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Composite Fillings vs. Amalgams: The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings

December 28, 2014

For more than 150 years, tooth decay and other types of
dental damage were treated with an amalgam of metals, including silver,
mercury, copper, tin, and other trace elements. While these types of fillings,
commonly called amalgams, were
sufficient for restoring damaged teeth, they came with a number of drawbacks.
Today, composite resin fillings (often called white fillings or tooth-colored fillings) are the
preferred restorative method for teeth that have succumbed to cavities, minor
cracks, and injury. At Smile by
Design
in Virginia
Beach, VA
, Dr.
Stephanie Santos and Dr. Vinita Folck
offer a variety of natural-looking,
long-lasting restorative
dentistry options
, including tooth-colored
fillings
.
Why Choose
Tooth-Colored Fillings?

Tooth-colored
fillings
have rapidly become the restoration method preferred by both
patients and dentists for a variety of reasons. One of the most obvious is
their aesthetic appeal and their ability to blend seamlessly with the enamel of
a patient’s natural dentition. While amalgam
fillings
are dark and shiny, composite
resin fillings
are carefully color-matched to the surrounding tooth
structure. The result is a beautifully restored smile that looks completely
natural.
The benefits of tooth-colored
fillings
extend far beyond their cosmetic appeal. While the metals in amalgam fillings cause them to
adversely react to extreme temperatures, composite
resins
maintain their original shape and size for improved stability over
time. You don’t have to worry about the strength of the seals between your
fillings and your teeth, and there’s no risk of leaking or microfractures as
there can be with amalgams. In
addition, tooth-colored fillings are
more conservative than their metal counterparts. This means that less of your
natural tooth must be removed in preparation for a tooth-colored filling as compared to a metal filling. As with all of our cosmetic and restorative
services, we will do everything we can to preserve as much of your natural
smile as possible while offering the most effective treatments available.
A
Healthier, More Natural Smile

If you currently have amalgam
fillings
and you’re interested in the possibilities afforded by composite resin fillings, we invite you
to contact us today
to schedule an appointment with Drs.
Folck and Santos
at Smile by Design.
Our advanced technology, comforting amenities, and years of experience have
made our practice the premier destination for dental care in Virginia Beach, VA. We look forward to
helping you and every member of your family achieve lasting oral health and
beautiful smiles for life. Our warm, welcoming dental office proudly serves
families from throughout Virginia Beach,
Sandbridge, Fort Story, Norfolk, Portsmouth,
and beyond. 

What is Halitosis? Bad Breath Treatment in Virginia Beach, VA

December 15, 2014

More commonly known as bad breath, halitosis is a condition
that affects approximately 80 million people on a daily basis. Sufferers of
chronic halitosis find that their
condition negatively impacts their daily lives, leading to embarrassing social
interactions and extreme self-consciousness. At Smile by Design in Virginia Beach, VA, Dr. Santos
and Dr. Folck
offer a comprehensive range of general and family
dentistry services
, including diagnosis and management of chronic bad breath.

Causes and
Treatment for Bad Breath

While nearly everyone experiences bad breath after consuming certain foods – including onions,
garlic, and dairy products – chronic
halitosis
is caused by accumulation of volatile sulfur compounds, or VSCs,
on the tongue near the back of the mouth. These compounds are the result of
countless bacteria in the mouth and can often be difficult to eliminate with
regular home hygiene. If periodontal disease (a common cause of bad breath) is present, the infection
must be treated in order to prevent further gum damage. Our doctors offer
customized periodontal therapy treatment
plans to help patients suffering from this common condition, thereby improving
their oral health and stopping halitosis
in its tracks.
Chronic
halitosis
is most effectively treated at your dentist’s office, but
there are some things you can do at home until you are able to schedule an
appointment at Smile by Design. Brush
and floss at least twice per day, and rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash
each time. Use a tongue scraper to remove as much bacterial buildup as
possible, and try to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the
day. Sugar-free gums and mints can help to alleviate bad breath following snacks and meals. Drs. Santos and Folck are happy to discuss your concerns and
expectations regarding treatment so that we can develop a plan that best suits
your needs and lifestyle.
Schedule
Your Visit Today

Don’t spend even one more day worrying that your persistent bad breath is noticeable or offensive
to others. Contact our
office
in Virginia Beach, VA
today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Folck, Dr. Santos, and our friendly, experience team. Our
state-of-the-art technology and genuinely caring approach make our practice
your premier destination for general and
family dentistry solutions
in the Virginia
Beach
area. We are also happy to serve communities in the surrounding areas
of Portsmouth, Sandbridge, Norfolk, Fort
Story,
and beyond. We look forward to becoming your trusted partners in
your journey toward fresher breath and a healthier smile overall.