Honest Cosmetic Dentist Consultations in Scottsdale, AZ | Discover Your Best Smile Options

Q: What is the difference between a dental exam and a consultation?

A dental exam checks the health of your teeth and gums. A cosmetic consultation focuses on appearance: what you’d like to improve and how to get there. At our office, cosmetic consultations include imaging, smile simulations, and a goal-driven conversation.

Q: Do cosmetic dental consultations cost money?

Yes, ours is $99, and patients often say it’s worth every penny. You get digital scans, photos, a personalized smile simulation, and expert recommendations from Dr. Alpers. Many "free" consultations elsewhere offer just a brief overview and don’t include imaging or custom treatment planning.

Q: Do dental plans cover cosmetic dentistry?

Many dental insurance plans cover very minimal amounts, if any, for elective cosmetic procedures, like veneers or whitening. However, treatments that improve both form and function, like Invisalign or crowns, may be partially covered. We’ll help you understand what’s included and offer financing options for everything else.

Q: What’s the difference between an aesthetic dentist and a cosmetic dentist?

These terms are often used interchangeably, but there’s a subtle difference. A cosmetic dentist typically focuses on improving the appearance of teeth. This includes services like whitening, veneers, and Invisalign. An aesthetic dentist takes it a step further by considering overall harmony with your facial features, smile design, and long-term function. At Alpers Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we combine both approaches to create results that look natural, feel great, and last.

Q: How do I know if I’m choosing an honest cosmetic dentist?

Look for a dentist who listens more than they talk, explains your options clearly (without pressuring you), and recommends what’s best for you—not just the most expensive treatment. Check reviews, ask about their training, and trust your gut during the consultation. At our office, we pride ourselves on transparency, education, and showing you all your options, often with a more conservative approach that still delivers beautiful results.

Q: Is a cosmetic dentist consultation the same thing as a veneer consultation?

Not necessarily. A veneer consultation typically focuses only on veneers as a solution, whereas a cosmetic dentist consultation explores a full range of treatment options, which may include veneers, bonding, whitening, Invisalign, and more. At Alpers Dentistry, we take time to understand your goals, evaluate your smile with advanced technology, and walk you through different approaches (including veneers if appropriate) so you can make a fully informed decision.

You Know You Want to Fix Your Smile, But What’s the Right Way?

You’ve done your research. Maybe you’ve looked into veneers, teeth whitening, or Invisalign. But now you're stuck wondering, “What’s the best option for me?”

This isn’t about picking a procedure. It’s about understanding your smile, your goals, and getting advice from someone who sees you as a person.

At Alpers Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Scottsdale, AZ, we build our cosmetic dentist consultation around taking the time to truly listen, understand what matters most to you, and design a plan that reflects your individuality.

Call (480) 998-3355 to Schedule Your No-Pressure Consultation

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What Happens at a Cosmetic Dentist Consultation?

When you're considering cosmetic dental treatment, your consultation sets the tone for everything that follows. But not all consultations offer the same level of care, detail, or personalization. Below, we walk you through what most patients can expect at a typical dental office vs our office.

What to Expect at Any Other Cosmetic Consultation

At most dental offices, a cosmetic consultation usually includes a brief evaluation of your smile, looking at which teeth show when you smile and noting any areas of concern. You’ll likely discuss your desired results, hear a few general treatment options, and receive a rough estimate of cost and timeline.

However, patients often leave these types of consultations feeling underwhelmed or unsure, and like they didn’t get the clarity, detail, or personal attention they were hoping for.

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What to Expect at Your Cosmetic Consultation at Alpers Dentistry

Our honest cosmetic dentist consultations go far beyond the standard experience you’ll find at most offices; every detail is thoughtfully personalized to you.

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This is how your experience SHOULD be:

"I have never second guessed my decision since getting the dental work... my teeth look fabulous. This is the best investment I've ever made in my life!" - Meredith, patient

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Here’s what you can expect with us:

✅ 3D Digital Scan with our iTero system for precise imaging

✅ Professional Portrait Photos of your smile for aesthetic planning

✅ Exam and Assessment of your teeth and smile by Dr. Kristopher Alpers, named one of Arizona’s Best Doctors for 2025

✅ Smile Simulation, where you can preview how your smile will look post-treatment - on your face

✅ Interactive Treatment Planning, where you can make real-time changes to the smile simulation with Dr. Alpers based on what you envision

✅ Before & After Galleries featuring patients with similar smile goals

✅ Time to Talk and share your concerns, lifestyle needs, and goals openly

✅ Personalized Treatment Options, specific to your unique needs, goals and situation, including a cost estimate and timeline

*Dr. Alpers showing a patient their custom smile simulation at their cosmetic dentist consultation*

Not All Cosmetic Consultations Are Created Equal

Many dental offices advertise “free consultations,” but these are often little more than brief, generic chats without much personalization or insight into your specific goals. Sometimes, it’s worth investing a little to get honest answers, real insight, and a plan that’s truly tailored to you.

