Frequently Asked Questions

A typical checkup, including cleaning and X-rays, takes about an hour.

No, dental checkups are generally painless. We use gentle techniques to ensure your comfort.

Skipping checkups can lead to undetected cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Regular visits help prevent costly treatments.

Brush and floss before your appointment, and bring any necessary insurance information.

Most PPO insurance plans cover routine checkups. We can help verify your coverage before your visit.

Treatment length varies by individual, but most patients complete their Invisalign journey in 12 to 18 months.

You may feel slight pressure when starting a new set of aligners, which is a sign that your teeth are shifting. However, the discomfort is typically minimal and temporary.

For best results, wear your aligners for at least 20-22 hours a day. Consistency is key to achieving the desired outcome.

You should remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. This prevents staining and damage to the aligners.

Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water and gently brush them using a soft toothbrush. Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the plastic.

Regular checkups are typically scheduled every 6-8 weeks to ensure your treatment is progressing as planned.

Yes! Invisalign works well for both teens and adults. Dr. Rider will assess whether Invisalign is the right solution based on your specific orthodontic needs.

If you lose or damage an aligner, contact Pierpont Dental immediately. We’ll provide guidance on whether to move on to the next set or replace the lost aligner.

In many cases, Invisalign can address complex alignment problems. However, for severe cases, traditional orthodontics may be recommended. Dr. Rider will guide you on the best treatment option during your consultation.

The cost of Invisalign varies depending on the complexity of your treatment. We offer flexible payment plans and accept most PPO insurance plans to help make Invisalign more affordable.

With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. Regular checkups and good oral hygiene are key to their longevity.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during the placement. Some mild discomfort is normal during recovery, but it can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

The process typically takes 3-6 months, depending on how long the implant needs to heal and integrate with the jawbone before the final restoration is placed.

Gum disease needs to be treated before implants can be placed. Dr. Rider can assess your condition and recommend the best course of action.

While some insurance plans may cover part of the cost, coverage varies. Our team can help you understand your benefits and explore financing options.

Caring for implants is similar to caring for natural teeth—brush twice daily, floss regularly, and visit your dentist for routine checkups.

Yes, implants can support bridges or dentures to replace multiple missing teeth.

Absolutely. The crowns, bridges, or dentures attached to implants are custom-made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth.

If you don’t have sufficient bone density, Dr. Rider may recommend a bone graft to create a stable foundation for the implants.

Yes, dental implants are a safe and well-established treatment with a high success rate when placed by an experienced dentist.

With proper care, veneers can last between 10 and 15 years. Regular dental checkups and a good oral hygiene routine help extend their lifespan.

Yes! Each veneer is custom-designed to match the shape, size, and color of your surrounding teeth for a seamless, natural look.

Since a small amount of enamel is removed, veneers are considered a permanent treatment. However, we ensure you’re fully comfortable with your decision before proceeding.

Caring for veneers is simple: brush and floss daily, avoid biting hard objects, and visit us regularly for checkups.

Veneers are commonly used on front teeth, but they can also be applied to other visible teeth depending on your aesthetic goals.

For minor misalignment, veneers can improve the appearance of crooked teeth. However, more severe cases may require orthodontic treatment.

It depends on your smile goals. Some patients only need a few veneers to correct specific teeth, while others opt for a full set to achieve a complete smile makeover.

Porcelain veneers are highly resistant to stains, meaning they’ll stay bright even with regular coffee or wine consumption.

The process typically takes two to three visits over a few weeks, depending on your case.

Veneers are usually considered a cosmetic procedure and may not be covered by insurance. We offer flexible financing to make treatment more affordable.

With good oral hygiene and avoiding stain-causing foods and drinks, professional teeth whitening results can last up to a year or more.

Yes, professional whitening is safe when performed by a dental professional. We use high-quality products and techniques to minimize sensitivity and protect your enamel.

Most patients experience a whitening improvement of 5-7 shades, depending on the level of discoloration before treatment.

Teeth whitening is only effective on natural teeth. Crowns, veneers, and other restorations will not change color.

You’ll see noticeable results immediately after your in-office whitening session.

Some patients may experience temporary sensitivity after whitening. This usually subsides within a few days.

Yes! We offer whitening options specifically designed for patients with sensitive teeth to ensure a comfortable experience.

We recommend professional whitening once a year or as needed for touch-ups, depending on your lifestyle and oral care routine.

Avoid dark-colored foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and berries, for at least 24-48 hours after whitening.

Yes! We provide custom take-home whitening kits for patients who prefer to whiten their teeth at their convenience.

A dental emergency includes severe pain, infection, bleeding, or a broken or knocked-out tooth that requires immediate care.

Severe or persistent toothaches should be addressed promptly, as they could indicate an infection or decay that may worsen without treatment.

It’s important to act quickly. If possible, get to our office within 30 minutes to increase the chances of saving the tooth.

While we prioritize same-day appointments, calling ahead helps us prepare and ensure prompt attention.

Keep the affected area clean and avoid chewing on that side. Contact us as soon as possible to schedule a repair.

Many PPO insurance plans cover emergency dental care. Our team can help verify your coverage and provide an estimate.

We provide emergency dental care for patients of all ages, including children. Contact us right away for guidance and care.

Regular checkups, wearing a mouthguard during sports, and avoiding chewing hard objects can help reduce the risk of dental emergencies.

Yes, we offer sedation options to help anxious patients stay comfortable during emergency procedures.