Hollywood Smile Quote Checklist: 20 Questions to Ask Before You Pay

A Hollywood smile quote can be misleading. However, the problem is rarely “dishonesty.” Instead, the most important details are often missing from the first price you see.

For example, two clinics can quote the same amount and still deliver very different outcomes. In one case, the quote includes planning, design, quality materials, and aftercare. In another case, those items are excluded or charged later.

Therefore, the smartest move is to compare quotes side by side, identify hidden costs early, and feel confident before paying a deposit.

Table Of Contents

What a proper quote should clearly list
The 20 questions to ask before you pay a deposit
Common hidden costs to ask about upfront
Red flags that should make you pause
A simple way to compare 3 quotes
Next step
Resources

What a proper quote should clearly list

Before comparing prices, make sure the quote answers these basics in writing. Otherwise, you are not comparing quotes. You are comparing guesses.

A complete quote should clearly include:

Number of teeth included: exact number, upper only or upper + lower
Treatment type: veneers, crowns, bonding, or a combination
Material: E.max, zirconia, porcelain, composite
Temporaries included or not
Smile design preview included or not: mock-up, wax-up, digital preview
Timeline: number of visits and total days
Follow-ups and adjustments: included or extra
Warranty terms: what is covered and what is excluded
Total price: all realistic add-ons listed clearly

If the clinic cannot provide this clearly, then you should pause and request a written breakdown.

The 20 questions to ask before you pay a deposit

Hollywood smile questions concept with toothbrushes and a question mark on a blue background

1) Safety and planning

First, confirm who will perform the clinical work and their qualifications.
Also, clarify who prepares the teeth, who places the final restorations, and who is responsible if something goes wrong.
Next, ask what diagnostics are included before treatment starts.
For instance, check whether photos, X-rays, scans, bite evaluation, and gum assessment are included.
Then, find out whether you need treatment before cosmetic work.
In other words, get a clear yes or no on gums, fillings, bite issues, and a written plan if needed.
Finally, ask what happens if a problem is discovered mid-treatment.
Consequently, you will understand how the plan and price change if decay, cracks, or infection appear after preparation.

2) Smile design

Importantly, request a preview before final restorations are made.
For example, ask for a mock-up, wax-up, or digital design so you can approve shape and style first.
Meanwhile, discuss how shade selection will be done to avoid an artificial look.
Specifically, ask how they choose brightness and translucency and what you can approve.
Similarly, ask what style they recommend for you and why.
Therefore, you can judge whether the plan fits your face, lip line, and smile width.
In addition, request real cases similar to yours.
Otherwise, random perfect “before and after” photos may not reflect what you can realistically achieve.

3) Tooth preparation

Now, ask how much tooth reduction is expected in your case.
Generally, more reduction can increase sensitivity and long-term maintenance.
Also, ask whether they will preserve enamel whenever possible.
Moreover, request a simple explanation of how they keep preparation conservative when appropriate.
Then, clarify what to expect after preparation.
For example, ask what discomfort is normal, what is not, and how sensitivity is managed.
After that, check whether you grind or clench and whether you need a night guard.
As a result, you will know whether the guard is included and how it affects warranty coverage.

4) Materials and lab quality

At this stage, ask what material they are using and why it fits your case.
In contrast, request a comparison with at least one alternative so you understand trade-offs.
Additionally, confirm who makes the restorations and where they are made.
Therefore, you can evaluate whether the lab or in-house process matches the quality you expect.
Furthermore, ask whether remakes are included if adjustments fail or something needs to be redone.
For clarity, confirm how many remakes are covered and the time window.
Most importantly, request a tooth-by-tooth plan.
Specifically, ask which teeth get veneers, which get crowns, and which get bonding, all in writing.

5) Timeline and travel planning

Before booking travel, ask for the exact timeline.
In other words, confirm number of visits and total days you should realistically stay.
If you are traveling, ask what happens if you need adjustments after you return home.
Then, confirm remote guidance options, re-check policies, and how follow-up care is handled.

6) Warranty and total cost

Equally important, ask what warranty is provided and what it covers.
For example, confirm coverage for chips, debonding, fractures, staining, and what voids the warranty.
Lastly, ask for the final price including everything you might realistically pay.
Therefore, request common add-ons with clear ranges so there are no surprises later.

Common hidden costs to ask about upfront

Even reputable clinics may charge extra for items not included in the base quote. So, ask whether each item below is included. If not, ask the exact cost.

Consultation, exam, diagnostics: photos, X-rays, scans
Gum treatment or deep cleaning, if needed
Fillings or root canal treatment, if needed
Temporary veneers or crowns
Smile design preview: mock-up, wax-up, digital preview
Night guard, especially if you grind or clench
Extra visits, adjustments, or bite refinements
Repairs after you return home, which are common in travel cases

Red flags that should make you pause

Red flags warning for Hollywood smile treatment with dentist showing stop gesture

One red flag does not always mean “run.” However, several together usually mean you should walk away.

Quote does not state the exact number of teeth included
They refuse to list inclusions in writing
You feel pressured to pay a deposit quickly
They want to start without proper diagnostics
They cannot explain material choice in a simple way
Aftercare, warranty, or repair policy is unclear
They cannot show multiple real cases similar to yours

A simple way to compare 3 quotes

Copy this table into a note and fill it out. Then, compare line by line.

Item	Clinic A	Clinic B	Clinic C
Teeth included
Upper only or upper + lower
Veneers / crowns / bonding
Material
Temporaries included
Design preview included
Timeline (visits + total days)
Follow-ups / adjustments
Night guard
Warranty terms
Total cost (with add-ons)