Making the decision to enhance your smile through cosmetic dentistry is an exciting first step toward increased confidence and improved oral aesthetics. However, the consultation phase is crucial for ensuring you receive the treatment that best aligns with your goals, expectations, and budget. At Newport Beach Dental Center, Dr. Laura Sharbash encourages patients to come prepared with questions that will help them make informed decisions about their smile transformation.
1. “Am I a Good Candidate for the Procedures I’m Considering?”
This foundational question helps establish whether your desired cosmetic treatments are appropriate for your specific dental situation. Various factors can influence candidacy, including:
Oral Health Foundation
Before pursuing cosmetic treatments, Dr. Sharbash will evaluate whether you have any underlying dental health issues that need addressing first. Conditions like gum disease, tooth decay, or structural problems may need to be resolved before cosmetic work begins.
Existing Dental Work
Previous dental work such as fillings, crowns, or bridges may impact which cosmetic procedures are viable options. Understanding how new treatments will interact with existing work is essential for achieving cohesive results.
Anatomical Considerations
The natural structure of your teeth, jawbone density, gum health, and bite alignment all play roles in determining which cosmetic procedures will provide optimal results for your unique situation.
Lifestyle Factors
Certain habits like smoking, grinding teeth, or participating in high-impact sports might influence which cosmetic treatments will be most durable and appropriate for your lifestyle.
By discussing your candidacy thoroughly, Dr. Sharbash can help develop a treatment plan that addresses both your cosmetic goals and your oral health needs—ensuring beautiful results that also support long-term dental wellness.
2. “What Treatment Options Would You Recommend for My Specific Goals?”
While you may come to your consultation with specific procedures in mind, it’s valuable to hear Dr. Sharbash’s professional recommendations based on her extensive experience. This question opens a dialogue about all available options, potentially introducing alternatives you hadn’t considered.
Discussing Multiple Approaches
For most cosmetic concerns, multiple treatment paths exist. For example, if you’re unhappy with discolored teeth, options might include:
- Professional in-office whitening for immediate results
- Custom take-home whitening trays for gradual improvement
- Dental bonding for isolated discoloration
- Porcelain veneers for permanent color correction plus shape enhancement
Conservative vs. Comprehensive Options
Dr. Sharbash practices with a “less is more” philosophy, aiming to preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible. She’ll likely present options ranging from minimally invasive to more comprehensive, explaining the benefits and considerations of each approach.
Treatment Combinations
Often, the ideal smile makeover involves combining multiple procedures. Dr. Sharbash can explain how different treatments might work together—perhaps clear aligners followed by whitening, or bonding along with gum contouring—to achieve your desired outcome.
Future-Focused Recommendations
A skilled cosmetic dentist looks beyond immediate aesthetic improvements to consider how treatments will age over time and interact with your changing oral health. Dr. Sharbash will include longevity and future maintenance in her recommendations.
This discussion ensures your treatment plan is customized specifically for your smile goals rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.
3. “What Results Can I Realistically Expect, and How Long Will They Last?”
Setting realistic expectations is perhaps the most important aspect of the consultation process. This question helps ensure your vision aligns with achievable outcomes and prepares you for the maintenance involved in preserving your results.
Visualizing Potential Results
At Newport Beach Dental Center, Dr. Sharbash may use several methods to help you visualize potential outcomes:
- Digital smile simulation technology
- Before-and-after photos of similar cases
- Diagnostic wax-ups for certain procedures
- Temporary mock-ups for treatments like veneers
Understanding Limitations
Every cosmetic procedure has inherent limitations based on your natural anatomy, existing dental work, and the properties of the materials used. Dr. Sharbash will explain these constraints honestly to prevent disappointment.
Longevity Factors
Different cosmetic treatments have varying lifespans:
- Professional whitening: 6 months to 2 years, depending on habits
- Composite bonding: 5-7 years before potential need for touch-ups
- Porcelain veneers: 10-15 years with proper care
- Dental implants: Potentially lifetime for the implant, 10-15 years for the crown
Maintenance Requirements
Understanding the ongoing care required to maintain your results is crucial. This may include:
- Special cleaning protocols for certain restorations
- Recommended products for maintenance
- Frequency of professional touch-ups
- Protective measures like night guards
By discussing these factors thoroughly, you’ll develop a clear understanding of not just the initial transformation but the long-term commitment involved in maintaining your new smile.
4. “What Is the Complete Investment, Including Any Future Maintenance?”
