The consultation begins by understanding your main concern and treatment goals, followed by an examination of the teeth, gums and existing restorations. Missing teeth, signs of wear, occlusion and functional factors such as clenching or grinding are also assessed. The consultant then determines whether additional diagnostic records are required before a definitive plan is established.

Depending on the case, records may include appropriate radiographs, clinical photographs, digital scans or impressions, and occlusal records. In complex or multi-tooth cases, these records help evaluate the mouth as an integrated functional system rather than considering each tooth in isolation.

Restorations must function within the patient’s actual bite and movement pattern. Grinding, heavy loading, loss of posterior support or an unfavourable distribution of forces may influence restoration design, thickness, material selection and the number of teeth involved, as well as the need for protective measures after treatment.

Bring any available previous radiographs, reports or treatment records, along with a list of medications and relevant medical conditions. It is also helpful to explain what you would like to improve or what concerns you about existing dental work. This information helps the consultant understand the clinical background and decide whether further investigations are required.

The decision is based on diagnosis rather than appearance alone. Remaining tooth structure, previous fillings or crowns, pulpal status, periodontal health, occlusion, missing teeth, available space and functional and aesthetic requirements all influence the plan. The most appropriate option may be more conservative than what a patient initially expects before examination.

No. The amount of preparation varies according to tooth position, enamel thickness, prominence or retrusion, colour, alignment and the proposed restoration. The objective is to preserve healthy tooth structure whenever the diagnosis allows, rather than applying the same preparation to every case.

Not necessarily. Each restoration is assessed for fit, recurrent decay, surrounding periodontal health, occlusion, form, shade and its relationship to adjacent teeth. Clinically acceptable restorations may be retained, while others may require modification or replacement within the overall plan.

No. Missing teeth may be restored with an implant, bridge or another prosthodontic option depending on the number of missing teeth, available bone, periodontal condition, adjacent teeth, occlusion and functional requirements. Implant treatment should be considered within a comprehensive restorative plan.

There is no single tooth shape or shade that is appropriate for every patient. Facial proportions, smile width, tooth display at rest and during smiling, gingival levels, existing tooth dimensions, the underlying tooth colour and the optical properties of the restorative material are considered alongside patient preferences. The goal is harmony with the individual rather than a repeated or artificial appearance.

In selected cases, digital design, a diagnostic wax-up, intraoral mock-up or provisional restorations may be used to assess tooth length, proportion, smile line and the relationship between the teeth and lips before the definitive stage. These tools support planning and communication, but they do not represent a literal guarantee of the final result.

No single material is ideal for every situation. Selection depends on tooth position, functional load, available space, required restoration thickness, underlying tooth colour, aesthetic requirements and the planned bonding or cementation approach. Material selection is therefore part of clinical planning rather than a separate cosmetic decision.

It may be considered when multiple teeth are affected by significant wear, extensive previous dentistry, multiple missing teeth or loss of occlusal stability. These cases are usually planned in phases and may require coordination with other dental disciplines depending on the diagnosis.

Duration depends on the number and complexity of treatment stages. Limited restorative cases may require relatively few appointments, while comprehensive rehabilitation, implants or multi-stage laboratory procedures require a longer sequence. Once the assessment and diagnostic records are complete, the expected sequence and timeline can be discussed more accurately.

Fees are established once the diagnosis and treatment scope are clear, including the number and type of restorations, appropriate materials, any additional procedures and the number of treatment stages. Two cases that appear similar in photographs may differ substantially in their clinical requirements.

A second consultant opinion can be particularly useful when a proposed plan involves many teeth, comprehensive rehabilitation, removal of multiple existing restorations, multiple implants or a significant change in occlusion. Its purpose is to review the diagnosis, treatment scope, alternatives and sequence before proceeding with extensive care.