FAQ

Dental Checkups

How can I maintain my dental health between visits?

We provide personalized home care instructions and product recommendations based on your specific needs.

Can I get X-rays if I'm pregnant?

We use low-radiation digital X-rays and protective equipment, but always consult with your physician regarding X-rays during pregnancy.

What if I haven't been to a dentist in years?

We welcome patients returning to dental care and provide judgment-free, supportive treatment to restore your oral health.

Do you see children?

Yes! We provide family-friendly care for patients of all ages, creating positive dental experiences for children.

How long does a checkup take?

A typical checkup takes about 60 minutes, though first visits may be longer to allow for complete examination and history review.

Will the cleaning hurt?

Our gentle approach and modern tools make cleanings comfortable. For sensitive patients, we offer numbing options.

What if you find a problem during my checkup?

We'll explain our findings clearly and discuss all treatment options, including costs and timing, before proceeding with any treatment.

Does dental insurance cover checkups?

Most dental insurance plans cover preventive care, including regular checkups and cleanings. We'll verify your coverage before treatment.

How often should I get dental checkups?

We recommend visits every six months for most patients, though some may need more frequent care based on their oral health needs.

What if I have dental anxiety?

We offer various comfort options, including sedation dentistry, to help anxious patients receive necessary care comfortably.

Invisalign

How much does Invisalign cost?

Treatment costs vary based on complexity. We offer flexible payment plans starting at $130/month to make treatment affordable.

How do I clean my aligners?

We provide detailed care instructions and cleaning products to keep your aligners clear and fresh.

What happens after treatment?

You'll receive retainers to maintain your new smile, with ongoing support from our team.

What if I've had braces before?

Invisalign can effectively treat teeth that have shifted after previous orthodontic treatment.

Am I too old for Invisalign?

No! Invisalign works for adults of all ages. Many of our patients are professionals seeking discrete treatment.

Will Invisalign affect my speech?

Most patients experience minimal speech changes that resolve within a few days of starting treatment.

How often do I need appointments?

Check-ins are typically every 6-8 weeks, much less frequent than with traditional braces.

Can I eat normally with Invisalign?

Yes! Simply remove your aligners to eat and drink, then clean your teeth before putting them back in.

Does Invisalign hurt?

While you may feel slight pressure when starting new aligners, it's typically much more comfortable than traditional braces.

How long does Invisalign treatment take?

Treatment typically takes 12-18 months, though many patients see results sooner. Your specific timeline depends on your individual needs.

Veneers

How do I care for veneers?

Basic oral hygiene and regular dental visits keep veneers looking beautiful. No special maintenance is required.

How quickly can I get porcelain veneers?

The process typically takes 2-3 visits over a few weeks, though timing varies by case.

Are porcelain veneers reversible?

Traditional porcelain veneers require minor tooth preparation and are considered permanent. No-prep options may be reversible.

What if I grind my teeth?

We can provide a night guard to protect your veneers if you have bruxism (teeth grinding).

Can I still eat normally with veneers?

Yes! Once bonded, veneers function just like natural teeth. You can enjoy your favorite foods with confidence.

How many veneers will I need?

This varies by patient. We typically recommend treating visible teeth in sets to ensure a uniform appearance.

Can veneers stain?

Porcelain veneers are highly resistant to staining, maintaining their bright appearance for years.

Is the procedure painful?

Most patients experience minimal discomfort. The process is conservative and typically requires little to no anesthesia.

Will veneers look natural?

Yes! Veneers are designed to mimic natural tooth enamel in both appearance and light reflection.

How long do veneers last?

With proper care, porcelain veneers typically last 15-20 years or longer.

Dental Implants

How soon can I eat normally?

You'll follow a soft diet initially, progressing to normal foods as healing occurs. Full function typically returns within a few months.

How do I care for dental implants?

Basic oral hygiene – brushing, flossing, and regular checkups – keeps implants healthy.

Can implants fail?

The success rate exceeds 98% with proper care and placement by an experienced provider like Dr. Liao.

Can I get implants if I've had bone loss?

Yes! We offer bone grafting solutions to create a strong foundation for implants.

What's the difference between implants and bridges?

Implants replace the entire tooth structure and preserve bone health, while bridges rely on adjacent teeth for support.

Will insurance cover dental implants?

Many insurance plans provide partial coverage. Our team will help maximize your benefits and explain all costs upfront.

How long is the recovery period?

Most patients return to normal activities within a few days. Complete healing takes 3-6 months.

How long do dental implants last?

With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. The crown may need replacement after 10-15 years.

Is the procedure painful?

Most patients report minimal discomfort. We offer sedation options and precise techniques for comfortable treatment.

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

Most adults with missing teeth are candidates. We'll assess your bone density and overall health during your free consultation.

Teeth Whitening

Will insurance cover teeth whitening?

While cosmetic procedures typically aren't covered, we offer flexible payment options to make treatment affordable.

How do I maintain my results?

Simple periodic at-home maintenance with custom trays keeps your smile bright indefinitely.

Can I eat normally after whitening treatment?

We recommend avoiding staining foods/beverages for 48 hours after treatment for optimal results.

How is KöR different from store products?

KöR's refrigerated formulation and sealed delivery system maintain maximum effectiveness, producing superior results.

Is KöR teeth whitening safe?

Yes\\! KöR is extensively tested and proven safe for teeth and gums when professionally administered.

How soon will I see results?

Many patients notice improvement after their first in-office session, with full results developing over 2-3 weeks.

Will I experience sensitivity?

KöR's formulation minimizes sensitivity. Most patients report little to no discomfort during or after treatment.

How white will my teeth get?

Results vary, but most patients see a 6-8 shade improvement. Even tetracycline-stained teeth typically lighten significantly.

Can I whiten crowned or bonded teeth?

While restorations won't whiten, we can help you plan treatment to ensure a uniform smile appearance.

How long does KöR whitening last?

With proper maintenance, results are permanent, though periodic touch-ups help maintain optimal brightness.

Emergency Dentistry

What if I have dental anxiety?

We offer sedation options and a gentle approach to help anxious patients receive necessary emergency care.

Should I go to the ER or dentist?

Unless you have facial trauma or breathing difficulties, a dental office is better equipped for oral emergencies.

What if I need follow-up care?

We'll create a comprehensive treatment plan and schedule any necessary follow-up appointments.

What should I do if a tooth is knocked out?

Keep the tooth moist in milk or saliva and get to our office within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving it.

Is emergency care covered by insurance?

Most dental insurance plans provide coverage for emergency treatment. We'll help maximize your benefits.

How quickly can I be seen?

We offer same-day appointments for true emergencies, often seeing patients within hours of their call.

Can I prevent dental emergencies?

Regular checkups, protective mouthguards, and avoiding hard foods help prevent many emergencies.

Will emergency treatment be painful?

Your comfort is our priority. We offer various pain management options, including sedation if needed.

What if my emergency occurs after hours?

Call our emergency line for guidance and, if needed, we'll arrange prompt care.

What constitutes a dental emergency?

Severe pain, swelling, bleeding, knocked-out teeth, or any condition causing significant discomfort requires immediate attention.