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Insurance benefits reset for January, come in for your checkup!

January 14, 2016

family dentistry virginia beachAs your trusted family dentistry practice in Virginia Beach, we hate seeing patients use up all their dental insurance benefits at the end of the year before completing the oral care they need. We firmly believe that excellent dental care shouldn’t be limited by a list of rules and requirements. But when January rolls around, we love to bring the good news that most dental insurance plans have reset their benefits for the year! If you’re in need of dental care, take advantage of the new year and your new benefits and schedule your appointment at Smile by Design today!

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Restore Damaged Smiles with CEREC Virginia Beach

November 16, 2015

a woman with a beautiful smile thanks to the CEREC virginia beach residents preferIf you’ve ever had a crown, inlay, onlay, or other dental restoration you’re likely aware that traditional dental restorations require at least two appointments. During the first visit, patients’ teeth are prepared, and impressions taken that are used by a lab to create a custom smile restoration. In the meantime, patients wear a temporary restoration. During a subsequent appointment several weeks later, patients receive their final dental restoration. At Smile by Design, we offer patients CEREC, the single-visit smile restoration alternative.
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Tooth Loss: Common Causes from Virginia Beach Dentist

September 24, 2015

Father and daughter smiling with missing teeth. Get tooth loss facts from your Virginia Beach Dentist.However it happens, losing teeth is always a traumatizing experience. Gaps in your smile negatively affect more than your confidence — they can also interfere with the way you speak, eat and chew. The key to avoiding tooth loss is knowing why it happens, and what you can do to stop it. Keep reading to learn about the top four causes of tooth loss from the Virginia Beach dentist you trust at Smile By Design.
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All About Dental Implants Virginia Beach Prefers

September 4, 2015

Smiling woman with beautiful dental restoration with the dental implants Virginia Beach trustsMissing teeth happen for a number of reasons. It could be genes — maybe your mother gave you her knack for tennis, but she could have also given you a few gaps in your mouth. Or perhaps your missing teeth were the result of a traumatic accident, like a car wreck. Whatever caused those gaps in your smile, one thing is for sure — you’ve got to get them fixed. Did you know that nothing comes closer to a natural tooth replacement than dental implants? Today, learn how your Virginia Beach dentist can help you complete your smile with dental implants.
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Be Sure to Come In For a Checkup When You’re Pregnant

August 24, 2015

Filed under: Family Dentist — Tags: , , , — smilebydesignteam @ 3:21 pm

Seek dental assistance whenever you are pregnant. Having a child is a life-changing moment. During pregnancy, there are a lot of things to think about. “How am I going to decorate the baby’s room?”, “How big should the crib be?”, “How many bibs do I need to buy?” – all of these are common questions that new parents ask themselves. A to-do list can become overwhelming during a pregnancy which can often lead to stress. Stress is the last thing you should be worrying about during a pregnancy. This is a happy time for you and your future family.

One item that should be on your to-do list is a dental checkup at our office in Virginia Beach, VA. The link between your oral health and overall health is strong. If you’re experiencing dental issues that have gone untreated, it can complicate how the rest of your health operates. This is bad news for you and your bundle of joy. Keeping your mouth healthy will in turn keep your overall health operating smoothly. Our dental team can provide a comfortable and relaxing environment for our mothers-to-be. If you’re looking for the best family dentists, Virginia Beach knows who to turn to; Dr. Santos and Dr. Folck.
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How Do I Handle A Dental Emergency?

July 27, 2015

ThinkstockPhotos-466619289An emergency is serious business. It that shouldn’t be taken lightly. It doesn’t matter why, how or when one arises; you have to act swiftly. When it comes to a dental emergency, time is of the essence. It’s the difference between saving a tooth and having it replaced. A dental emergency can happen in many different ways and can be a scary experience for the affected person. We’re here to calm any fears you may have. Virginia Beach dentists, Dr. Stephanie Santos and Dr. Vinita Folck, want you to act accordingly, yet quickly, when a dental emergency arises. Our staff in Virginia Beach, VA is ready to help in any way we can. When it comes to dental emergencies, the dental office Virginia Beach calls on is Smile By Design.

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The Importance of Maintaining Good Dental Habits from Your Virginia Beach Dental Office

July 24, 2015

surprised beautiful young woman talking on the phone

About 100 years ago, almost no one brushed their teeth. When men in the US were drafted for WWI, poor oral hygiene was considered a risk to national security, and during WWII, more recruits received medical rejection from military services because they didn’t have enough teeth than for any other medical condition.  Maybe this seems like the distant past, but today, more people own smartphones than own toothbrushes and periodontal disease effects nearly 80% of US adults easily qualifying as an epidemic. Oral health has a long history of neglect. Despite the best efforts of dental professionals, most people don’t spend enough time caring for their smiles, but in the past 30 years, a significant shift has occurred in dentistry to help improve dental health. Previously, dentists focused on treatment and replacement. Today, we focus on prevention and restoration. At Smile by Design, we don’t treat your dental issues after they arise we prevent them, and if our preventive measures fail, we don’t extract and replace your teeth, we always try to restore them. It’s a whole new dental world, but without your commitment to oral health between visits, your teeth remain at risk. Call the Virginia Beach, VA dental practice of Drs. Stephanie L. Santos and Vinita John Folck to find out more about oral health or schedule an appointment today.

