Frequently Asked Questions

New to City Dental Arts? Here are answers to the questions we hear most often, from insurance to what to expect at your first visit. If you don't see what you need, our Limerick team is just a phone call away.

Dental Checkups

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.

How long does a checkup take?

A typical checkup and cleaning takes about 60 minutes. Your first visit may take a little longer.

I get nervous at the dentist. Can you help?

Yes! Our team is trained to help nervous patients feel at ease, and we offer comfort amenities and sedation options if needed.

Is there parking?

Yes! We offer free parking for all our patients right outside our door.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes! We offer Cherry, Sunbit, and CareCredit financing to make treatment affordable.

What if I need treatment?

If we find an issue, we'll go over all your options, answer your questions, and build a treatment plan that works for you.

Do you see kids for checkups?

Absolutely! We welcome patients ages 5 and up and offer family-friendly care.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes! We accept most major PPO insurance plans, including Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, Delta Dental, MetLife, and more. Our team will check your benefits for you before your visit.

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.

Invisalign

Do I need dental implants for full mouth reconstruction?

Not always. While implants are a popular long-term option, bridges, crowns, or dentures may fit your needs better.

How do I get started with Invisalign?

Schedule a consultation at City Dental Arts in Limerick. We'll evaluate your smile, talk through your goals, and build a personalized treatment plan.

Can I switch to Invisalign if I've had braces before?

Yes, it's a great option if your teeth have shifted since braces and need additional correction.

What happens if I lose an aligner?

Contact our office right away. We may recommend a replacement or advise moving to your next set.

How do I clean my Invisalign aligners?

Rinse and gently brush them with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic.

Will Invisalign affect my speech?

There may be a short adjustment period, but most patients adapt quickly, with any minor changes resolving within a few days.

How often do I need to wear my aligners?

For the best results, wear them at least 20 to 22 hours a day, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss.

Can I eat and drink with Invisalign?

Yes, but remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything besides water, and clean them before putting them back in.

Is Invisalign painful?

You may feel mild pressure when switching to a new tray, but it's typically far less uncomfortable than traditional braces, and usually fades within a few days.

How long does Invisalign treatment take?

Most patients finish in 12 to 18 months, though minor corrections may take less time, depending on severity and how consistently the aligners are worn.

How much does Invisalign cost?

Cost varies based on the complexity of your case. We accept most major insurance plans, which may cover part of treatment, and we offer flexible financing to help make Invisalign affordable.

Veneers

How much do veneers cost?

Cost depends on how many veneers you need and the complexity of your case. We offer flexible financing to help make treatment affordable.

Can I eat normally with veneers?

Yes, though it's best to avoid biting hard objects like ice or pens to prevent damage.

How do I take care of my veneers?

Brush and floss daily, avoid using your teeth as tools, and keep up with regular checkups.

Can I get veneers if I have gum disease?

Your gums need to be healthy first, so any gum disease should be treated before veneers.

Is getting veneers painful?

The procedure is minimally invasive, and local anesthesia keeps you comfortable during preparation.

Do veneers stain over time?

They're highly stain-resistant, though avoiding heavy staining foods like coffee, red wine, and tobacco helps keep them bright.

Will my veneers look natural?

Yes, custom-designed porcelain veneers match the color, shape, and translucency of natural teeth.

Are veneers a permanent treatment?

Yes, since a small layer of enamel is removed for a proper fit, though they're built to last for many years.

How long do porcelain veneers last?

With proper care, typically 10 to 15 years or longer. Good hygiene and regular checkups help extend that lifespan.

Dental Implants

Will my implants look and feel like real teeth?

Yes. Implants are designed to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth for a seamless look and feel.

How do I care for my dental implants?

Care for them like natural teeth: brush twice a day, floss daily, and keep up with regular cleanings and checkups.

Are there any risks with dental implants?

Complications are rare, but as with any procedure there's a small risk of infection or implant failure. Following post-care instructions helps minimize that risk.

Can I still get dental implants if I have bone loss?

Yes, though significant bone loss may require a bone grafting procedure first. Our digital imaging helps us determine if that's needed.

How much do dental implants cost?

