Common reasons a plan changes
- The X-ray shows more. Decay under an old filling, an infection at a root tip, a tooth that can't be saved. These are often invisible from the outside.
- Bone for implants. A 3D scan shows whether there is enough bone. If not, a graft or sinus lift may be needed, which adds cost and sometimes healing time.
- Gums first. Inflamed gums may need treatment before veneers or crowns can be fitted well.
- A different solution. The dentist may suggest fewer veneers, bonding instead of veneers, or crowns where a tooth is too weak for a veneer.
Signs a change is not fair
- The price goes up a lot, with no X-ray or explanation shown to you.
- Items listed as "included" in the written quote are now charged extra.
- You are asked to decide on a much bigger treatment the same day.
- Healthy teeth are suddenly in the plan for crowns.
How to protect yourself
- Keep the written quote. On dental.holiday it stays in your account, with what is included and what is not.
- Ask before you go: "What could change after you examine me, and roughly how much would that cost?" A good clinic gives you a range for the likely extras.
- Ask which lines are conditional. Quotes can mark lines like extractions or grafts as "if needed", so you see the lowest and highest likely total.
- Get the final plan in writing after the examination, tooth by tooth, before treatment starts.
- Check deposit terms. Is the deposit refunded if the final plan is very different from the quote?
Tip. Sending your X-ray to the clinic you chose before you travel narrows the gap between the first quote and the final price.