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What To Expect At Your NYC Smile Design Consultation

November 13th, 2023 | 4 min read

By NYC Smile Design

Walking into a dental office for a consultation can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure what to expect. A dental consultation is your initial step towards achieving a healthy and radiant smile. At NYC Smile Design, Dr. Elisa Mello and Dr. Ramin Tabib have designed a comprehensive consultation process to cater to each patient’s unique dental needs. Let’s delve into what your consultation experience will be like at NYC Smile Design.

Why Is a Consultation Necessary?

The consultation serves as a pivotal point in your dental journey, offering the opportunity for both you and your doctor to assess your dental health and establish a relationship. Dr. Mello and Dr. Tabib emphasize that the consultation isn’t merely an introduction; it’s the foundation of a tailored treatment plan designed just for you.

Dental tools like teeth diagrams and cleaning supplies

Whether you’re seeking routine check-ups, cosmetic enhancements, or restorative procedures, our consultation process ensures you are fully informed. We discuss dental implants, porcelain restorations, and non-surgical orthodontics, among other treatments. At NYC Smile Design, our commitment to patient education and personalized care sets the stage for you to make well-informed decisions about your oral health. We believe that your smile is a reflection of your overall well-being, and our consultations are designed to help you achieve a beautiful and healthy one.

Charging for Consultations: The Rationale

Some patients question why NYC Smile Design charges for consultations when many other dental offices offer this service for free. The reason is twofold: firstly, a nominal fee encourages patients to show up, showing a degree of commitment. Secondly, the consultation isn’t just an informal chat; it’s a comprehensive evaluation that will also apply to any treatments you choose to undergo. The fee for this essential service is $350.

Your Arrival and Initial Interaction. Who are we?

Our Dentists’ philosophy revolves around the importance of a healthy mouth in achieving overall personal health. They not only foster a welcoming atmosphere at NYC Smile Design but also empower patients with information and access to the latest oral health tools.

Dr. Tabib and Dr. Mello, Dentists at NYC Smile Design

Dr. Ramin Tabib, an innovative dentist in New York City, is dedicated to delivering the best in oral health and aesthetics for his patients. With a background in biology from the State University of New York, Binghamton, and a DDS degree from Columbia University College of Dental Surgery, Dr. Tabib’s commitment to excellence shines through his extensive training. He has achieved Fellowship status in the International Congress of Oral Implantology and is well-versed in neuromuscular dentistry, cosmetic and restorative dentistry, and pain control. Beyond dentistry, he’s a motivator and adventurer, even serving as the resident DJ in the office, adding a unique touch to the patient experience through his love for music.

Dr. Elisa Mello is a respected dentist celebrated for her precision and compassionate patient care. Her commitment to creating beautiful smiles has earned her the moniker of the “dentist with a heart of gold.” With degrees from New York University and the New York University College of Dentistry, including recognition from the prestigious Omicron Kappa Upsilon, she focuses on TMJ/headache and neuromuscular dentistry, offering innovative solutions like porcelain restoration and non-surgical orthodontics. Dr. Mello’s dedication to patient satisfaction, problem-solving abilities, and diverse interests, including spending time with her children and exploring NYC architecture, reflect her boundless passion for excellence in dentistry and beyond.

Greeting and Paperwork

When you arrive at NYC Smile Design, the office manager will warmly welcome you. They will review the paperwork you’ve filled out prior to your visit and offer assistance if needed. The aim is to keep this process efficient; expect it to take around 10 minutes.

Signing Paperwork at the Dentist

Timeliness is Paramount

It’s worth noting that NYC Smile Design prides itself on punctuality. Both the doctors and staff respect your time and strive to minimize waiting periods. A slight delay of three to four minutes is the exception, not the norm.

A dental consultation at NYC Smile Design lasts for about an hour, and this extended timeframe is crucial to ensure that both our dental professionals and patients have ample time to engage in a comprehensive and informative discussion.

The Diagnostic Process: More Than Just a Chat

Once the paperwork is settled, a dental assistant will escort you for some diagnostic records, including photographs and a video of you speaking and smiling. In the realm of modern dentistry, especially for practices like NYC Smile Design which specializes in smile makeovers, visual and radiographic records are crucial.

The next step involves a 3D scan of your teeth, offering a detailed, multi-angle view that will be readily available for your consultation with the doctor. This data-rich approach provides an informed, thorough conversation about your dental needs.

Dr. Mello, NYC Smile Design Dentist, with a patient

The Consultation: Personalized and Detailed

When you sit down with Dr. Mello or Dr. Tabib, rest assured that their focus will be solely on you. The consultation aims to uncover the core issues affecting your dental health, often going deeper than the surface level.

The doctors acknowledge that discussing dental problems can be emotionally charged for many people. Sometimes, patients come with past experiences that have been less than satisfactory. The team at NYC Smile Design ensures an empathetic and undivided approach to your concerns.

When a Standard Consultation Isn’t Enough: Complex Cases

Not all dental issues are straightforward. Some problems require input from multiple dental disciplines. In such cases, additional diagnostic records like a cone beam 3D X-ray might be necessary to understand the bone structure, airways, and even the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Dentist Reviewing X-rays of teeth

Collaboration with Specialists

NYC Smile Design utilizes cutting-edge technology like digital bite scanning and integrates the input of other specialists through digital sharing. This collaborative approach ensures a comprehensive treatment plan, minimizing surprises down the line. We are also able to refer patients to specialists if we are unqualified or unable to proceed with a specific treatment.

Digital Smile Design: The Final Piece of the Puzzle

Digital Smile Design has been instrumental at NYC Smile Design. It allows for creating a treatment plan that serves as a definitive roadmap. The methodology minimizes uncertainty and helps calculate associated fees, leaving no room for unexpected complications.

Your consultation at NYC Smile Design is more than just a quick meet-and-greet; it’s a meticulous process designed to lay the groundwork for your unique dental needs and desires. Dr. Elisa Mello and Dr. Ramin Tabib, along with their experienced team, ensure that your consultation is comprehensive, enlightening, and tailored just for you. 

If you’re ready to take the next step in your dental health journey, reach out to Stephanie, the office manager, to schedule your consultation. She is your initial touchpoint and is more than capable of answering any questions you might have. You are welcome to call the office to find a time that works best for you.

NYC Smile Design Team

Following the Consultation

Once you have completed your consultation, we can provide you with guidance on the next steps in your dental care journey.

You have two convenient options to schedule your follow-up appointment. You can discuss it with our team in person right after your consultation, ensuring that any immediate concerns or inquiries are addressed. Alternatively, you can also give us a call at our practice. Our attentive staff will work with you to find an appointment slot that fits your schedule.

It’s important to note that while we strive to accommodate our patients as promptly as possible, our commitment to providing top-quality care may mean that there’s a wait time of up to two weeks for your follow-up appointment. This waiting period allows us to thoroughly prepare for your specific needs and ensures that we can provide the exceptional care that NYC Smile Design is known for.