Cosmetic dentistry represents a significant investment in yourself, and understanding the full financial picture is essential for making confident decisions. This question helps you plan not just for initial costs but for long-term financial considerations.
Comprehensive Treatment Pricing
Dr. Sharbash will provide detailed information about:
- Fees for each procedure in your treatment plan
- Whether procedures can be phased to distribute costs
- What preparatory work might be needed (and associated costs)
- Laboratory fees for custom restorations
Insurance Considerations
While many cosmetic procedures aren’t covered by dental insurance, some may have partial coverage if they also provide functional benefits. The Newport Beach Dental Center team can help you explore:
- Which aspects of treatment might qualify for insurance coverage
- How to maximize any available benefits
- Documentation that might support insurance claims
Financing Options
Newport Beach Dental Center offers several ways to make your investment more manageable:
- Third-party financing options with favorable terms
- In-house payment plans
- Discount opportunities for combined treatments
- Flexible spending account (FSA) compatibility
Long-Term Cost Considerations
Understanding the complete investment means looking beyond initial treatment to consider:
- Expected lifespan of restorations
- Anticipated replacement costs
- Maintenance appointments and their frequency
- Specialized products needed for care
This comprehensive financial discussion ensures there are no surprises and helps you plan appropriately for both immediate and future expenses.
5. “What Is Your Experience With These Specific Procedures?”
Cosmetic dentistry combines technical skill with artistic judgment, making your dentist’s experience and expertise crucial factors in your results. This question helps you assess Dr. Sharbash’s qualifications for your specific treatment plan.
Educational Background and Credentials
Dr. Laura Sharbash has impressive credentials that support her expertise in cosmetic dentistry:
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
- Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD)—an achievement earned by only about 6% of general dentists through continuing education
- Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (D.ABDSM)
- Ongoing advanced training in cosmetic techniques
Case Experience
During your consultation, don’t hesitate to ask about:
- How many similar cases Dr. Sharbash has completed
- Before-and-after examples of comparable treatments
- Specific techniques she uses for the procedures you’re considering
- How she stays current with advances in cosmetic dentistry
Treatment Philosophy
Understanding Dr. Sharbash’s approach to cosmetic dentistry can provide insight into the care you’ll receive:
- Her commitment to biomimetic dentistry (preserving natural tooth structure)
- How she balances aesthetics with functionality
- Her collaboration with dental laboratories for custom restorations
- Her approach to patient education and involvement in the treatment process
This discussion helps establish trust and confidence in your provider’s ability to deliver the results you’re seeking.
Additional Questions Worth Asking
While the five questions above form an excellent foundation, consider adding these queries to your consultation:
About Treatment Logistics
- “How many appointments will my treatment require?”
- “What is the expected timeline from start to completion?”
- “Will I need temporary restorations during treatment?”
- “What should I expect during recovery from each procedure?”
About Results and Comfort
- “Will there be pain or sensitivity during or after the procedures?”
- “How will we ensure the color matching looks natural with my complexion?”
- “What happens if I’m not satisfied with some aspect of the results?”
- “How will these procedures affect my bite or speech?”
About Technology and Materials
- “What materials will be used for my restorations?”
- “What technology do you use to plan and execute treatment?”
- “How do you ensure precision in the final results?”
- “Are there newer techniques or materials I should consider?”
Preparing for Your Consultation at Newport Beach Dental Center
To make the most of your cosmetic consultation with Dr. Sharbash, consider these preparation tips:
- Gather visual references of smiles you admire (magazine photos, celebrity smiles, etc.)
- Make a list of specific concerns about your current smile
- Prioritize your goals in case treatment needs to be phased
- Review your dental insurance coverage if applicable
- Consider your timeline for completion, especially for special events
- Bring relevant dental records if you’re new to the practice
Talk to Dr. Sharbash Today
The consultation phase is the foundation of successful cosmetic dental treatment. By asking these five essential questions—and any others specific to your situation—you’ll establish clear communication with Dr. Sharbash and develop a comprehensive understanding of your treatment journey.
At Newport Beach Dental Center, we welcome these conversations and encourage patients to be active participants in their smile transformations. Dr. Sharbash is committed to providing honest, thorough answers that help you make confident decisions about your dental care.
Ready to start your smile transformation journey? Schedule your cosmetic consultation with Dr. Laura Sharbash by calling (949) 760-9212 or using our online contact form. We look forward to helping you achieve the beautiful, confident smile you deserve.
