Once you have narrowed your search for a cosmetic dentist down to 2 or 3, it is a good idea to set up appointments with all three so as to determine, which one is best for you in all respects. Your cosmetic dentistry results will have a major impact on how you look so it is important that you do not choose a cosmetic dentist based on price alone. Instead, use your initial consultation as an opportunity for you and your chosen cosmetic dentist to establish realistic expectations of the outcome of the treatments and also to assess your comfort level with that particular dentist.
You have Chosen your Dentist; What Next?
The first few sessions with the cosmetic dentist will entail record gathering and extensive discussions aimed at evaluating the extent of the treatment that is required.
You may find the dentist spending an inordinate amount of time on record taking. This is critical as these records allow the dentist to design a precise cosmetic dental plan in accordance with your requirements. Some of the procedures involved in record gathering include:
- Intraoral photographs
- X-Rays of the mouth
- A complete intraoral examination including an inspection of all existing dental work
- Getting impressions of your upper and lower teeth. These will need to be used to make casts at a later stage
In addition to going through all of the above you will also have to spend time with the cosmetic dentist in an effort to determine what it is you are looking for and whether or not it is possible to achieve the expected results. This entails:
- Discussing tooth color - Is it possible to get your teeth whiter or are they permanently discolored?
- Checking out different tooth shapes and sizes- Is it possible to get what you are looking for?
- Looking through before and after photographs of cosmetic dentistry procedures
The dentist will also review your smile tooth by tooth using a computer monitor so you can have a better comprehension on what are the aspects you can change, what is involved in changing them and what are the things that you cannot do anything about.
Financing Options
Another equally important factor that needs to be discussed during your initial sessions is the question of finance. Even if you have a dental insurance policy, chances are you will find that it does not cover cosmetic dentistry, primarily because it is considered to be an elective procedure and not a necessary one. Inquire about financing options; some cosmetic dentists make it easier by offering in-house payments, failing which you may have to check out a few payment plans that are offered by dental loan providers.
Last but not Least
Make mental notes about the attitude of the staff and as well as the dentist who will be doing the cosmetic dentistry. Do you feel comfortable? Are your concerns addressed and your fears allayed? Only when you feel absolutely certain that you have made the right choice should you go ahead and agree to the procedure.