Achieving your dream smile isn’t as difficult as it once was. Today, dentists offer consultations to guide their patients onto the right path early on, saving time, money, and frustration. Whether you’re considering veneers, whitening, bonding, or a complete smile makeover, coming prepared helps you get the most out of your visit. If you’re not sure how to take your first step into cosmetic dentistry, continue reading. You’ll find some expert tips on how to make sure you’re ready for the big day.
Know What You Want
Before you arrive, take some time to think about what you’d like to change about your smile. Do you want whiter teeth? Are you looking to fix a chipped or uneven grin? You should also bring photos of smiles you admire. Not only will this give you inspiration, but it can also help your dentist understand your vision so they can make recommendations.
Write Down Your Dental History
If you’ve been with the same practice for a while, they should have records you can go over. However, if you’re a new patient, it can be very beneficial to make a note of anything in your dental health background you can remember.
This could include past dental procedures, current medications you’re taking, and any history of gum disease or tooth sensitivity you’ve had. Your dentist can use this information to help plan treatments that are safe and effective for your unique needs.
Think of Questions Before You Go
A consultation isn’t just for your dentist to evaluate you—it’s also your chance to learn about them and the procedures you want. Thinking of questions before you go will cut down on time wasted on brainstorming. If you don’t know what to ask, try:
- What are the expected treatment timelines?
- How much do these procedures cost, and do you have financial assistance available?
- What’s the best way to keep my results longer?
- Are there any alternative procedures to the ones you described?
The more you ask, the more confident you’ll be in the plan you’ve made with your dentist moving forward.
Be Honest
Your dentist can only recommend the best options if they know all they can about your lifestyle. Be upfront about things like smoking, vaping, coffee drinking, or teeth grinding. All of these habits can affect your results and maintenance plan. The dental chair is a judgment-free zone, so don’t worry about it!
Once you’re prepared to go to your consultation, you can take your first steps on the road to a more beautiful smile with confidence. No matter what treatments you desire, being well-informed will make the entire process far less stressful. So, call your dentist today and take the plunge!
About the Practice
At Complete Dental Care of Covington, Dr. Navi Dhaliwal and Dr. Neveen Elabbasy are dedicated to making cosmetic dentistry accessible for every patient. From veneers to teeth whitening and beyond, we believe nothing can boost your confidence more than a healthy, beautiful smile. Ready for your consultation? Call (310) 424-3100 to schedule an appointment with our expert team or visit our website to see a full menu of our services.