7 Questions to Ask Your Potential Cosmetic Dentist
Did you know that there are more than 200,000 dentists throughout the United States?
If you're moving to a new city or you're unhappy with your current dentist, then you might be wondering what you can do to find a new amazing dentist. Choosing a cosmetic dentist can be challenging since there are so many options out there to review.
Do you need help picking a cosmetic dentist who you can trust? Keep reading our guide so you can learn about seven of the most helpful questions you can ask each potential dentist you want to visit.
1. What Dental Wellness Services Do You Provide?
We all have our own unique goals when it comes to achieving our dream smiles. Many people are interested in several different cosmetic dental services to improve the appearance of their teeth. If this is the case for you, then it's worth asking each dentist about all of the services they offer so you can ensure that they'll meet all of your needs.
The last thing you'd want to do is choose a dentist and then realize that they can't provide a service you want in the future. That means that you'll have to go back to square one and start your search for a new cosmetic dentist again. If you have a family, then you may even want to look for someone who offers pediatric dentistry so you can bring your entire family to one clinic.
2. How Much Will My Dental Care Cost?
Were you aware that almost half of all Americans skip going to the dentist because the costs are too high? If you fall into this category, then you owe it to yourself to keep searching until you find an affordable dentist. Neglecting your oral health will have a terrible impact on the rest of your health as well.
If you have dental insurance, then you need to ask your prospective dentist if they accept your provider. If you don't have any dental coverage, then you should look for dentists who have independent dental plans that keep costs at a minimum. Lots of dental clinics even offer financing options that make expensive procedures more accessible since you won't need to pay everything upfront.
3. What Is Your Background in Cosmetic Dentistry?
One of the main reasons why people are afraid of going to the dentist is that they're not sure what's going to happen. You can alleviate any anxiety you may feel by taking the time to learn more about each dentist's background. By visiting their business website, you should be able to find interesting details like how long they've been working and what credentials they have.
When a dentist has been thriving in the industry for many years, you can bet that they have hundreds of happy patients who can vouch for them. It'll be much easier to relax in the dentist's chair when you know that you're in good hands.
4. What Is Your Dental Clinic's Availability for Appointments?
In a perfect world, you'd be able to visit your dentist every six months for a cleaning and make other appointments as needed when you want more work done. A common problem that people face is low availability when they're switching to a new cosmetic dentist. When things are tight, you might not even be able to book an appointment until a year later.
It's also worth inquiring about how many patients each dentist meets with each day. If their staff overbooks them on a regular basis, then your appointments will feel rushed. You deserve to feel like a priority, so don't continue to book appointments with dentists who make you wait forever in the waiting room and rush through your visit.
5. Do You Have Any References or Reviews I Can See?
It's easy for dentists to paint themselves in a flattering light, but you can form an unbiased opinion when you hear what their patients have to say about their experiences. This is why you should never schedule an appointment with a new cosmetic dentist before you read some reviews.
When dentists treat their patients well, the reviews will all be glowing. Dentists who aren't transparent about references and reviews might not like the reputation that their business has earned in the community.
6. Can I See Some Before and After Photos of Your Work?
Sometimes dentists can take multiple approaches to a certain procedure. It's always nice to see what you can expect from their handiwork. Skilled dentists will have tons of before and after photos that you can look at to gauge their talent.
If you like what you see, then you can be at peace knowing that your smile will look just as radiant once you've finished your treatment. Many cosmetic dentists have social media accounts where they post recent photos of their work as well.
7. What Do You Suggest for My Oral Care Treatment Plan?
Nobody can expect the average person to know which dental treatments would suit their needs the best. Excellent cosmetic dentists should be able to examine your mouth, listen to your smile goals, and come up with a personalized treatment plan to make you as satisfied as possible.
You can always schedule a consultation to hear what they have to say about their recommended plans. If you aren't sold on their ideas, then you can visit someone else and compare the results. Your dentist should be able to offer suggestions that are within your comfort zone and budget.
These Are the Top Questions to Ask Your Potential Cosmetic Dentist
Finding a new cosmetic dentist can seem intimidating when there are so many professionals out there. Now that you've read this advice, you shouldn't have any issues finding your ideal dentist.
Are you searching for a Bellefontaine dental clinic? We'd love to take care of you. Contact us to learn more about our services.