Dental Checkups
How often should I get a checkup?
Most people should come in every six months, but some may need more frequent visits, depending on their dental needs.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes! We accept most major PPO insurance plans, including Aetna, MetLife, Cigna, Delta Dental, and more. Our team will check your benefits for you before your visit.
Do you see kids for checkups?
Absolutely! We welcome patients ages 5 and up and offer family-friendly care.
What if I need treatment?
If we find an issue, we’ll go over all your options, answer your questions, and create a treatment plan that works for you.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes! We offer CareCredit, Sunbit, Cherry, and in-house financing to make treatment affordable.
What are your office hours?
We’re open Monday through Friday, 9 AM – 6 PM, with a lunch break from 1 PM – 2 PM.
Is there parking?
Yes! We offer free parking for all our patients.
I get nervous at the dentist. Can you help?
Yes! Our team is trained to help nervous patients feel at ease. We also offer comfort amenities and sedation options if needed.
How long does a checkup take?
A typical checkup and cleaning takes about 60 minutes. If it’s your first visit, it may take a little longer.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Please bring your ID, insurance card (if you have one), and a list of any medications. You can also fill out your new patient forms online before your visit.
Invisalign
How much does Invisalign cost?
The cost of Invisalign varies based on the complexity of the case. Our office accepts most major insurance plans, which may cover part of the treatment. We also offer flexible financing options to make Invisalign affordable.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Most patients complete their Invisalign treatment in 12 to 18 months, though minor corrections may take less time. The duration depends on the severity of misalignment and how consistently the aligners are worn.
Is Invisalign painful?
Patients may experience mild pressure or discomfort when switching to a new aligner tray, but it is typically far less painful than traditional braces. The discomfort usually subsides within a few days as the teeth adjust.
Can I eat and drink with Invisalign?
Yes, but you must remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water to prevent staining and damage. Aligners should be cleaned before placing them back in your mouth.
How often do I need to wear my aligners?
For the best results, aligners should be worn at least 20-22 hours per day. They should only be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.
Will Invisalign affect my speech?
There may be a short adjustment period, but most patients quickly adapt to speaking with their aligners. Any minor speech changes usually resolve within a few days.
How do I clean my Invisalign aligners?
Aligners should be rinsed and gently brushed with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water. Hot water should be avoided, as it can warp the plastic. Specialized Invisalign cleaning solutions are also available.
What happens if I lose an aligner?
If an aligner is lost, contact our office immediately. We may recommend a replacement or advise you to move to the next set in your treatment plan.
Can I switch to Invisalign if I’ve had braces before?
Yes, Invisalign is a great option for patients who previously had braces but need additional alignment corrections due to shifting over time.
How do I get started with Invisalign?
The first step is to schedule a consultation at City Dental Arts. We’ll evaluate your smile, discuss your goals, and create a personalized Invisalign treatment plan to help you achieve a straighter, healthier smile.
Veneers
How long do porcelain veneers last?
With proper care, veneers typically last 10-15 years or longer. Maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist for regular checkups will help extend their lifespan.
Are veneers a permanent treatment?
Yes, veneers are considered a permanent cosmetic solution because a small layer of enamel is removed to ensure a proper fit. However, they are designed to last for many years and provide long-term aesthetic benefits.
Will my veneers look natural?
Yes, our custom-designed porcelain veneers are made to match the color, shape, and translucency of natural teeth, ensuring a seamless, natural appearance.
Do veneers stain over time?
Porcelain veneers are highly stain-resistant, unlike natural enamel. However, maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding excessive staining foods like coffee, red wine, and tobacco can help keep them bright.
Is getting veneers painful?
The procedure is minimally invasive, and local anesthesia ensures comfort during tooth preparation. Most patients experience little to no discomfort.
Can I get veneers if I have gum disease?
Your gums must be healthy before getting veneers. If you have gum disease, it must be treated first to ensure long-term success.
How do I take care of my veneers?
Caring for veneers is similar to caring for natural teeth. Brush and floss daily, avoid using your teeth as tools, and schedule regular dental checkups to maintain their appearance and durability.
Can I eat normally with veneers?
Yes, veneers function like natural teeth. However, it’s best to avoid biting into hard objects like ice, pens, or fingernails to prevent damage.
How much do veneers cost?
The cost of veneers varies depending on the number of veneers needed and the complexity of your case. We offer flexible financing options to help make treatment more affordable.
Dental Implants
How long do dental implants last?
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits, dental implants can last a lifetime. Unlike dentures or bridges, which may need replacements, implants provide a long-term, durable solution.
Is the implant procedure painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and most patients experience minimal discomfort during and after placement. We also offer sedation options for those who need extra comfort during treatment.
How long does the dental implant process take?
The full implant process usually takes three to six months, allowing time for the implant to integrate with the jawbone before placing the final restoration. However, some cases may require additional procedures, such as bone grafting, which can extend the timeline.
Are dental implants better than dentures?