At Alpers Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, our $99 cosmetic consultation is intentionally designed to deliver real value. This is a one-on-one experience with Dr. Alpers, who takes the time to get to know you and your goals. Every detail is personalized, because your smile deserves it.

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A Closer Look at Your Personalized Consultation

Here’s a closer look at how we make your consultation meaningful, personalized, and genuinely helpful. No pressure, just expert insight!

First, we take a high-tech look at your smile using our iTero digital scanner. This creates a detailed model of your teeth and bite, allowing us to spot signs of wear, erosion, or other issues that may not be visible to the naked eye.

Patient starting their cosmetic dentist consultation with a 3D digital scan with the iTero — *Patient starting their cosmetic dentist consultation with the iTero*

Next, we take professional portrait photos. These images are used to create your personalized Smile Simulation, so when you sit down with Dr. Alpers, you're not just talking about possibilities. You’re actually looking at your own smile and exploring your goals together in real time.

Then, we take time to truly listen. During your consultation with Dr. Alpers, he’ll ask thoughtful questions to better understand what you're unhappy with, any challenges you're experiencing, and what kind of results you're hoping to achieve. You'll explore questions like: What don’t you like about your smile? What would you love to change? What’s held you back?

Your answers shape the conversation and help guide a treatment plan that’s built around your needs, goals, and lifestyle, setting you up for long-term success.

Finally, we review your options honestly. Whether you’re considering subtle tweaks or a dramatic transformation, you’ll leave with a clear, customized plan that makes sense for you.

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What Exactly Is A Smile Simulation?

A Smile Simulation is one of the most exciting parts of your cosmetic consultation! Using your portrait photo and detailed 3D scan, we create a realistic before-and-after preview of your smile, before any treatment even begins.

animation showing cosmetic dentist consultation smile simulation of scottsdale patient before and after — *Animation of a real example of a patient's smile simulation, revealing what her smile could look like with only 4 veneers*

You’ll see your own face with your potential new smile, allowing you to visualize what’s possible in a way that feels personal and empowering. Dr. Alpers walks you through the simulation right on the iPad, where you can slide your finger back and forth to compare your current smile with your future one.

We also put the images up on the big screen, so you and Dr. Alpers can talk through every little detail together, right down to brightness and shade. He can even adjust the look in real time, helping you fine-tune the vision for your smile until it feels just right.

Thinking About a Second Opinion? You Should.

If you’ve already seen another dentist or received a treatment plan, it’s completely reasonable, and often wise, to get a second opinion, especially when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Alpers brings advanced training, award-winning expertise, and a reputation for honest, personalized care that goes far beyond the surface.

Collage of advanced continued education courses and techniques that Dr. Alpers has taken in 2025 related to Invisalign Implants and no-prep veneers — Left: Dr. Alpers took the latest Invisalign course at Align HQ | Center: Dr. Alpers with fellow mentors and dentists at Implant Pathway | Right: Mastering Veneers course that Dr. Alpers took to advance his skills in a *type* *of veneer called no-prep veneers*

With the iTero imaging, portrait photography, a customized Smile Simulation, and time to talk through your goals in detail, you’ll walk away with deeper insight, more confidence, and a clearer path forward. Our $99 consultation gives you so much more than just another opinion; it gives you clarity. Whether you choose us or not, you’ll be better equipped to make the right decision for your smile.

From Veneers to Invisalign: Here’s What Each Cosmetic Treatment Really Does

Cosmetic dentistry can feel overwhelming if you're not familiar with the terms. Veneers, bonding, Invisalign, whitening… what do they all actually do?