Essential Family Dentistry Virginia Beach Relies On

In order to maintain optimal oral health, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that, at minimum, people brush their teeth for 2 minutes 2 times a day, floss between teeth and below the gum line at least once per day, and receive a regular dental examination and cleaning every six months. That’s the foundation for a lifetime of oral health, but many patients are surprised to hear that their oral health is closely related to their overall physical wellbeing. Remember that 80% of US adults suffer from some form of periodontal (gum) disease? Gum disease has been linked to numerous systemic and chronic illnesses including:

Cardiovascular disease – Oral bacteria causes infection and inflammation in the mouth. This infection and inflammation can spread throughout your body in your bloodstream. Fatty plaque deposits or other blood cell irregularities make it difficult for your heart to pump blood into the rest of your body which can lead to blood clots, stroke, and atrial fibrillation.

Infection of heart, lungs and liver – Endocarditis, walking pneumonia, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease have all been linked to gum disease as a possible source or at the very least an indicator. While research hasn’t discovered a causal connection, the likelihood that patients with one of these illnesses will also suffer from gum disease is more than 50%.

Immunodeficiency – Patients with diabetes, HIV/AIDS and other diseases that affect the immune system are extremely susceptible to gum disease.

Low weight and pre-term birth – A study of periodontitis (severe gum disease) developed from “pregnancy gingivitis” (common form of mild gum disease in pregnant women), has linked periodontal disease to low weight and pre-term birth. Women with periodontitis are 50% more likely to deliver early or underdeveloped babies.

Contact Your Family Dentist, Virginia Beach

There’s no need to dread your next dental checkup. You should look forward to the opportunity to improve your oral health, and overall wellbeing. Drs. Santos and Folck and the entire Smile by Design team are dedicated to making you feel right at home because we do! Our staff loves coming to work every day, and our patients know it. Happiness is contagious, and we guarantee you’ll smile through your entire appointment. Call to schedule a checkup or teeth cleaning today. Our convenient, Virginia Beach, VA office welcomes patients from surrounding areas Virginia Beach, Northeast Virginia Beach, Fort Story, Sand Bridge and beyond.

Your Virginia Beach Cosmetic Dentist

July 6, 2015

Beautiful woman smiling, close up over a dark  background

If a picture can say a thousand words, shouldn’t your picture say something great? If you’re hiding a crooked or gapped smile, your pictures may be sending the wrong message. Whatever reason you have for hiding your smile, the amazing Smile by Design teeth can help you get the smile you’ve always wanted. Stop hiding your smile irregularities, and start smiling with confidence today. Call our convenient Virginia Beach, VA office to schedule an appointment.

Cosmetic Dentistry Virginia Beach

When you here cosmetic dentistry does it bring to mind the glossy magazine smiles or movie star grins you’ve always wanted? Do you cover your mouth when you smile, laugh or talk even with friends and family? At Smile by Design, our name says it all. Dr. Stephanie Santos and Dr. Vinita John Folck are experienced cosmetic dentists who offer a wide array of dental treatment options to make any smile beautiful. Whatever reason you have for wanting to make a change, we can help you design a picture-perfect smile that will help you look and feel your very best. Our full line of cosmetic dentistry services include:

Teeth Whitening – Like many dental offices we offer the powerful Zoom! whitening treatments. In just over an hour, your teeth will be up to 10 shades brighter. Zoom! whitening with proper maintenance can last for years, and we will offer you at-home touch up treatments with custom fitted application trays to ensure a long lasting radiant smile.

Porcelain Veneers – If you want a minimally invasive way to restore your smile, porcelain veneers are a great way to cover cracked, missing, discolored, or irregular spaced teeth. Veneers are especially useful for patients who are not healthy enough for extensive restoration.

Invisalign – Patients who didn’t have braces when they were young adults and don’t want to wear a mouth full of metal to their next staff meeting, often just accept that they’ll have smile irregularities forever. Invisalign clear braces offer a faster way to straighten your bite alignment, and thanks to the clear alignment trays, no one needs to know.

Tooth Colored Crowns and Fillings – When your tooth is damaged by trauma or decay, the last thing you want is unsightly amalgam fillings and crowns. While your smile function is restored, it certainly doesn’t look much better. At Smile by Design we offer tooth colored fillings and crowns to restore the esthetics of your smile as well as the form of your tooth, and our CEREC same day crowns make it quick and easy to put a smile back on your face.

