When people consider having cosmetic dental treatment, they may initially be uncertain about which specific treatment they require and how to obtain the best results. There are steps that a potential patient can take to receive the most appropriate treatment for them and also the most cost effective. One of those steps is to know what questions to ask each dental clinic they are considering.
Are they local?
Although many people each year travel abroad for private dental treatment, it is common sense to want to use a local dentist in Stevenage so follow-up appointments are easy to keep. Patients that have found their dentist online will want to check that they are in fact within a reasonable distance of their home. Some treatments could require patients to be accompanied by someone who can take them home and this is much easier if the clinic is close to both the patient and the person that will accompany them after treatment.
What treatments do they offer?
A patient may have found what they believed to be the perfect dentist for them, but if they are looking for a treatment that the practice does not provide, then they have wasted their time. Some dental practices specialise in just a few treatments such as Invisalign, teeth whitening, or implants. Others include a wide range of treatments at their clinic allowing patients to receive multiple treatments, including treatments that they may not have been aware they needed.
Are the treatments available via the NHS?
In most cases cosmetic dentistry treatments are not available on the NHS. However, patients should ask a dentist to clarify which treatments are available as an NHS patient and which incur further charges.
How much does each treatment cost?
A reputable dentist will always be transparent about all costs. Patients should ask if they are being charged for an initial consultation or if it will be free before they attend an appointment. Patients may be able to find costs on the dentist’s website, but it is sensible to enquire at the time they make an appointment too.
How will the treatments assist their oral and dental health?
Many people mistakenly believe that cosmetic dentistry only has an impact on a person’s appearance, when in fact these treatments can help prevent dental issues. The correction of crooked or overlapping teeth leads to better cleaning as these types of problems can allow food to become stuck in gaps that are not easily reached when patients brush their teeth. Cosmetic dentistry can also help a person’s self-esteem and something as simple as a white filling instead of a more noticeable silver filling can boost a person’s confidence.
Being prepared
Before attending an appointment, a patient may find it helpful to make a list of questions that they want to ask the clinician. Writing the questions down makes it less likely that any questions will be missed or forgotten. A patient may also find that further questions arise during a consultation and they should not be afraid to ask any questions necessary until they are completely satisfied that this dentist is the one for them.