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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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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.

Get Rid of Tooth Pain for Good with Root Canal Therapy in Virginia Beach, VA

January 28, 2015

If you suffer from toothaches on a regular basis, you
understand how much it can interfere with your daily activities. It can be
difficult to concentrate at work, and you may avoid eating certain foods or
drinking cold beverages. Tooth pain doesn’t have to rule your life; the doctors
at Smile by Design in Virginia Beach, VA
can help you find lasting toothache relief with gentle root canal therapy. Dr. Vinita Folck
and Dr. Stephanie Santos
offer a complete menu of general and restorative
dentistry
treatments, including endodontic
therapy
.
How Do I
Know if I Need a Root Canal Treatment?

The most common symptom associated with an infected root canal is sensitivity to cold
temperatures and pain when pressure is applied to the tooth. Other signs that
you may need root canal treatment include
a pimple that forms on the gums, darkening of the affected tooth, and tenderness
in the jaw. Fortunately, the team at Smile
by Design
is here to help. We will clear the tooth of all infection, fill
the resultant cavity with a biocompatible material, and cap the tooth with a
beautiful custom crown. You’ll be free of pain and free to smile with comfort
once again.
It is important to remember that some infections deep within
teeth do not cause any noticeable symptoms until the decay is quite advanced.
This is yet another reason that routine checkups at your local Virginia Beach, VA dentist are so vital
to lifelong oral health and beautiful, attractive smiles.
Experience
Truly Gentle Root Canal Therapy

Root canal
treatment
may have developed a bad reputation over the years, but the
truth is that this procedure is no more uncomfortable than a simple filling.
Our team will make sure that you are completely comfortable before, during, and
after your procedure, offering sedation dentistry for patients who need a
little help relaxing at the dentist. Contact us today to
schedule your visit with Dr. Folck and
Dr. Santos at Smile by Design in Virginia
Beach, VA.
We can help you find lasting relief from toothache pain as we
ensure your continued oral health for years to come. Our state-of-the-art
dental practice proudly serves families from Sandbridge, Fort Story, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and beyond.

Explore Your Tooth Replacement Options with Dental Implants in Virginia Beach, VA

January 15, 2015

There are a variety of reasons that adults lose their
permanent teeth, including injury, periodontal disease, decay, and more. If you
have lost even one tooth, you understand the negative impact that it can have
on your life on a daily basis. You don’t feel like smiling much around others,
and eating your favorite foods may become exceedingly difficult. Fortunately, dental implants
can help you achieve a whole smile once again. At Smile by Design, Dr. Vinita Folck
and Dr. Stephanie Santos
offer a comprehensive range of restorative
dentistry
solutions to patients in Virginia Beach, VA,
including tooth replacement with dental implants.

Are Dental
Implants Right for Me?

A dental implant is
a tiny titanium post that is used to secure a custom restoration like a crown,
a bridge, or a denture. Because an implant stimulates and supports the jaw
bone, it actually aids in preserving the structure of your face as well as your
remaining teeth. Patients who wore dentures for years before opting for dental implants can’t believe the
difference that they make in their daily lives. Finally, you are free to eat,
laugh, speak, and smile with total confidence.  
The majority of patients who are missing teeth are good
candidates for dental implants. An
assessment of your periodontal health and the bone density in your jaw will
help to determine your candidacy, but even patients with insufficient jaw bone
density may qualify for implants with the help of a bone graft. A consultation
with our Virginia Beach, VA dental implants experts is your first
step toward restoring your smile’s function and beauty in a way that looks and
feels completely natural.
Schedule
Your Consultation Today

If you are missing one or more teeth and you’d like to find
out if dental implants are the right
choice for you, we invite you to contact our office
today to schedule your consultation with our experienced and caring team. We’ll
take the time to sit down with you to discuss your unique needs and answer your
questions in a way that’s easy to understand. Conveniently located in Virginia Beach, VA, our family-friendly
dental practice warmly welcomes patients from throughout communities in the
surrounding areas, including Fort Story,
Sandbridge, Portsmouth, Norfolk,
and more.

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. 
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