Cosmetic procedures are now high in demand. Studies determine that more are people looking to get aspects of their appearance cosmetically altered than ever before. In 2019, a survey of over 1,000 participants found that 76% of UK adults wanted to change their body or face. 40% stated they were seriously considering or thinking about booking some form of cosmetic treatment within the year.
One of the most popular industries experiencing this boom is cosmetic dentistry. The same study found that 43% of participants wanted to enhance the appearance of their teeth through either whitening, veneers, or subtle orthodontic treatments. Since the pandemic, this demand for cosmetic dental treatments has continued to rise.
If you – like thousands of others – are considering having cosmetic dental work done, it’s reassuring to know exactly what happens next. To help you make the most out of your initial consultation with your busy cosmetic dentist, we’ve put together this guide on what to expect.
The first step is to decide which kind of procedure you’re looking for. Cosmetic dentists offer a variety of cosmetic procedures, alongside their usual general dentistry services. There are so many treatments now available that it can seem daunting to choose.
We recommend exploring your options as you take the time to read up on each treatment. If you’re unsure where to begin, answers to the most frequently asked questions about cosmetic dentistry can be found via the Oral Health Foundation.
At Ringway Dental, Manchester’s leading private dental surgery based in Cheadle, we offer:
Our Smile Makeovers include the creation of a bespoke dental treatment plan. These plans are designed around you, with the ultimate goal set on helping you achieve the smile you want. Our expert dental team will guide you through the process, advising on the various treatments that will suit your goals. Smile Makeovers are a great option for those who want to transform their teeth with multiple cosmetic procedures.
There are a range of tooth whitening procedures that can be carried out at home or in the dental surgery. These include Boutique® at home whitening, Zoom® whitening treatments, and premium Enlighten® whitening treatments.
Invisalign, Hidden Braces, and Ceramic Braces offer more subtle alternatives to traditional braces. These treatments work to straighten out your teeth, helping you achieve a smile you’re confident in showing off.
Composite bonding helps with chipped teeth, discoloured areas, and cracked or uneven teeth.
Veneers are a popular cosmetic dental treatment. They can transform the shape of your teeth, fixing misaligned smiles and perfecting any chips or cracks. Your dentist and Smile Consultant will discuss which type of veneer is right for you.
Anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, and lip fillers.
At your consultation, your Smile Consultant or dentist will discuss what you’re looking for from your treatment or Smile Makeover. Once they’ve examined your teeth, your cosmetic dentist will be able to advise on which procedures would work best for you.
They will then take the time to sit with you, talking you through the ideal treatment plan and how it works. Once you’ve decided on the treatment(s) you’d like, you can then confirm the costs and timeframes involved.
Your initial consultation is your chance to ask any questions about the procedures you’re considering. Here are the most common things we’re asked about:
Seeing visual evidence of how well treatments have worked can really entice you to go ahead with treatment. If your cosmetic dentist doesn’t have before and after photos available, they might have something to hide. Look for reputable dentists that are proud of their work!
You might choose one treatment and then realise it’s not the best way to help achieve your goals. Ask your dentist if there’s anything they’d recommend instead. This comes in useful if you’re looking to stick to the most non-invasive treatment or keep costs down.
It’s reassuring to check the staff at your surgery are fully qualified to carry out the procedure. Many surgeries will have this information available on their website, so you can check before your consultation.
Cosmetic dental treatments can be costly – but that’s because of the level of expertise and value that goes into having your smile perfected. Many dentists will now offer finance options, so the cost can be spread over a few months or years.
It’s entirely normal to be worried about whether pain is involved within any dental procedure. Many cosmetic dental treatments are non-invasive, so most will experience some minor discomfort rather than pain. Numbing treatments can be given in more invasive procedures, though it’s likely your chosen treatment won’t hurt. Discuss any worries you have with your dentist.
If you have a specific timeframe in mind, tell your consultant our dentist about this. During your consultation, you should be advised on how long it will take for you to see the final results. You might need to attend a few appointments or follow ups, so plan ahead if this is the case with your treatment.
Don’t be shy about asking questions. That’s what your consultation is for.
READ MORE: Your FAQs about cosmetic dentistry
During this appointment, your cosmetic dentist is not the only one examining the situation – you should also be carefully considering whether this dentist is the right one for you. Here are the things you should consider:
Consider whether the dentist’s recommendations line up with your cosmetic goals. Are they being unrealistic? Are they stating they can meet your expectations within a surprisingly short time frame? Don’t feel pressured into getting a cosmetic treatment you don’t want.
We all, often subconsciously, gather first impressions on people and places within seconds. You should take a mental note of your dentist’s manner in dealing with patients. If they’re rude, unapproachable, or seem like they’re overly pushing procedures – they’re probably not the dentist for you.
Our Tip: As well as this, don’t just consider the way the dentist behaves. The attitudes of the receptionists, dental assistants, nurses and other staff you might come across during your consultation all have the ability to alter your entire experience in getting cosmetic dental work done. If their customer service isn’t on point from the minute you enter the door – or even before that, when you call the surgery to book your consultation – consider whether their service will still be lacking as you go through your treatment and aftercare.
One of the first things that might be on your mind when selecting the right cosmetic dentist is your budget. Some types of cosmetic dental treatments are more expensive than others. You can discuss the most appropriate – yet affordable – procedure that will help you achieve the results you’re looking for at your initial consultation. See if your dentist offers interest free finance options to help you pay.
Looking up customer reviews is one of the most reliable ways to seek more information surrounding your chosen dentist. The one-off negative review might not necessarily be the same experience everyone else has with that dentist. However – be wary of how these comments are dealt with or replied to by the dental surgery.
At Ringway Dental, we maintain our unwavering commitment to providing quality patient service and transformative dental care – no matter which procedure you opt for. Through our expertise in cosmetic dentistry, our surgery has been reinvigorating patients’ smiles for over 70 years.
Don’t wait to book your free initial appointment with our Smile Consultant, as they are currently high in demand. You can make your online booking with no fuss. We look forward to transforming your smile!