5 Questions to Ask During Your Cosmetic Dental Consultation

Are you unhappy with the smile you see in the mirror? If so, then you may be considering undergoing cosmetic dentistry. With several kinds of treatments available, you can achieve the pearly whites you’ve always wanted! For your initial visit, you and your dentist will discuss your options and create a detailed plan to accomplish your desired results. Read on to learn five questions to ask during your cosmetic dental consultation to help you feel more confident before deciding on the treatment you want!

#1: What Can I Expect From My Results?

Since certain cosmetic solutions require irreversible changes to your smile, such as veneers, you must know exactly what to expect from your procedure. You’ll also want to describe the kind of changes you want for your teeth, that way your dentist understands your goals and can determine the best way to achieve your desired results. Ask if they can provide before-and-after photos of patients who underwent similar treatments so that you have clearer expectations of your dentist’s work.

#2: What Is the Timeframe of My Procedure?

Are you hoping to enhance your teeth as quickly as possible? Do you have an event that you want to prepare your smile for? Each cosmetic dental treatment has a unique process, some of which can be completed in as little as a single visit. You may want to consider the timeframe you’re working with when deciding on the best procedure for you.

#3: How Much Will My Procedure Cost?

Cosmetic dentistry isn’t typically covered by dental insurance, so you’ll want to know how much your treatment will cost before committing to any work. Your dentist may even offer alternative payment options to help make your procedure more convenient and budget-friendly in the long run. Be sure to voice your concerns about the price so that your dental team can see how they can help.

#4: How Long Will My Cosmetic Results Last?

If you’re going to improve your smile, you’ll want to know how long you should expect the results to last before needing touchups. Depending on the cosmetic dental work, you might be able to maintain your brand-new smile anywhere from 5 to 15+ years with proper care. Your dentist will be able to provide you with an estimate of long your results can last as well as best practices to help make the most of them.

#5: Will the Treatment Hurt?

Most cosmetic dental procedures won’t require any local anesthetic. However, your dentist will want you to remain as comfortable as possible throughout your procedure. Don’t hesitate to let them know of your concerns, and they may be able to offer treatments like sedation therapy to help you relax during your visit. They’ll also be sure to inform you of how to manage any mild discomfort or sensitivity you may experience after your treatment, that way you can fully enjoy your new smile.

These are only a few questions you should ask during your cosmetic dental consultation. Once you’re both on the same page about how you want to improve your teeth, you’ll be one step closer to having pearly whites you can be proud of!

About the Author

Dr. Christopher Duong earned his dental doctorate from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco. He has over ten years of experience and regularly seeks advanced training to refine his techniques and expertise. He offers a wide range of high-quality and comprehensive treatments, including dental bonding, veneers, and sedation therapy. If you’d like to schedule a consultation, visit his website or call 817-406-7239.