Your Smile Design Consultation: What to Expect in New Haven, CT

Booking a cosmetic consultation can feel like a big step, especially if you've spent years hiding your smile or worrying that someone will judge your teeth. You might wonder whether you'll be pushed into treatment or surprised by a price you weren't ready for. A smile design consultation is a relaxed, unhurried conversation about what you'd like to change and what's possible for your smile. We'll walk you through what happens during your visit, who you'll meet and what you'll take home, so you can walk into our New Haven dental office feeling ready.

Starting with a real conversation

Your consultation begins with talking, before anyone looks in your mouth. We ask what's been bothering you about your smile, how long you've felt that way, and what you'd love to feel when you smile in a photo or across a dinner table. We listen without judgment, and there's no wrong answer and no concern too small.

From there, we look at your teeth, gums and bite along with your goals, because a lasting smile starts with a healthy foundation. If your gums need attention first, we'll tell you and include that care in your plan, since the ADA notes that gum health affects your whole mouth. There's a mirror in every room, so you can see what we're describing as we go.

Meeting the team who plans your smile

We call the consultation co-discovery, because we map out what's possible together. You'll have one-on-one time with the people who will care for you through your whole smile design:

• Sheri, our head cosmetic assistant , who has more than 30 years of experience and helps you talk through what you'd like to change.
• Karen, our patient treatment coordinator , who has spent more than 30 years in dentistry and handles financial plans and benefits with you.
• Dr. Lerch , who is one of the first women to be Accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and designs your plan around your face and goals.

Many patients tell us the office feels more like walking into a home than a dental practice, with color, art and a painting in the waiting room that says "Smile! You Deserve It." You'll see the same familiar faces each time you visit. You can meet our team before you come in.

Leaving with a clear plan and pricing

Whenever possible, you go home from your consultation with a concrete plan and clear pricing, so you can think it over without any surprises later. There's no pressure to decide that day, and we offer an unrushed, personal consultation instead of discounts or gimmicks.

Cosmetic dentistry isn't covered by dental insurance and is fee-for-service. Karen can walk you through third-party financing options, including CareCredit and Alphaeon, and our finances and insurance page explains more. If you're not sure whether your care is cosmetic or general, call us and we'll help you figure it out. The ADA's list of ways to improve your smile is a nice place to start if you'd like to read about treatments before your visit.

Getting ready for your first visit

A little preparation helps you get the most from your time with us. Before your consultation, it can help to:

1. Jot down what bothers you about your smile and any questions you have.
2. Bring a list of the medications you take and any dental records you have handy.
3. Think about any events or photos coming up that you'd like your smile ready for.

Our New Haven dental office sits in the downtown arts and historic district, two blocks from the Green, with free patient parking behind the building. You can find more first-visit details on our new patients page.

Frequently asked questions

Will I feel pressured to start treatment at my consultation?

No. Your consultation is an unrushed, personal conversation about what's possible, and there's no pressure to decide that day. Whenever possible, you go home with a concrete plan and clear pricing, so you can take your time, ask more questions and move forward only when it feels right to you.

Who will I meet at my smile design consultation?

You'll have one-on-one time with Sheri, our head cosmetic assistant, Karen, our patient treatment coordinator, and Dr. Lerch. Together we map out your options in a process we call co-discovery, so you understand every choice and feel like a partner in your plan from the very first visit.

Will I know the cost before I agree to treatment?

Yes. Whenever possible, you leave your consultation with a concrete plan and clear pricing, so nothing surprises you later. Our treatment coordinator explains your options, including third-party financing through CareCredit and Alphaeon, and helps you find a payment path that fits your budget.

Where do I park for my visit?

We offer free patient parking behind our building at 375 Orange St. Our dental office is in the downtown arts and historic district, two blocks from the Green and across from the Educational Center for the Arts, so it's easy to find on your first visit.

Your smile deserves an unhurried conversation. To book your smile design consultation, call our New Haven, CT dental team at (203) 624-5256, visit us at 375 Orange St, New Haven, CT 06511, or send us a message on our contact page. We're looking forward to meeting you.

Published by Center for Esthetic Dentistry.