Makeover Your Smile

If you have extensive dental trauma, missing teeth, or tooth decay, you may want to receive multiple treatments to restore the natural beauty of your smile. Dr.s Santos and Folck will work with you to design a smile makeover plan that will give you the results you want in your budget, on your schedule. Don’t spend one more day hiding your smile. Let Smile by Design give you a reason to smile today.

Contact Your Virginia Beach Dentists

Whether you have crooked, cracked or missing teeth, or just want to whiten your teeth for a radiant smile, Smile by Design is here to help you achieve the smile of you dreams. Don’t accept the smile you have, let us give you the smile you want. Call to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation today. Our outstanding cosmetic dentistry services are available to patients in Virginia Beach, Northeast Virginia Beach, Fort Story, Sand Bridge and beyond.

Family Dentist, Virginia Beach, VA

June 6, 2015

Attractive young family smiling at camera on bed posing

The convenience of one-stop-shopping and the quality service offered in a specialty store is what you’ll find when you bring your family to Smile by Design. In Virginia Beach, VA, our practice is known for its fun, friendly atmosphere. Dr. Stephanie Santos is passionate about helping patients overcome dental anxiety, and Dr. Vinita John Folck things the practice feels like family and she treats her patients like they’re a part of it. Our regular patients often report looking forward to their checkups, and our superior care extends to patients of all ages. Starting at age 2, we welcome patients to visit every six months and experience dentistry that puts your comfort first. Call to schedule appointments for the whole family today.

Top-Notch Virginia Beach Dentists

The Smile by Design team loves to laugh and strives to make every dental appointment an anxiety free zone. Our skilled dentists, Dr.s Santos and Folck offer the best care for patients of all ages using the most up-to-date dental technology. We offer Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics or CEREC. This technology makes it possible for our office to offer patients a custom milled crown in just one visit. Our whole team is dedicated to continuing education in order to ensure the most innovative care for your whole family.

Children’s Dentistry

When it comes to dentistry, one size does not fit all. This is especially true when it comes to care for little smiles, and at Smile by Design, we know how to care for your child and establish a foundation for a lifetime of superior dental health. We recommend scheduling appointments every six months starting at age two. Your child will have baby teeth coming in and be able to comfortably sit for an examination. However, if you are concerned about dental development prior to age two, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with our children’s dentistry office.

During the first few dental visits, we want to build trust and make your child feel safe and welcome in our office. That’s why we offer tours so our littles patients can get used to the sights and sounds of the office. Once they feel safe and relaxed, we’ll gently examine your child’s baby teeth, provide feedback about any concerns, and offer recommendations for at home care. Once your child is old enough to begin brushing, we’ll show him how to brush and floss effectively.

Experience Great Family Dentistry, Virginia Beach, VA

Whatever your dental care needs or the size of your family, Smile by Design offers dental care to make you smile. If you’ve struggled with dental anxiety, our doctors are dedicated to making every patient comfortable. We want you to look forward to your dental checkups, and at Smile by Design, we think you will. Call to schedule an appointment today. Our state-of-the-art Virginia Beach location welcomes patients from surrounding communities including Fort Story, and Northeast Virginia Beach.

Kids, Candy and Cavities: The Case for Children’s Dentistry

October 15, 2014

For kids, Halloween is nothing but fun. Costumes,
candy, games and parties. For parents and the other people who care about kids,
Halloween can raise a few concerns. Of course, you take every precaution to
make sure your children are safe on that night of trick-or-treating. But how
about protecting their teeth? This is the perfect time of year to be mindful of
your children’s oral health. Dr. Stephanie
Santos and Dr. Vinita Folck
at Smile by Design in Virginia Beach, VA,
make children’s
dentistry
an integral part of their family practice.
Children’s
Dentistry: A Partnership among Dentists, Parents and Kids

At home, you know what you should do to help your
children build a foundation of good oral health. Brush and floss at least twice
a day, usually in the morning and at night. This practice should begin as soon
as that first little white tooth shows up in your baby’s gum. Just take a soft
washcloth or gauze pad and wipe the tooth with warm water after feeding. As
more teeth grow, you’ll want to use a soft child’s toothbrush and pea-size
amount of toothpaste. Help your children brush their teeth until the age of
seven or eight, when they have the coordination to do so themselves.
That foundation for good oral health continues when
you bring your children to Smile by
Design.
Your child’s first visit to the dentist should happen between the
ages of two and three, or certainly earlier if you suspect a problem. Our
dentists and their staff will do their best to make sure your child’s time in
the office is relaxed and inviting. Then, as they grow and mature, they will be
comfortable with routine dental procedures such as cleanings, fluoride
treatments and the occasional x-ray. We recommend bringing your children to the
dentist twice per year, so that we can spot concerns before they become
problems.
Contact
Our Office Today

Keep your little ghosts and goblins smiling brightly
with children’s dentistry at Smile by Design in Virginia Beach, VA.
Schedule an appointment today. We conveniently serves patients in the
surrounding communities of Fort Story, Portsmouth, Sandbridge and Norfolk. 
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