There is no obligation to begin treatment after your complimentary smile consultation at Illawarra Dentists. The appointment is designed to give you clear, honest guidance using tools to assess your oral health and explore suitable treatment options.

Our team will explain any findings, answer your questions, and outline possible treatments if needed. You won’t be expected to make any decisions during the consultation. Instead, you’ll have time to consider your options and revisit treatment when the timing and plan feel right for you.

Your consultation at Illawarra Dentists is designed to be both thorough and time-efficient. Most appointments take around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the complexity of your needs and whether additional questions arise.

• Smile consultation: This personalised discussion typically takes 15 to 20 minutes. During this time, we’ll talk through your dental goals, review your concerns, and answer any initial questions about treatment options.
• Digital smile scan: The digital scan is a quick and comfortable process that takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes. It captures a 3D image of your teeth and bite, helping you have an idea of your current oral condition before any treatment begins.
• Dental X-rays: If clinically needed, X-rays usually take only a few minutes. These provide essential insight into areas beneath the surface, allowing for a more complete assessment of your oral health.

By the end of your visit, you’ll have a clear overview of your current dental health, along with an understanding of any recommended next steps—delivered in a supportive, no-pressure environment.

Yes, if any procedure is recommended after your smile consultation, you’ll receive a personalised treatment plan. This will outline your available options and explain the purpose of each recommendation. It will also include estimated costs to help you understand what’s involved before choosing to proceed. Your treatment plan will be based on your goals, clinical findings, and the results of your scan and X-rays.

If cosmetic treatment is suitable for you, your plan may include one or more of the following options:

1. Teeth Whitening: This treatment is commonly used to reduce surface stains and improve the appearance of natural tooth colour. It may be recommended for people looking to address discolouration caused by food, drinks, or ageing.
2. Dental Veneers: Veneers are thin porcelain or composite shells that are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth. They can improve the shape, colour, size, or alignment of your teeth, offering a natural-looking cosmetic option.
3. Clear Aligners: Clear aligners use a series of custom trays to gradually straighten teeth over time. They are nearly invisible, removable, and often chosen as an alternative to traditional metal braces.
4. Dental Bonding: This treatment involves applying a tooth-coloured resin to address small chips, gaps, or discolouration. Bonding is a conservative, cost-effective option for minor cosmetic improvements.
5. Smile Makeover: A smile makeover is a customised plan that combines two or more cosmetic treatments to enhance your smile's appearance. It may include veneers, whitening, or orthodontic treatment, depending on your needs.
6. Gum Contouring: This procedure reshapes uneven or excessive gum tissue to enhance the appearance of your gumline. It may improve the balance between teeth and gums, contributing to a more symmetrical smile.
7. Tooth-Coloured Fillings or Restorations: Modern dental materials allow fillings and restorations to blend naturally with your teeth. These may be recommended to replace older metal fillings or manage areas affected by decay or wear while maintaining a natural appearance.

Replacement of Old Metal Fillings or Crowns: If you have visible metal restorations, these can be replaced with ceramic or composite options that better match your natural tooth colour to improve the appearance of your smile.

Understanding potential costs upfront is important, especially when planning your first dental visit. The New Patient Offer is designed to be accessible and transparent, but in some situations, out-of-pocket expenses may apply. Here’s what to consider before your appointment:

• Patients with a health fund that includes dental cover and remaining limits generally won’t have any out-of-pocket costs. We can process your claim at the clinic on the day of the appointment using your health fund card.
• If your health fund doesn’t contribute to the appointment, you can still access the full offer for a capped fee of $150. This gives you a clear, fixed cost without needing private cover.
• Any additional services that fall outside the offer, such as fillings, further imaging, or follow-up appointments, may involve additional charges. You’ll always receive a clear explanation and a personalised treatment plan before any extra care is provided.

Our team is here to help you feel fully informed about your options. If you have questions before your visit, feel free to contact us so we can walk you through what to expect.

Yes, you can bring previous dental records or treatment plans to your smile consultation. This information can help your dentist better understand your history, preferences, and any past treatments. It also allows for a more personalised and efficient discussion during your appointment. 

To make the most of your consultation, you can bring items such as the following:

• Recent dental X-rays: If you’ve had X-rays taken recently, bringing them may reduce the need for additional imaging during your consultation.
• Notes from previous consultations: If you’ve previously discussed cosmetic goals or treatment options with another dentist, these notes can help your dentist during the assessment.
• A list of questions: Preparing a list of things you’d like to ask or discuss can help you feel more organised during your visit. It also makes it easier to guide the conversation and cover what matters most to you.
• Photos or smile examples: If you have images of smiles you admire or treatment outcomes you’re interested in, you’re welcome to bring them to your consultation. These visuals can help your dentist better understand your preferences and treatment goals.
• Details of any dental appliances used: Bring information about any retainers, splints, or night guards you wear, as these may influence your treatment planning or cosmetic options.

   

Bringing relevant records or notes isn’t required, but it can make your consultation more efficient and focused on what matters most to you.

If veneers are not the right option for you, we will clearly explain why and guide you through alternative cosmetic treatments that may be more appropriate based on your oral health and goals. These alternatives depend on the outcome of your consultation and what you're hoping to achieve. Options may include teeth whitening, bonding, or orthodontic care, depending on your needs. Our team will focus on the options most relevant to your needs. We’ll help you understand how each one may apply to your situation and support you in deciding the next step.

Yes, the free smile consultation is available at all Illawarra Dentists locations. You can book this offer at any of our clinics in Shellharbour, Woonona, or Dapto.

Each location offers the same quality and professional dental care. You’re welcome to choose the clinic that’s most convenient for you. Our team will support you throughout the process and help make your visit as comfortable as possible.

There are several easy ways to book your complimentary smile consultation, depending on what feels most convenient and comfortable for you.

1. Book online at any time: You can visit our website and use the online booking form to select a location, date, and time that suits your schedule. This option is available 24/7, making it helpful for after-hours or weekend planning.
2. Call your preferred clinic directly: If you’d like to speak with someone, you can call the clinic that’s most convenient for you. Our friendly reception team will help find an appointment time and answer any initial questions.
3. Book in person during a visit: If you're nearby or already attending an appointment, you can book your smile consultation at the reception. Our team will assist you with the scheduling and provide any information you need.

Whichever method you choose, booking is simple, and our team will support you throughout the process.

The complimentary smile consultation is available for a limited time, but an exact end date has not been announced. This means the offer will continue for a while, but it could also change depending on appointment availability or clinic scheduling.

If you’re considering cosmetic dental treatment, it’s a good idea to book your consultation soon. You may also want to book early if you’re looking for more clarity about your options. Booking early gives you greater flexibility with appointment times. It also helps you access the full consultation, including the digital scan, X-rays, and professional guidance, before the offer ends or becomes fully booked.

Yes, the free smile consultation is available to both new and existing patients. Whether you're visiting for the first time or have seen our team before, you're welcome to book this consultation. It’s an opportunity to explore cosmetic options and receive personalised advice based on your needs. This offer is available across all Illawarra Dentists locations, making it easy for both new and returning patients to access.