You’ve scheduled your cosmetic dental consultation. At first, you may think you can just show up and see what the dentist says and asks you. However, if you want to make the most of this appointment, you need to come prepared, and you should bring a list of your own questions.
Below are just three examples of thoughtful questions you should be ready to ask your dentist during this consultation.
What Is the Timeline for Treatment?
Do you have an event or deadline you need to finish treatment before? Whether you’re getting ready for a reunion or a wedding, you may want to be done by a certain date, and it’s important to communicate this with your dentist. While some cosmetic procedures can be completed in just one appointment, others require more time.
For example, cosmetic bonding usually takes one visit, but veneers involves several weeks and two separate appointments. You must consider this timeframe and discuss it with your dentist so that you can accomplish the results in time for your event or deadline.
How Much Will Treatment Cost?
Unless you have mountains of money like Scrooge MacDuck, you’re probably concerned about how much your procedure(s) will cost. Before the consultation, it’s impossible for your dentist to estimate the price because treatment will vary from patient to patient. Only after they have a clear idea of what is necessary can they answer this question, but you can come to your consultation prepared to ask it!
When you find out the cost, you can then follow that up with questions about financing, which divides the total into smaller monthly payments. This option can make the price of your cosmetic dental work easier to fit into your budget.
How Long Will the Results Last?
Before you commit to a particular treatment, knowing the lifespan of the results can help you have reasonable expectations. Teeth whitening removes up to 10 shades of discoloration, but you may see stains return in about two or three years. In contrast, veneers can last more than 15 years with proper care.
Understanding the expected timeline of your treatment can prepare you for what’s coming and open the conversation to ways to make your results last as long as possible.
When you leave your dentist’s office after your consultation, you want to feel confident about moving forward with cosmetic treatment. Coming prepared can help you use this visit productively and be ready to achieve your perfect smile!
About the Author
Dr. David Fisher has served the Greensboro community for more than 20 years. In the practice, he takes advantage of digital imaging and photos so that treatment plans can be meticulously customized to each patient’s needs and goals. He invites patients to come to consultations with questions and is currently offering a complimentary cosmetic consultation. If you would like to schedule this consultation, reach out to the practice online or call 336-288-1242.