Whether it’s been 6 months or 30 years, a dental check-up is always worthwhile. You might be in pain, or have no pain at all. You might have a full set of teeth, or none left at all. Either way — your mouth still needs care.
At Switch Dental in Lower Hutt, check-ups can be as quick or as comprehensive as you want them to be. Some patients just want a once-over and peace of mind. Others want the full breakdown and long-term plan. We tailor the experience to you — no pressure, no judgment.
Because dental issues don’t always announce themselves. Tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and even jaw joint problems often start silently. By the time something starts to hurt, the issue is usually more advanced — and trickier to treat.
A check-up is like a Warrant of Fitness for your mouth. We go through a logical sequence to check everything’s working as it should. Even if you’ve seen a dentist recently for a specific issue, there may be things that slipped under the radar.
And just like your car, some mouths need a check-up every 6 months. Others only need one every few years. We’ll tailor it to your risk level — no blanket recommendations
Every Switch Dental exam includes:
- Extraoral assessment: We check jaw movement, TMJ function, lymph nodes, and signs of clenching or grinding.
- Intraoral assessment: We assess your teeth, gums, soft tissues, tongue, cheeks and palate — and yes, we actually check for oral cancer. Many patients tell us no one’s ever done that before.
- Bite and function check: We look at how your teeth come together and wear patterns that could signal future issues.
- X-rays or TRIOS scans if needed: These help us see what we can’t spot with the naked eye — between teeth, below fillings, or inside bone. And yes, if you’re grinding your teeth, our scanner helps us track it.
- Clear explanations: You’ll get an honest summary of what we find — the good, the bad, and the optional. We’ll explain likely outcomes, risks, and realistic timelines. Some patients want the whole roadmap; others prefer a simple “what next?” You decide.
What you won’t get: a lecture, a hard sell, or a surprise invoice.
What you will get: time, clarity, and a shared decision about what’s best for you.
How often should I have a check-up?
It depends on your risk. For some people it’s every 6–12 months. Others only need a review every few years. We’ll let you know based on what we see.
Are check-ups painful?
No — we’re just looking and recording. If you have any sensitivity, let us know and we’ll take extra care.
Do I need X-rays every time?
Not necessarily. X-rays help us see things we can’t detect visually, but we only take them when they’re clinically relevant. We’ll always discuss it with you first.
What Makes a Switch Dental Check-up Different?
We’re not here to push treatment or shame anyone. We’re here to help you stay ahead of problems — or at least understand them.
Patient-led depth
Digital-first tools
Modern philosophy
Real conversations
