Trips to the dentist: They make everybody nervous.

The smells, the sights, and the sounds. They can all leave you wanting to squirm in the dentist's chair.

But they don't have to. In the right hands, a trip to the dentist can be child's play that doesn't play havoc on your nerves and barely leaves a dent in your schedule.

You just have to know what questions to ask before you strap in for the ride, so if you're looking for a cosmetic dentist in Mount Laurel, NJ, look no further.

You've come to the right place - and we're here to tell you how to know.

Question #1: Will It Hurt?

This sounds like an obvious one - the fear of going to the dentist is a pretty common fear.

But it's a crucial question to ask your dentist, and for several reasons.

The most apparent is to allay your fears of toe-curling drills and nasty-looking implements. However, the more important reason to ask such an obvious question is to see how your dentist responds.

Are they kind and compassionate, or dismissive and abrupt? Or, more to the point, does their response put you at ease and make you feel as though you're in the hands of somebody who's going to give you a beautiful smile without making the whole ordeal a hellish affair?

Don't be afraid to ask the burning question at the tip of your tongue - even if it seems obvious. Dentists aren't monsters.

They're there to make sure you've got a full set of healthy teeth.

Question #2: How Much Will It Cost?

No cosmetic procedure is without cost.

And, a lot of the time, insurance providers aren't keen on coughing up the cash to pay for non-critical treatment. It's up to you to know your budget and how much you can squeeze your insurance for. Asking for a cost estimate upfront is a good way to go.

Now, the "money talk" isn't an easy conversation to have. It can feel awkward to ask how much your treatment will cost, but from the point of view of the dentist's staff, it's a completely normal part of the process.

They'll be more than happy to oblige, breaking down the costs associated with optional treatments and more. Each treatment comes with its own price tag; simple teeth whitening, for instance, will cost far less than implants or a set of veneers.

Try to get a comprehensive cost breakdown, and remember to ask about things like additional fees and consultation charges. Don't be shy - many cosmetic dentists offer financing options and payment plans to suit your needs.

Remember: How much you're willing to pay is up to you.

Question #3: How Long Will My Procedure Take?

Unless you're a member of the ultra-rich elite, you've got a schedule to manage.

Kids to pick up from school, work meetings to attend, and household chores to take care of. You need to plan your cosmetic dentistry trip around the rest of your life, so, plain as it may seem, knowing how long your procedure will take (and how many appointments you'll need) is vital information that helps you plan ahead.

Don't forget to ask about average waiting times at your local cosmetic dentist in Mount Laurel, NJ. And if you want to be on the safer side, add an hour or two to the amount of time you think your appointment will take.

Question #4: How Long Is My Recovery?

Dental procedures are often followed by a period of recovery.

Your body needs to heal.

And in that time, it's normal to feel a little under the weather. Tenderness and mild discomfort are natural. Yet you have a life to live, and you need to know how long you'll be out of action.

Sure, a minor touch-up should heal in a few days. Invasive treatments, on the other hand, can leave you bedridden for quite a while.

You should know in advance how long you'll need to recover. You can plan ahead that way.

Here's an extra tip (in case it slips your dentist's mind): When asking about recovery time, don't forget to ask about what foods, drinks, and activities you should avoid.

This will help ensure your recovery is a breeze and prevent you from landing in the dentist's chair again because you really ought not to have eaten that candy.

Question #5: Can I See Before and After Pictures?

A picture's worth a thousand words - and seeing is believing.

In the realm of cosmetic dentistry, sometimes a picture is exactly what you need to convince you to sign up. So, don't hesitate to ask your cosmetic dentist for a visual portfolio that demonstrates the before-and-after magic of their past endeavors.

These images aren't there to entice you. Instead, they serve as a testament to the skills and experience of your cosmetic dentist and as a preview of the results you can expect from your treatment.

A seasoned cosmetic dentist will gladly share such images with you (or ask their staff to do so). Crucially, it's a major red flag if they refuse such a request, which is exactly why you should be asking to see some pictures.

Don't just give the before-and-after images a once-over.

Instead, take the time to scrutinize the details. Look at the alignment and whiteness of the teeth. Look at the overall transformation. Ask yourself - and ask your gut feeling - whether the results you're seeing are the sort of thing you're looking for.

This step isn't just about a beautiful smile and healthy teeth.

It's about your vision of what you want to become.

Your Go-To Cosmetic Dentist in Mount Laurel, NJ

Still wondering how to get better teeth? The answer's right in front of you. All you have to do is take that first step and book your first appointment.



If you need a cosmetic dentist in Mount Laurel, NJ, you've come to the right place. At Mount Laurel Dental & Implant Center, we put our patients' experiences at the top of our priority list, so you never feel uncomfortable. Schedule your first consultation here.