Yes, dental implants provide more stability, comfort, and functionality compared to traditional dentures. They also preserve bone health, whereas dentures can accelerate bone loss over time.
How much do dental implants cost?
The cost of dental implants varies depending on the number of implants needed and any additional procedures required. We offer financing options to help make treatment more affordable, and our team can provide a detailed breakdown of costs during your consultation.
Can I still get dental implants if I have bone loss?
Yes, but patients with significant bone loss may need a bone grafting procedure to strengthen the jawbone before implant placement. Our advanced digital imaging helps us determine if additional treatment is necessary.
Are there any risks with dental implants?
Complications are rare, but as with any surgery, there is a small risk of infection, implant failure, or minor discomfort. Choosing an experienced provider and following post-surgical care instructions greatly reduces these risks.
How do I care for my dental implants?
Caring for implants is similar to caring for natural teeth. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups to ensure long-term success.
Will my implants look and feel like real teeth?
Yes! Dental implants are designed to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless, natural appearance and feel.
Full Mouth Reconstruction
How long does full mouth reconstruction take?
The timeline depends on your treatment plan. Some patients complete their reconstruction in a few months, while others may require a year or more if multiple procedures are involved.
Does insurance cover full mouth reconstruction?
Many restorative treatments (such as crowns, implants, and periodontal care) may be partially covered by insurance. Our team will help verify your benefits and explore financing options.
Is full mouth reconstruction painful?
We prioritize patient comfort by using local anesthesia and sedation options. Minimally invasive techniques also help reduce discomfort and speed up recovery.
Will I need multiple appointments?
Yes, because full mouth reconstruction involves multiple steps, most patients require a series of visits to complete treatment. Your personalized plan will outline expected appointments.
Can full mouth reconstruction fix TMJ or jaw pain?
Yes, correcting bite misalignment and restoring proper jaw function can significantly reduce TMJ symptoms, including pain and headaches.
Do I need dental implants for full mouth reconstruction?
Not always. While implants are a popular long-term solution, other options such as bridges, crowns, or dentures may be used depending on your needs.
How long do the results of full mouth reconstruction last?
With proper care, routine dental visits, and good oral hygiene, the results of full mouth reconstruction can last a lifetime.
How will my new teeth look?
All restorations are custom-designed to match the color, shape, and size of natural teeth, ensuring a seamless, natural appearance.
Can I eat normally during the process?
Some temporary dietary adjustments may be necessary after certain procedures, but most patients resume normal eating habits within a few days.
Teeth Whitening
How long does professional teeth whitening take?
Most treatments take 60 to 90 minutes, delivering instant and noticeable results in a single visit.
Is professional teeth whitening safe?
Yes, our dentist-supervised treatments use enamel-safe whitening agents designed to protect your teeth and gums from irritation or damage.
How long do whitening results last?
With proper care, results can last six months to a year or longer. Avoiding staining foods and maintaining good oral hygiene will help extend your brightness.
Will teeth whitening cause sensitivity?
Some patients experience mild, temporary sensitivity, but our advanced whitening formulas minimize discomfort. We also offer desensitizing treatments if needed.
Can I whiten my teeth if I have crowns or veneers?
Whitening treatments only work on natural enamel and will not lighten crowns, veneers, or fillings. We can discuss options to maintain a consistent shade.
How much whiter will my teeth get?
Most patients see their teeth lighten by several shades, though results vary based on the type and severity of stains.
Can I eat or drink after teeth whitening?
For the first 24-48 hours, avoid dark-colored foods and drinks such as coffee, red wine, berries, and soda to prevent re-staining.
How often should I whiten my teeth?
Most patients get professional whitening every 12-18 months, with occasional touch-ups as needed.
Are over-the-counter whitening kits effective?
Store-bought whitening strips and gels provide limited results and may cause uneven whitening or increased sensitivity. Professional whitening offers stronger, safer, and longer-lasting results.
Emergency Dentistry
Do you accept dental insurance for emergency visits?
Yes, we accept most major insurance plans, including Aetna, MetLife, Cigna, Delta Dental, and more. Our team will help verify your benefits.
What if I don’t have dental insurance?
We offer flexible financing through CareCredit, Sunbit, Cherry, and in-house payment plans to make emergency care affordable.
How soon can I be seen for a dental emergency?
We offer same-day emergency appointments and strive to see patients as soon as possible. Call us right away for availability.
What should I do if I knock out a tooth?
Try to place the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, store it in milk or saliva and visit our office immediately.
Can I go to the ER for a dental emergency?
Hospital emergency rooms do not provide dental treatment, but may offer pain medication. A dentist is the best option for treating dental emergencies.
What is considered a true dental emergency?
Severe pain, swelling, infection, bleeding, or a knocked-out tooth are all urgent dental emergencies. Call us immediately for guidance.
Do you offer sedation for emergency procedures?
Yes, we provide local anesthesia and sedation options for patients with dental anxiety or complex procedures.
Can an emergency visit prevent tooth loss?
Yes, seeking immediate dental care can often save a tooth and prevent the need for extractions or more extensive treatment.