Dental Checkups
How often should I get a checkup?
Most people should visit the dentist every six months. However, if you have a history of gum disease, frequent cavities, or other concerns, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes! We accept most major PPO insurance plans, including Aetna, MetLife, Cigna, and Delta Dental. Our team will check your benefits for you before your visit and help you understand your coverage.
Do you see kids?
Yes! We welcome patients ages 5 and up and provide gentle, family-friendly dental care. Our team helps kids feel comfortable while teaching them healthy habits for lifelong oral health.
What if I need treatment?
If we find an issue during your checkup, we’ll discuss your options in detail. We’ll explain the problem, recommend treatments, and provide cost estimates before moving forward.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes! We offer CareCredit, Sunbit, Cherry, and in-house financing to make treatment more affordable.
What are your office hours?
We’re open Monday – Friday, 9 AM – 6 PM, with a lunch break from 1 PM – 2 PM.
Is parking available?
Yes! We offer free parking for all patients.
I get nervous at the dentist. Can you help?
Absolutely. We specialize in treating patients with dental anxiety. Our office offers a calming environment, comfort amenities, and sedation options for those who need extra support.
How long does a checkup take?
A typical checkup and cleaning take about 60 minutes. If you’re a new patient, your first visit may take a little longer to allow time for X-rays and a comprehensive exam.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Please bring your photo ID, insurance card (if applicable), and a list of any medications. You can also complete new patient forms online before your visit for added convenience.
Invisalign
How much does Invisalign cost?
The cost of Invisalign varies based on the complexity of your case. Our office accepts most major insurance plans, which may cover part of your treatment. We also offer flexible financing options to make Invisalign affordable.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Most patients complete their 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?
You may feel mild pressure or discomfort when switching to a new aligner tray, but this usually subsides within a few days. Most patients find Invisalign far more comfortable than traditional braces.
Can I eat and drink with Invisalign?
Yes, but you should remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. This prevents staining and damage to the trays. 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 adapt within a few days, and any speech changes are usually minimal.
How do I clean my Invisalign aligners?
Aligners should be rinsed and gently brushed with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, as it can warp the plastic. Invisalign cleaning solutions are also available.
What happens if I lose an aligner?
If you lose an aligner, 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. Routine dental visits and good oral hygiene will help extend their lifespan.
Are veneers permanent?
Yes, veneers are a permanent cosmetic solution since a small layer of enamel is removed for a proper fit. However, they are designed for long-term durability and aesthetics.
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, limiting coffee, red wine, and tobacco use 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 care for my veneers?
Caring for veneers is similar to caring for natural teeth:
- Brush and floss daily
- Avoid using your teeth as tools (e.g., opening packages)
- 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 depends on the number needed and the complexity of your case. We offer flexible financing options to 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 offer 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.
How long does the dental implant process take?
The full process usually takes three to six months, allowing time for the implant to integrate with the jawbone before placing the final restoration. Some cases may require bone grafting, which can extend the timeline.
Are dental implants better than dentures?
Yes, dental implants provide more stability, comfort, and functionality than traditional dentures. They also preserve bone health, while 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 make treatment affordable, and our team will 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 3D imaging technology helps us determine if additional treatment is needed.
Are there any risks with dental implants?
Complications are rare, but as with any surgery, there is a small risk of infection or implant failure. 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 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 varies based on individual needs. Some patients complete treatment 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 procedures (like 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, using local anesthesia and sedation options. Minimally invasive techniques help reduce discomfort and speed up recovery.
Will I need multiple appointments?
Yes, because full mouth reconstruction involves multiple treatments, most patients require a series of visits. Your personalized plan will outline the number of appointments needed.
Can full mouth reconstruction fix TMJ or jaw pain?
Yes! Correcting bite misalignment and restoring proper jaw function can reduce TMJ symptoms, including pain and headaches.
Do I need dental implants for full mouth reconstruction?
Not necessarily. While implants are a long-term solution, other options like bridges, crowns, or dentures may be used depending on your case.
How long do the results of full mouth reconstruction last?
With proper oral hygiene and routine dental visits, 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 needed after certain procedures, but most patients resume normal eating habits within a few days.
Teeth Whitening
How long does the treatment take?
Most whitening treatments take about an hour, with immediate, visible results.
How long will my teeth stay white?
With proper care, results can last six months to a year. Avoiding staining foods and drinks helps maintain brightness.
Will whitening make my teeth sensitive?
Some people experience temporary sensitivity, but our professional formulas are designed to reduce discomfort compared to over-the-counter whitening kits.
Can I whiten my teeth if I have crowns or veneers?
Whitening treatments only work on natural enamel and won’t change the color of crowns, veneers, or fillings. If you need color adjustments, we can recommend other options.
How much whiter will my teeth get?
Most patients see an improvement of several shades, depending on the type and severity of stains.
What should I avoid after whitening?
For 24-48 hours, stay away from dark-colored foods and drinks (coffee, red wine, soda, berries) to prevent new stains.
Are store-bought whitening kits effective?
At-home kits provide limited results and can cause uneven whitening or sensitivity. Professional treatments work faster, last longer, and are safer for your enamel.
Emergency Dentistry
What if I don’t have dental insurance?
We offer affordable emergency dental care with financing options through CareCredit, Sunbit, Cherry, and in-house payment plans.
Should I go to the ER for a dental emergency?
Hospital ERs can provide pain relief but do not treat dental issues. A dentist is your best option for saving a tooth, treating an infection, or relieving dental pain.
How soon can I be seen for a dental emergency?
We offer same-day emergency dental care in Philadelphia and do our best to see patients immediately. Call now to schedule.
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 verify your benefits before treatment.
Can an emergency dentist save a knocked-out tooth?
Yes! If treated within an hour, a knocked-out tooth may be saved. Call us immediately for care.
Do you offer sedation for emergency dental procedures?
Yes, we offer local anesthesia and sedation options to help you stay comfortable during treatment.