I feel like this review needs to be kind of long, because there was definitely some good and…read moredefinitely some... quirks. I'd like to start off by saying that this place is great, and is a wonderful concept.
My first impression was "how cute!"- a cozy little home renovated into a dentists office, in a pretty nice area of NOLA.
The staff was over-the-top friendly on the phone and at the front desk. Especially before my first visit.
The initial visit's goal: a very thorough exam.
For this, I rate a 10/10. Absolutely worth the price. They did a full x-ray scan, gum pricks, PH test of the saliva, and the dentist came in for an hour and a half long conversation, one-on-one. We discussed brushing habits, diet, and lifestyle.
The dentist noticed a cracked filling that previous dentists had missed entirely. She showed me things about my airways and sinuses that I never knew. Everything felt personalized, professional, and stood out from the typical dental experience. It was something I think everyone should experience once. They were very knowledgeable and passionate about their profession. I did find it a little strange that the dentist mostly talked in my spouse's direction even though I was the patient, but that's just a personal preference.
Then came the payment plan for my cleaning and two replaced fillings. Eh. Okay!
Initially, I thought it was a worthy investment: these teeth are the only real teeth I get. But unfortunately, after LOATHING the sample products sent home after my first visit and personally HATING the teeth cleaning experience, I decided it was not worth a thousand dollars to replace two fillings, holistically or not. Especially when my dental insurance would cover a regular filling with very little out of pocket.
The cleaning was not something I enjoyed, as stated above, despite reading others review of it being the best part. The ozone treatment smelled horrible, but was definitely something I wanted done. Whether it did anything, who knows.
I think she said the machine(?) or brush they said they typically used for cleanings was out of order, so the hygienist basically brushed my teeth with a regular toothbrush and scraped and picked at each tooth for about 5 minutes each. (A sensory nightmare of mine) Then, when trying to floss with the literal CORD-like floss they use, got it stuck between several of my teeth, despite me warning that I had tried it at home (it was sent in their first visit sample bag) and it didn't work for me. It was dreadful and I cried actual tears, desperate to leave.
The hygienist overall was very kind and we did have a really good conversation after my cleaning, but I was a bit shaken up.
After having a hard time getting scheduled for my fillings, which was preventing me from chewing properly, i decided that I wouldn't be having my fillings done at enlighten and needed them done sooner (which wasn't their fault, but I needed more urgent care). Cancelling was a difficult and long process. When you set up your care plan, they have you pay up front, in full... There were many times I left voicemails, called and was told I would be called back, etc. Eventually, they did cancel my future visits due to the distance in which I'd be traveling and the fact that my availability/distance didn't align with the last-minute openings, and I, of course, needed the fillings in order to be able to eat.
As for the holistic approach, I'm a strong believer that healing the body is done naturally. I also believe that each part of the body is linked. These beliefs are a core value of enlighten, which I appreciate. I like to hope that it really works for some. According to the staff, they've seen great things truly happen.
I say give them a try. Just beware of the up-front payment that kind of locks you in, and keep in mind that you may not be a fan of the techniques used. But I do think everyone should try out their initial appointment if nothing else. I'm grateful to the ladies at enlighten for an overall unique experience.