We break it down for you:

Porcelain Veneers: Best for reshaping, whitening, or closing gaps; especially great when multiple concerns exist.
Dental Bonding: Ideal for small chips or gaps; quicker and more cost effective than veneers.
Teeth Whitening: Great for stained or dull teeth; often a quick confidence boost.
Invisalign: Clear aligners that straighten your smile discreetly, without brackets or wires.
Gummy Smile Correction: Improves balance and symmetry, helping your smile look fuller and more refined, often in just one visit. This is sometimes also referred to as "gum contouring."

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We’re not here to upsell. We’re here to educate and guide. You’ll always get straight talk from a compassionate team and honest cosmetic dentist who cares about the long-term health and appearance of your smile.

Call (480) 998-3355 to Schedule Your Cosmetic Dentist Consultation

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Not Sure What You Need? That’s Exactly Why We’re Here

Not everyone comes in knowing exactly what they want, and that’s perfectly okay.

Whether you're thinking about one small improvement or a full smile makeover, we help you understand all your options without pressure. Many of our patients say the consultation helped them finally feel confident, informed, and ready to take the next step - even if that step is choosing to wait.

Patient being greeted at welcome desk at Alpers Dentistry in Scottsdale, AZ — *Patient being greeted at our welcome desk at Alpers Dentistry in Scottsdale, AZ*

Why Scottsdale Patients Trust Us

Hundreds of 5-Star Reviews

“Dr. Alpers is always friendly, patient and thorough. He has compassion for his patients and I never feel like he's 'rushing in-and-out' as quickly as possible. He takes his time to explain things to me.” – Karl M., patient, Google Review

Real Before-and-After Smiles

‍See real transformations and natural looking results from people who wanted the same thing you do - confidence in their smile.

Transparent Pricing & Flexible Financing

‍We’ll walk you through all costs upfront, and help you understand your payment options clearly.

You Get Our Full Attention

‍Every dentist consultation in Scottsdale is scheduled with time set aside just for you. No rushing. No waiting.

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Let’s Talk About Your Smile

You deserve to feel confident every time you smile. If you’re ready to explore your options with a team who listens, explains, and delivers high-quality results, you’re in the right place.

Alpers Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

Address:
7500 E McDonald Dr. Ste. 101b
Scottsdale, AZ 85250

Phone: (480) 998-3355

Email: frontoffice@alpersdentistry.com

Call Us Text Us Email Us Book Online

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Cosmetic Dentist Consultation Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a dental exam and a consultation?

A dental exam checks the health of your teeth and gums. A cosmetic consultation focuses on appearance: what you’d like to improve and how to get there. At our office, cosmetic consultations include imaging, smile simulations, and a goal-driven conversation.

Do cosmetic dental consultations cost money?

Yes, ours is $99, and patients often say it’s worth every penny. You get digital scans, photos, a personalized smile simulation, and expert recommendations from Dr. Alpers. Many "free" consultations elsewhere offer just a brief overview and don’t include imaging or custom treatment planning.

Do dental plans cover cosmetic dentistry?

Many dental insurance plans cover very minimal amounts, if any, for elective cosmetic procedures, like veneers or whitening. However, treatments that improve both form and function, like Invisalign or crowns, may be partially covered. We’ll help you understand what’s included and offer financing options for everything else.

What’s the difference between an aesthetic dentist and a cosmetic dentist?

These terms are often used interchangeably, but there’s a subtle difference. A cosmetic dentist typically focuses on improving the appearance of teeth. This includes services like whitening, veneers, and Invisalign. An aesthetic dentist takes it a step further by considering overall harmony with your facial features, smile design, and long-term function. At Alpers Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we combine both approaches to create results that look natural, feel great, and last.

How do I know if I’m choosing an honest cosmetic dentist?

Look for a dentist who listens more than they talk, explains your options clearly (without pressuring you), and recommends what’s best for you—not just the most expensive treatment. Check reviews, ask about their training, and trust your gut during the consultation. At our office, we pride ourselves on transparency, education, and showing you all your options, often with a more conservative approach that still delivers beautiful results.

Is a cosmetic dentist consultation the same thing as a veneer consultation?

Not necessarily. A veneer consultation typically focuses only on veneers as a solution, whereas a cosmetic dentist consultation explores a full range of treatment options, which may include veneers, bonding, whitening, Invisalign, and more. At Alpers Dentistry, we take time to understand your goals, evaluate your smile with advanced technology, and walk you through different approaches (including veneers if appropriate) so you can make a fully informed decision.