I’m in a group of friends who have much bigger budgets than I do. There are times that is uncomfortable. They want to take trips as a group that cost more than I really should be spending. They’ve all gone to this fantastic cosmetic dentist and have been encouraging me to go as well. The guy is the best cosmetic dentist in our area. I saved up and was finally ready to go. Truthfully, I was thrilled. They’ve all got some beautiful smiles and I felt like I’d finally have one too. When I went there, I had a good experience… at first. I loved his treatment plan. We’d do ten porcelain veneers on my top teeth after whitening the rest of my teeth. Unfortunately, the price was way more than I was anticipating. I asked about alternatives and he essentially said, if I don’t do his treatment plan, I don’t deserve to be there. I left humiliated. I don’t want my friends to know what happened, but still want to get an improved smile. Do you have any recommendations?

Patricia

Dear Patricia,

Being the best dentist requires more than just creating beautiful smiles. You have to treat your patients with respect. You have to give them options and work within their budget requirements.

My guess is, because he recommended ten porcelain veneers, you have a wide smile. However, you can save money by whitening your teeth and then doing six veneers. Yes, ten would be ideal, but you can still get a stunning smile with less. The teeth whitening will ensure the teeth match. Not everyone can do the ideal treatment.

I’ve known patients who’ve had just two veneers done and were perfectly thrilled with their teeth. There are always options. Always.

Finding a Cosmetic Dentist Who’ll Work with You

I’m going to suggest you look at other dentists. He likely won’t be the only dentist who gets beautiful results. Check out the smile galleries of some local cosmetic dentists in your area. Pick the top few whose work you’re thrilled with. Then, check out your top contenders on the review sites. You’ll want to make sure these dentists have a good chairside manner and work well with patients.

Some things to look for is a dentist who advises but listens to his patients; a dentist who listens to his patient’s desires and helps them achieve the smile goals they have without shaming them about their budget.

This blog is brought to you by East Cobb Dentist Dr. Cristi Cheek.