Cost depends on how many implants you need and whether additional procedures are required. We offer financing to help make treatment affordable, and we'll walk through a detailed cost breakdown at your consultation.

Are dental implants better than dentures?

Implants offer more stability, comfort, and function, and they help preserve bone health, while dentures can accelerate bone loss over time.

How long does the dental implant process take?

It typically takes three to six months to allow the implant to fuse with the jawbone before the final restoration, though cases involving bone grafting may take longer.

Is the implant procedure painful?

The procedure uses local anesthesia, and most patients feel minimal discomfort. Sedation options are available for extra comfort.

How long do dental implants last?

With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, implants can last a lifetime, unlike dentures or bridges that may eventually need replacing.

Full Mouth Reconstruction

How long does full mouth reconstruction take?

It depends on your treatment plan. Some patients finish in a few months, while others with multiple procedures may need a year or more.

Does insurance cover full mouth reconstruction?

Many restorative treatments, like crowns, implants, and periodontal care, may be partially covered. Our team will help verify your benefits and look at financing options.

Is full mouth reconstruction painful?

We prioritize comfort with local anesthesia and sedation options, and minimally invasive techniques help reduce discomfort and speed up recovery.

Will I need multiple appointments?

Yes, since reconstruction involves multiple steps. Your personalized plan will lay out what to expect.

Can full mouth reconstruction fix TMJ or jaw pain?

Yes, correcting bite misalignment and restoring proper jaw function can significantly reduce TMJ symptoms.

Do I need dental implants for full mouth reconstruction?

Not always. While implants are a popular long-term option, bridges, crowns, or dentures may fit your needs better.

How long do the results last?

With proper care and routine visits, results can last a lifetime.

How will my new teeth look?

Every restoration is custom-designed to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth.

Can I eat normally during the process?

Some temporary adjustments may be needed after certain procedures, but most patients return to normal eating within a few days.

Teeth Whitening

Are over-the-counter whitening kits effective?

They offer limited, sometimes uneven results. Professional whitening is stronger, safer, and longer-lasting.

How often should I whiten my teeth?

Most patients touch up every 12 to 18 months.

Can I eat or drink after teeth whitening?

Avoid dark foods and drinks like coffee, red wine, and berries for the first 24 to 48 hours to prevent re-staining.

How much whiter will my teeth get?

Most patients see several shades of improvement, depending on the type and severity of their stains.

Can I whiten my teeth if I have crowns or veneers?

Whitening only works on natural enamel, so crowns, veneers, and fillings won't lighten along with your teeth.

Will teeth whitening cause sensitivity?

Some patients notice mild, temporary sensitivity, but our formula is designed to minimize discomfort.

How long do whitening results last?

With proper care, results can last six months to a year or more.

Is professional teeth whitening safe?

Yes, our dentist-supervised treatments use enamel-safe whitening agents.

How long does professional teeth whitening take?

Most treatments take 60 to 90 minutes, with noticeable results in a single visit.

Emergency Dentistry

Can an emergency visit prevent tooth loss?

Yes, getting care quickly can often save a tooth and prevent the need for extraction or more extensive treatment.

Do you offer sedation for emergency procedures?

Yes, we offer local anesthesia and sedation options for patients with dental anxiety or more complex procedures.

What is considered a true dental emergency?

Severe pain, swelling, infection, bleeding, or a knocked-out tooth all count as urgent. Call us right away for guidance.

Can I go to the ER for a dental emergency?

Hospital ERs don't provide dental treatment, though they may offer pain medication. A dentist is the best option for actually treating the problem.

What should I do if I knock out a tooth?

Try placing it back in the socket without touching the root. If that's not possible, store it in milk or saliva and come in immediately.

How soon can I be seen for a dental emergency?

We offer same-day emergency appointments and do our best to see patients as soon as possible. Call right away for availability.

What if I don't have dental insurance?

We offer flexible financing through Cherry, Sunbit, and CareCredit to make emergency care affordable.

Do you accept dental insurance for emergency visits?

Yes, we accept most major insurance plans, including Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, Delta Dental, MetLife, and more. Our team will help verify your benefits.

(484) 768-0424