizu's philosophy focuses on touching as few teeth as possible in a minimally invasive way to ensure the patient has good teeth to work with down the line. "I want to minimize intervention and touch a smaller number of teeth, which is better so that there is still some tooth to work with in the future."
Although cosmetic dentists aren't seen as artists, Dr. Shimizu is the exception. His patients receive top-of-the-line, minimally invasive care with the eye of an artist and the technical expertise of someone at the pinnacle of their profession. "I'm doing what I like the best. I like cosmetic dentistry, and I like photography. "Besides exceptional ability, skill, local and global recognition, is there much else you could ask for from your cosmetic dentist?
