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Dentistry for Life

Cosmetic-led Center City practice at 16th and Walnut, with 7 a.m. weekday starts.

Closed
(215) 575-0550WebsiteUpdated Sep 1, 2026

About Dentistry for Life

Twelve floors up at 1601 Walnut Street, on the corner of 16th and Walnut, Dentistry for Life is a Center City Philadelphia general practice with a cosmetic centre of gravity. Dr. Kunal Parikh and Dr. Kimmie Patel run it, and the address, a block from Rittenhouse Square and a short walk from the Walnut-Locust and Suburban Station transit stops, points straight at the clientele: Center City employees who would sooner claim a 7:00 a.m. slot than surrender half a working afternoon. The suite sits inside an office tower rather than behind a street-level shopfront, which means the lobby and the lift add time to every arrival; budget for that on a first visit.

Smile design is the signature service. In practice that means the shape, length and colour of the front teeth are planned photographically before anything is prepared, using digital smile design, so you and the dentist are agreeing on a target instead of hoping. Porcelain veneers are the usual delivery mechanism: a thin ceramic facing bonded to the front of a tooth after a small amount of enamel is reduced. It is a permanent commitment, because the reduced enamel does not grow back and veneers eventually need replacing. Where the underlying teeth are heavily restored or broken, crowns rather than veneers are the honest answer.

The practice also places implants and restores full arches, including All-on-4 and implant-retained overdentures, and covers the ordinary work that keeps a mouth going: cleanings, crowns, bridges, root canals, wisdom tooth removal and Invisalign. Laser dentistry and oral cancer screening form part of the routine exam. Sedation runs from oral medication to twilight sedation, which is the practical answer for people who have avoided dentistry for years and cannot sit through a long appointment otherwise.

Whitening is offered too, with one caveat worth knowing before you pay for it: bleach lightens natural enamel and dentine only. Existing crowns, veneers and white fillings stay exactly the colour they were made, which is why whitening usually comes before cosmetic work rather than after. Hours are 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, with no weekend cover.

Dr. Kunal Parikh and Dr. Kimmie Patel run a twelfth-floor practice at 1601 Walnut Street, a block from Rittenhouse Square. The focus is cosmetic, from digital smile design and porcelain veneers to smile makeovers and whitening, supported by full general dentistry: crowns, bridges, root canals, wisdom tooth removal and Invisalign. Implants, All-on-4 and implant-retained overdentures are placed and restored in-house, and oral or twilight sedation is available for anxious patients. Doors open at 7:00 a.m. Monday through Thursday.

Clinic Details

Best Known For

Cosmetic Dentistry, Porcelain Veneers, Dental Implants, Sedation Dentistry

Business Hours

Monday
7:00 AM4:00 PM
Tuesday(Today)
7:00 AM4:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM4:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM2:00 PM
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an appointment before work?
Yes. The practice opens at 7:00 a.m. Monday through Thursday, which is unusual for a Center City office and the main reason a lot of patients pick it. Friday runs from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and there are no weekend hours. The suite is on the twelfth floor at 1601 Walnut Street, so if you are squeezing an early appointment in around a meeting, allow a few minutes for the lobby and lift.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
With careful home care and no heavy grinding, veneers commonly last a decade or considerably longer, but they are a maintained restoration rather than a permanent fix. The bonded margin at the gum line is the usual point of failure, and a night guard makes a real difference if you clench. Because enamel is removed to fit them, replacing a veneer is the only option once it fails; you cannot return to the original tooth.
What sedation is available if I am very anxious?
The practice offers sedation ranging from oral medication that takes the edge off to twilight sedation, where you are drowsy and largely unaware of the procedure while still breathing on your own. It is genuinely useful for long appointments and for people who have avoided treatment for years. You will need someone to take you home afterwards, and your medical history and current medications are reviewed first to decide which option is appropriate.

Location

Services Offered

Dental ImplantsBone GraftingOral SurgeryFull Mouth RehabilitationDental CrownsRoot Canal TreatmentEmergency DentistryInvisalignVeneersDentures

Reviews

729 reviews

Smyleee Rating reflects verified profile signals, reviews, and overall care quality.

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Recent Reviews

P
P***2 months ago

It seems that they don’t need more customers. I tried to make an appointment twice, but they can never book it on the spot. They rather say, they will call back. First time they called next day, when I couldn’t pick up, and didn’t leave any message.Tried calling them back with no success. Second time reaching out, again claimed to intend on calling me back to schedule the appointment, but never did. Strangest experience ever and, frankly, rather disrespectful.

M
M***4 months ago

Best dentist in the city! Friendly, great technology, well priced, & very clean. I also did Invisalign with them. Great results with the best team, fast! Zoom to white teeth is a must. Ask for prescription toothpaste two weeks prior to help with the sensitivity.

J
J***4 months ago

They office is very clean and the staff is very professional.

M
M***5 months ago

I had to come in for a deep scaling cleaning with Rebecca and she is just extremely good at what she does. I've gotten my fair share of regulat cleanings as well as deep cleanings and the experience with her was simply so much better. From the very beginning she went out of her way to ensure that I didn't experience any pain and then she proceeded to do the most thorough cleaning I've ever received. She informed me of so much information that I was basically left with no questions to ask. As someone that sometimes put off these type of deep cleanings, she sets the bar so high that I actually want to come back. Just incredible.

B
B***5 months ago

I’ve been coming here for the past two years for my dentist appointment and have not left disappointed, confused nor nervous about a procedure. They provide a high quality service and greet you with respect, professionalism and gentleness. The past few times Phoenix has taken care of me, and makes sure I leave every appointment with all my questions answered and is very gentle and considerate when performing any procedures. As it is located in center city the only downside is that it can be tough to fond parking nearby.

T
T***5 months ago

I had an amazing experience with the entire team—Aishah, Phoenix, Hadeer, Dr. Patel, and Melina. From the moment I walked in, they made me feel welcomed and comfortable. Everyone was extremely kind, patient, and professional, and they took the time to explain everything about my dental health and Invisalign treatment so I felt confident in the process. You can really tell this team cares about their patients and takes pride in what they do. The atmosphere is warm, positive, and very professional. I truly appreciate the level of care and attention they gave me. I would highly recommend this office to anyone looking for a trustworthy and friendly dental team. You will definitely be in amazing hands here!

N
N***7 months ago

Friendly staff, quality work, and affordable. They also check in regularly before doing stuff to make sure you’re comfortable/not stressed. They do schedule out quite a bit (and have limited business hours/days) so it can be hard to get a non-emergency appointment, but if you do have an emergency pop up they get you right in.

A
A***7 months ago

Dentistry For Life has made any worries regarding my oral hygiene disappear!! When I first started my treatment, I was a bit nervous due to issues with previous dental offices, but the staff made sure I was comfortable and was beyond patient with me. As a college student, it can be difficult to fit self care into your schedule but DFL was always communicative about openings and solutions to get me seen.The atmosphere is welcoming and warm even on the coldest days and the nature videos played on the tvs will forever make my experiences better! There’s no other place I’d recommend! 🫂☺️ Wishing the staff nothing but the best, Aamiyah

Reviews are aggregated from public sources.

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