Did you know that oral health can play a significant role in overall well-being? Visiting the dentist regularly means you’ll be staying on top of your oral health to prevent such things as dental decay, gum disease, and plaque. It can also help you achieve a beautiful, pearly white smile. But with that said, it’s important to pick a dental clinic that you feel comfortable in, that listens to your concerns, and provides the kinds of services and treatments you need.
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect private dental clinic for your needs, here are a few tips to keep in mind as you wade through the options.
Location Matters – Pick a Convenient Clinic
The first tip is to factor in convenience. Because you don’t want to travel too far to reach the private dental clinic, start with the clinics that are nearby. If it’s easy and quick to get to, you’re more likely to make the routine appointments that are recommended. Besides the office location, make sure the hours work with your schedule and lifestyle.
Check Out Online Reviews and Recommendations
The next step is to check out online reviews and recommendations of private dental clinics. Watch for red flags that consistently appear in reviews and factor in your expectations and needs. Because online reviews may not be as thorough as needed, you can always ask family and friends if they can recommend a private dental clinic.
What are the Main Services and Treatments You Need/Want?
Now it’s time to think about what kind of services you need from a private dental clinic. Besides the routine exam, there can be such things as bonding, veneers, fillings, professional whitening treatments, crowns, root canals and more needed.
The New Patient Exam Can Be a Great Opportunity to Ask Questions
The private dental clinic may have a new patient exam that you need to book, which is a great opportunity for you. This is a chance to meet the staff, get a feel for the clinic, ask any questions you may have, and get some feedback on what’s recommended for your oral health. During this appointment, expect the dentist to ask for a complete healthy history so that they are aware of your health and overall needs.
Generally speaking, this appointment will also include x-rays, an in-depth exam, and a diagnosis. For those who are nervous about visiting the dentist and are afraid of the pain associated with dental treatments, rest assured that the initial dental exam is simply to take a look at your teeth, so there are no potentially painful treatments included.
Ask About the Dentist’s Experience
During your initial exam, this is also a great time to ask about the dentist’s experience. How long have they been working in their career? Are they registered with the General Dental Council? Remember, you need to feel comfortable with the dentist you pick and trust that they are experienced, well-trained and knowledgeable.
Do They Offer Orthodontic Consultations?
For those who are dealing with misalignment of the teeth, you may be searching for a dentist who can straighten up your smile and have you flashing a Hollywood-worthy grin. Looking for a private dental clinic that offers orthodontic consultations will prove wise, as they can speak to you about such treatments as Invisalign, clear ceramic fixed braces, clear removable aligners, metal fixed braces and more.
They can help you pick the best option for your specific needs and budget, discussing what kind of outcome you can expect from the treatment and the timeline to achieve results.
How About Teeth Whitening?
While it’s important to visit the dentist to keep your oral health in check, another popular treatment that patients seek is professional teeth whitening. The at-home kits purchased in a shop can be helpful, but typically the results won’t be very dramatic. To get more noticeable and faster results, it’s best to visit the dentist.
Some of the teeth whitening treatments the clinic may offer include Zoom! Whitening, a professional-grade at-home whitening kit, and even switching from silver to white fillings to complete the look.
Each of these options provides different results, so it’s best to discuss your expectations with the dentist so they can make the best recommendation.
Keep in mind that whitening treatments provide temporary results. To extend the life of the results you’ll want to steer clear of foods and drinks that are known to stain teeth. You also need to brush and floss regularly, and book whitening treatments at the recommended intervals.
What About Costs and Payment?
Because it is a private dental clinic, there are costs associated with each visit. You’ll want to ask about pricing beforehand and enquire if they have a payment plan or various payment options. Some clinics may even offer a membership plan which can be more affordable in the long run, depending on your needs. If the clinic has a website, you can always check if they have a price list you can refer to. This can at least give you a rough idea of what to expect.
Keep in mind that prices can vary from clinic to clinic, and it’s not always a great idea to go for the cheapest option. They may cut corners in important areas.
Do They Prioritise Preventative Care?
While you may only go to the dentist when you have a problem, ideally your chosen dentist will prioritise preventative care. They should be encouraging you, and providing you with the information needed to keep your teeth in good health so that you don’t need them for emergencies. Preventative care can keep your teeth healthy enough that you never need something such as a filling or root canal.
It’s Worth Taking the Extra Time to Research the Options
This may seem like a lot of steps and things to be mindful of, but choosing the right private dental clinic shouldn’t be something you feel rushed into doing. You want to feel comfortable and relaxed at the clinic and trust in the dentist you pick. All of these tips will help you do just that, allowing you to make an informed decision.
