Free Consultation at Local Dental Practice

A Free Consultation That Fell Flat

summarizeEditor's Summary

I recently took advantage of a free consultation at a local dental practice, but unfortunately, it didn't quite meet my expectations. I've been putting off regular dental visits lately, and I was hoping to get some expert advice on how to fix my bite issues. Unfortunately, the consultation felt rushed, and I didn't get the kind of personalized attention I was hoping for. The dentist seemed nice enough, but I left feeling like I didn't get the kind of insight I needed to move forward. I'm not sure if it's worth your time, but if you're looking for a second opinion, you might want to consider other options. The whole experience left me feeling a bit underwhelmed, to be honest.

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KararKötü

Kalite6/10

HizmetKalitesi4/10

DoktorUygunluğu5/10

Hello everyone!

I've been pretty regular about visiting the dentist, but lately, I've been slacking off. I used to be a big fan of whitening my teeth and getting regular cleanings, but lately, I've kind of fallen off the wagon. Everything seems fine, but my bite is really bugging me.

My first time getting braces was when I was 17. I was pretty responsible, but when it came to my bite, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I didn't know that you're supposed to wear a retainer after you get your braces off. But after I got my braces off, I wasn't really happy with the results, and it felt like I'd wasted my money, so I didn't see the point in trying to fix it.

I won't say I didn't make a fuss, but to this day, I still wear a retainer to keep things from getting worse. The reason I do is because, since I was a kid, my tongue hasn't been in the right position, and it's been pushing my teeth out of place!

And to make matters worse, the orthodontist I had messed things up even more than they were before! My orthodontist was young, and at first, I complained to her, then I went to the higher-ups at the clinic, and they formed a committee to investigate, admitted their mistake, but then they suggested I get braces again, but this time, they'd pay for the bottom set, but I'd have to get the top set myself.

I was 19 years old when I finished my orthodontic treatment, which took me less than two years. At that time, my wisdom teeth hadn't been extracted yet, and I still had all of them. Over the past two years, I've been extracting one upper tooth per year as needed, but to put new braces on now, I need to see a specialist who will put in a retainer first.

Without it, I'd be back to square one in two years, according to the specialist at this clinic called Gem - the tongue is the strongest muscle, and there's no way to fix it except by working with a specialist.

I get that, though - it's my problem, and I also have a misaligned jaw! And of course, that's an orthodontist's job and primary diagnosis - it costs 16,000 rubles. I'll use this assessment to find out if I have enough bone tissue to put in new braces, plus understand the correct jaw position and get a rough idea of the treatment plan.

The price tag was 350,000 rubles. Unfortunately, they didn't specify whether it's for both jaws or just one - it's a full treatment from scratch. They said I have beautiful teeth, but a very complex case, and treatment will take two years. The consultation took an hour, the clinic is modern and clean, but they didn't offer me a cup of tea or coffee while I waited, although it's clear they have something like that available.

I have to admit, my initial concerns were confirmed – I do need to get braces on both arches. But on the flip side, I finally found out I have a complex case. In terms of aesthetics, everything looks okay as is, but can you imagine living with this? I'm constantly unsure where to put my tongue when I talk, and I have no idea how to even close my jaw when I sleep. That's exactly why I went to the doctor in the first place, but I didn't get any answers.

I found the ad online and they offered me a 5,000 ruble discount on the braces or 5,000 rubles off the initial consultation. I checked the website and most doctors charge around 1,300 rubles for the initial consultation, with some even cheaper. But in reality, they didn't even take a look at my teeth or enamel – it was just a bunch of small talk. The orthodontist said she'd put braces three times before and that I needed to spend 1.5 hours on the road and an hour in consultation to learn this.

I already knew about the tongue issue from talking to another specialist – they wanted to put spacers on the inside of my teeth. I get why, but I'm not a fan of the idea of having something stuck in my mouth for three days. I decided to leave.

I was offered a pretty steep price for the initial consultation - around half a million to get my teeth zapped, which includes 350 for the braces, plus cleaning and treatment before the braces are put in. And let's not forget the specialist I'd have to see for at least six months, who would essentially be putting my teeth in a straightjacket. To be honest, the whole thing didn't sit well with me. When I first called to inquire, I was quoted 46,000 rubles for the braces alone.

Assuming the total cost for both jaws would be around 100,000 rubles, the maintenance and removal would add another 150,000 - that's just too expensive for me! And to make matters worse, there aren't many good specialists in our city to choose from.

The doctor who saw me was pretty young, and unfortunately, she's the same type who messed up my bite in the first place, so I didn't exactly feel confident in her abilities.

Due to the high prices, I wouldn't recommend this place, even though it might be helpful for those who aren't familiar with their situation. I already know what's going on with my teeth, so I didn't get much useful information out of it.

I started thinking back to some of the tips I read and my bite has gotten a bit better already

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What can I expect during a free consultation at this dental practice?

During the consultation, you can expect to meet with a dentist who'll assess your oral health and provide recommendations for any necessary treatment. They may also take X-rays or perform other diagnostic tests to get a better understanding of your dental needs.

How long does a typical consultation last?

The length of a consultation can vary depending on the complexity of your dental needs, but most consultations typically last around 15-30 minutes.

What if I have a lot of questions during the consultation?

Don't worry – the dentist is there to answer all your questions and provide personalized advice. If you have a lot of questions, feel free to ask, and they'll do their best to address them.

Can I schedule a follow-up appointment after the consultation?

Yes, if the dentist recommends further treatment, you can schedule a follow-up appointment to address any necessary issues.

What if I'm not satisfied with the consultation?

If you're not satisfied with the consultation, don't hesitate to speak up. The dentist wants to make sure you're happy with the service you receive, and they may be able to offer alternative solutions or recommendations.

Are there any additional costs associated with the consultation?

No, the consultation is free, but you may be charged for any necessary treatment or diagnostic tests.

Can I bring a friend or family member to the consultation?

Yes, you're welcome to bring a friend or family member to the consultation for support.

What if I have a dental emergency during the consultation?

If you have a dental emergency during the consultation, the dentist will do their best to address it immediately. If necessary, they may also refer you to a specialist for further treatment.