Dental
Whitening at a clinic or at home
How clinic whitening and home whitening differ, who each suits, the risks of both, and the checks to do first. General information, not medical advice.
Sofia Benyahia3 min read
Sofia Benyahia
Editor
Writes the plain-language guides on what to ask before dental and skin treatments.
Articles by Sofia
Before you book
A second opinion is not rude, and clinics know it
An opinion on asking a second licensed clinician about a dental, skin or aesthetic plan: why it is normal, how to ask for records and what to compare.
Sofia Benyahia4 min read
Dental
What to ask before teeth whitening
Questions to ask a dental professional before whitening: whether it suits your teeth, how it is done, side effects, aftercare and what to get in writing.
Sofia Benyahia4 min read
Dental
Dentures or dental implants: questions to ask
Dentures or dental implants for missing teeth: how they differ in general, who decides, and the questions to ask a dentist before you agree to either.
Sofia Benyahia4 min read
Before you book
What a consent form should tell you before you sign
What a treatment consent form should cover, what to ask before signing and why you can take it home to read. General guidance, not medical advice.
Sofia Benyahia2 min read
Dental
Braces or clear aligners: what to ask first
Thinking about braces or clear aligners for straighter teeth? Here are the questions to ask an orthodontist, and what to get in writing before you start.
Sofia Benyahia5 min read
Dental
Electric or manual toothbrush: does it matter?
Electric or manual toothbrush: the NHS says both work equally well if you clean every surface and use fluoride toothpaste. Here is how to choose.
Sofia Benyahia4 min read
Before you book
How to check a clinic before you book
A simple routine to check a dental, skin or aesthetic clinic before you pay: licence, practitioner, quote, consent and aftercare, with questions to ask.
Sofia Benyahia5 min read
Before you book
How to check a practitioner is qualified and licensed
How to check a dentist, doctor or aesthetic practitioner is qualified and licensed: what to ask for, where to check the register and what red flags to heed.
Sofia Benyahia4 min read
Before you book
Treatment package or pay per session: which to choose
Treatment package or pay per session? Here is how they differ, the risks of paying upfront, the questions to ask and a simple rule for choosing.
Sofia Benyahia3 min read
Before you book
Deposits and cancellation: questions to ask a clinic
Before you pay a deposit to a dental, skin or aesthetic clinic, ask these questions about refunds, cancellation, rescheduling and what is in writing.
Sofia Benyahia2 min read
Before you book
What to do if a cosmetic treatment goes wrong
What to do if a cosmetic treatment goes wrong: when to seek urgent care, who to contact first, what to record and how to raise a complaint with a clinic.
Sofia Benyahia4 min read
Dental
Floss or interdental brushes: which to use
Floss or interdental brushes for cleaning between teeth? Here is how they differ, who each suits and how to ask your dentist which size or type is right.
Sofia Benyahia3 min read
Dental
Dental veneers: what to ask before you commit
Thinking about dental veneers? Here is what they are, the trade-offs, who should place them and the questions to ask a licensed dentist before you agree.
Sofia Benyahia4 min read
Dental
Wisdom tooth removal: what to ask before you agree
Told you may need a wisdom tooth out? Here is what to ask about why, who does it, sedation, recovery and aftercare, plus red flags and when to call.
Sofia Benyahia4 min read
Before you book
Questions to ask at a first consultation with any clinic
Questions to ask at a first consultation with a dental, skin or aesthetic clinic, plus what to bring, red flags and how to decide without pressure.
Sofia Benyahia4 min read
Dental
Dental crown or filling: what differs and what to ask
Dental crown or filling? A filling repairs part of a tooth, a crown covers all of it. Here is how they differ and the questions to ask your dentist.
Sofia Benyahia3 min read
Dental
Root canal treatment: what to ask your dentist
Told you may need root canal treatment? Here is what it is in plain words, what to ask about options, who does it, aftercare and the red flags to watch.
Sofia Benyahia4 min read
Dental
What happens at a dental cleaning? A plain run-through
What happens at a dental cleaning, step by step in general terms, what feels normal, what to ask, and how to look after your teeth and gums afterward.
Sofia Benyahia2 min read
Dental
How often should you see a dentist?
How often should you see a dentist? The gap is set by your own risk, not one rule for all. Here is how it is usually decided and what to ask at a check-up.
Sofia Benyahia2 min read
Dental
Dental treatment plan: questions to ask first
Got a dental treatment plan? Here are the questions to ask your dentist about each step, the order, the cost range and what is in writing before you agree.
Sofia Benyahia5 min read