Step 1: Take a 3D scan or physical impression of your teeth
Before issuing a new set of retainers, your dentist will take a digital impression of your teeth.
The replacement removable retainers will be made based on these new scans.
How To Change Dentist: Factors To Consider, Steps and FAQs
2 July 2021
Categories:
Dental Care
There are various reasons why you might want to change dentists — you could be stuck in the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic or relocating due to a new job or school. You could even be dissatisfied with the results of your current dental treatment.
Regardless of the reason, switching dentists is simple and straightforward!
In this article, we’ll share with you the steps on how to change dentists and some tips for choosing a new one so you can get through this change without significant stress and hassle.
If you’re considering changing dentists, you just need to follow these 3 simple steps. The process is similar even if you’re in the midst of your Invisalign or braces treatment!
Step 1: Select a new dentist
Before choosing a dentist, you may have certain considerations such as their clinic location, experience and services available.
Once you’ve evaluated your options and decided on a suitable dentist, it’s time to get in touch with the clinic to ask if they’re accepting transfer patients.
Step 2: Request for your dental records and send them to the new dentist
After registering with the new clinic, contact your previous dentist to request a copy of your dental records and send them to your new dentist.
The records will include your dental care history, diagnostic records, scans and treatment plans.
Step 3: Attend your first appointment
Once your new dentist has received the documents and reviewed them, it’s time to schedule your first consultation!
The dentist may wish to carry out new scans and/or x-rays to determine if there are any changes to your dental condition since the last scan.
This will allow them to follow up on your current treatment plans (if any) and suggest new ones where necessary.
If you’re switching dentists after completing your orthodontic treatment, you may need to get replacement retainers from a new dentist at some point.
Step 2: Install or check the fit of your new retainers
Once your new removable retainers have arrived, you’ll be able to try them on to make sure that they fit and work well.
For permanent retainers, the dentist will
- repair them if they’re loose or
- attach new ones if they have dislodged completely.
Check their clinic locations
You may find yourself avoiding dental appointments if you have to go out of your way for them.
Therefore, choosing a clinic that’s convenient and located near your home or workplace will help to ensure that the appointments fit into your schedule easily.
Enquire about their experience and specialisation
Finding a dentist who’s experienced in treating your condition is important in establishing trust and a sense of security.
Additionally, different clinics may specialise in different dental services such as orthodontic treatment or children’s dentistry.
Thus, this is something to consider before making your decision.
Find out about the services available
You may require more than 1 type of dental treatment. For example, you may be advised to extract your wisdom tooth before starting any orthodontic treatment.
Hence, it’s crucial to find out about the services offered by the clinic as well as the facilities and equipment available.
Review their qualifications
If you’re seeking specialised treatment, you may want to review the clinic’s qualifications.
For example, if you’re considering Invisalign treatment, you should look out for an Invisalign Dedicated Clinic that’s received Blue or Black Diamond Provider awards.
Check patient reviews
Checking reviews from previous and current patients on Google and Facebook can be a good way to find out more about a dentist.
You can also ask your friends and family for their opinions if they’ve visited that particular dentist before!
Schedule a consultation
Finally, before you make a decision, it’ll be a good idea to book a consultation with the dentist. This will help you determine whether you’re comfortable and able to communicate openly with him/her.
A professional dentist will
- pay close attention to your needs and concerns,
- explain the treatment plan in detail and
- address any questions you may have.
Experienced team of dentists
As we have more than 30 years of experience in the dental care industry, our team of dentists have the relevant expertise needed to provide orthodontic treatment and treat various kinds of dental conditions.
Aided by digital dentistry
At i.Dental, we incorporate the use of digital dentistry into our services for a more convenient and comfortable experience.
The technology we use include dental monitoring, iTero scans and digital x-rays.
Convenient clinic locations
We have 4 clinics in 3 locations across Singapore in Ubi, Tanjong Pagar and Yishun.
All our clinics are situated within walking distance from the respective MRT stations for greater convenience.
FAQs
No, the process of switching dentists is simple! You just have to make sure that your new dentist has a copy of your dental records so that they can have a complete picture of your oral health.
You may find yourself having to change dentists due to a variety of reasons. This includes instances when:
- You’ve relocated
- You’ve found a job overseas
- You’re studying abroad
- You’re stuck in the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic
- Your current dentist is inconvenient for you
- You require a dental treatment that’s not available at your current dentist
- You need a 2nd opinion regarding your condition/treatment plan
- Your current dental treatment results are not up to your expectations
Yes, you can! However, you should make sure that the new dentist is comfortable with taking over your case.
It’s also important to take note that different dentists may recommend different treatments for your condition. This is especially so for Invisalign, which is a doctor-directed treatment.
Thus, you should be prepared that your new dentist may recommend a different approach to achieve specific teeth movements.
Yes! This is common especially for expatriates who travel around the world for work.
You can rest assured that the next dentist will be able to continue the treatment as long as they have the relevant records and necessary equipment.
As you’ll need to request your dental records, it’s advisable to notify your previous dentist that you’re changing clinics in order to facilitate this process.
These are some of the key documents that you’ll need for the transfer:
- Consent forms
- Scans and x-rays of teeth
- Diagnostic records
- Completed treatment plans
- Proposed treatment plans
- Instructions for oral care at home
Based on these documents, you’ll have the 1st consultation with your new dentist. The treatment plan and prices will be presented to you during the 2nd consultation and you’ll be asked to sign the consent form if you’re agreeable to the plan.
There are 2 options with regards to the consultation:
1. Full consultation: $235.40 (Inclusive of GST)
This consists of an oral examination, 3D iTero scans, 4 X-rays and intraoral photo taking.
2. Simple consultation: $21.40 – $74.90 (Inclusive of GST)
This includes an oral examination and consultation only. If you wish to proceed with the orthodontic treatment after this consultation, you’ll still be required to take the X-rays and iTero scans.
It can be difficult to remember the full details of your dental condition.
Providing your new dentist with a copy of your complete dental records will ensure that they have a full picture of your oral health and are aware of your previous treatment plans.
You can also save on additional costs if you have dental scans and x-ray images that were taken within the last 12 months.
If you’d like to keep a copy of your own dental records, you can ask the dentist to print or send it to you.
Do note that you’ll have to provide consent for the release of these documents and may be asked to pay a fee for them.
If you’re unable to get a copy of your dental records, your new dentist will advise you on whether new records and scans are required during the 1st consultation.