This review is long over due. If you want to get some cosmetic dental work done to fix your smile so you can smile confidently again, other general dental work like checkups, fillings, cleanings or are simply looking for a new dentist and wondering if Dr. Stephen G is the right dentist? Read on..
I have had very bad front teeth since childhood and not been happy with my smile. They were crooked and badly shaped. As a result, I never smiled very much. I think this is also the reason I gave up on them and never paid much attention to my dental health. So, I was very prone to getting cavities in the past. But I remember watching a show almost 20 years ago called "Extreme Makeover" on ABC7 where selected participants received complete image and body transformations which included full cosmetic dental work done to fix their smiles. For the first time I realized I could actually do something about my smile that I was unhappy with.
I decided to do some research on cosmetic dentists in the LA area. Eventually I narrowed my list down to 2-3 cosmetic dentists. One was the cosmetic dentist on the "Extreme Makeover" show himself, a Beverly Hills dentist named Dr. Bill Dorfman. And the other one was Dr. Stephen Giovanisci in Montrose, LA. Long story short, my consultation with Dr. Dorfman's office was both quick and disappointing. An associate took a look at my teeth and said they were horrible, needed to be fixed. I was not being informed about any details about my dental condition or given any chance to discuss treatment plan etc. He got up quickly after only a few minutes of consultation and said his "finance manager" would come in and talk to me about "fees". In addition to being quoted astronomical prices for the dental work they proposed, the whole experience from start to finish gave me the impression that they didn't have my best interests at heart and I was simply a new column in their financial spreadsheet.
I first came to Dr. Stephen's office back in 2004. When I arrived, I didn't have high expectations after my rather disappointing consultation experience with the Beverly Hills Dr. Dorfman's office. However, the experience was night and day. The staff at Dr. Stephen's office including Dr Stephen himself were very professional, friendly, warm and welcoming - and to date still are! I remember my consultation with Dr Stephen himself for the first time back in 2004, almost 20 years ago. He examined my teeth thoroughly, took meticulous notes, made and analyzed my charts etc. He printed out a pictorial representation of my teeth, showed me and explained the problems he saw and went over several different options he thought would help fix my smile.
We also spoke at great length about dental health and hygiene. I remember he also patiently answered every question I asked, providing full detailed answers. The prices he quoted me were very reasonable compared to the other dentist. He did not pressure me to make any decision on the spot at all. He gave me a detailed printout that described each recommended procedure, the pros and cons, a pictorial representation of my teeth and the cost for each procedure and told me to think about what I personally wanted to do and contact him when ready. He also personally walked me to the front desk and reminded me to call anytime if I had any questions about what we discussed that day.
Long story short, I was impressed with my initial consultation experience and decided to have full smile makeover cosmetic dental work done with Dr. Stephen G shortly after. He set me up with a combination of crowns and veneers. It took several appointments to get it done because of how bad the condition of my front teeth was. But I still remember the whole experience was phenomenal from start to finish. I remember smiling for the first time when it was all finally done. It was an amazing feeling. Had to spend several weeks practicing how to smile properly in front of the mirror because I had never smiled so much before.
I now have straight teeth and smile confidently thanks to Dr Stephen! He was very thorough and professional with the work he did and was always communicating and explaining everything he did every step of the way. Awesome chairside experience. Overall, I am very happy with the cosmetic dental and other dental work I had with Dr. Stephen G, his hygienists: Karina, Georgette, assistants & staff: Sally, Cathy.
Verdict
Dental Work: 5/5. Ambience: 5/5. Cleanliness: 5/5. Professionalism and Customer Service: 5/5
I highly recommend Dr. Stephen G if you need excellent cosmetic dental work done to fix your smile or are looking for an awesome, friendly, knowledgeable dentist who is thorough and professional with the work he does and communicates with you every step of the way. In other words, forget the typical 90210 Beverly Hills dentist who in my personal experience only cares about your money. Go with the 91020 Montrose, LA dentist Dr. Stephen who actually cares about you. read more