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272 Bendix Road Suite #650,
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
(757) 499-9639
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How Do You Know When to Get Dentures?

September 16, 2014

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , — smilebydesignteam @ 12:40 pm
The number of US adults needing dentures is projected to
increase from 33.6 million in 1991 to 37.9 million in 2020. Dentures are
not inevitable for most people if they actively practice good oral hygiene
habits and keep semi-annual dental checkups. Without these long-term measures
in place however, gum disease
and tooth decay, the main culprits of tooth loss, may win out. Gum disease causes
about 70% of adult tooth loss and affects 3 out of 4 people at some point in
their lives. Make an
appointment with the experienced and caring dentists of Smile By Design to discuss your
tooth replacement options. Dr. Santos and
Dr. Folck
can help you decide if the time is right to get dentures to replace your
missing teeth. Smile by Design proudly serves patients throughout the Virginia Beach area,
including Norfolk, Sandbridge, Portsmouth and Fort Story.
Dentures Can’t Fully
Replace Missing Teeth
Tooth loss is avoidable today unless you neglect your teeth
by not brushing, flossing and regularly visiting the dentist. When this happens,
tooth decay and gum disease can progress to bone loss, which in turn can lead
to tooth loss and possibly dentures.  Dentures should
be a last resort because there is no perfect substitute for your natural teeth.
Losing your natural teeth is more than just an esthetic
issue. The average adult bite force with natural teeth is somewhere around
200-250 pounds; with dentures, your bite force is reduced significantly to
about 50 pounds. This makes it increasingly difficult to chew and digest
certain foods like fruits and meats. Also, if you use upper dentures, the taste
buds on the roof of your mouth will be covered, which can significantly reduce your
sense of taste. Lastly, getting full dentures may cause your face to age more rapidly
than peers that still have their natural teeth. This is because the bone that was
used to support your natural teeth reabsorbs into the body. As the top of the
mouth reabsorbs upwards, and the bottom of the mouth reabsorbs downwards, the
space between your nose and chin shrinks, giving you an overall aged look.
Dentures and Dental
Implants in Virginia Beach, VA

If you are facing the need to replace a large number of
missing, or soon to be missing teeth, you are not alone. It’s estimated that
29% of Americans ages 45 to 55, 16% of Americans ages 35 to 44, and 3% of
Americans ages 18 to 34 wear either full or partial dentures. These dentures
don’t last forever and need to be replaced every 5-7 years, and relined every 2
years.  Although dentures aren’t always
easy to wear, not replacing your missing teeth isn’t a good option because the
pressure on the remaining teeth is too great. Fortunately today, dental implants
offer an attractive alternative to dentures. Choosing to get dental implants
eliminates the side effect of premature aging because the implant replaces the
tooth root and bone in your jaw. Also, dental implants have a bigger bite force
than regular dentures because they are cemented into the jawbone for added
stability. To discuss your tooth replacement options, make an appointment
with Smile By Design today. The
gentle dentists at Smile By Design proudly serve patients in and around Virginia Beach, VA,
Norfolk, Sandbridge, Portsmouth and Fort Story.

Straighten Your Smile with Ease with Invisalign.

August 29, 2014

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — smilebydesignteam @ 4:58 pm
Having a misaligned or gapped smile
is never an easy thing to live with, and you may feel as though you are merely
settling for the smile you were given. Though you may have considered straightening
your smile, the idea of having a mouth full of metal may have deterred you from
seeking the orthodontic treatment you want and deserve. Dealing with wires and
brackets associated with traditional braces are never comfortable, and the
dietary restrictions are not something to look forward to either. Thankfully, Dr. Stephanie L.
Santos and Dr. Vinita John Folck
are able to straighten your smile with ease by offering Invisalign
to their patients at their Virginia Beach,
VA dental office.
The wonderful thing about Invisalign is the fact you are able to
align your smile without compromising the way you look. Invisalign works through a series of aligners that gently
straighten your teeth, and the aligners sit nearly invisibly on your smile!
That way, you are able to get orthodontic treatment without making it blatant. Our
doctors will make impressions of your smile, and send that information to have
your custom aligners made. The wonderful thing about having your aligners
custom made is the fact that your treatment is personalized specifically to you,
and it will ensure amazing results. You wear each aligner for a specific amount
of time, as no aligner is identical to the other. Each one is indicative of a
different step in your treatment process, so when you are finished wearing one
aligner, simply apply the next one in the series to continue your treatment!
One of the amazing benefits of Invisalign is that you are able to
experience complete dietary freedom. With traditional braces, there are certain
foods you cannot eat, as the wires and brackets get in the way. So now, not
only is your treatment more comfortable, but it is more enjoyable. Also, you
are able to experience better oral health with Invisalign. Any time you need to eat, drink, floss, or brush,
simply remove and reapply the aligner when needed! If you would like our
doctors to help you straighten your smile using Invisalign, contact our office today!

Contact our office in
Virginia Beach, VA today to schedule
your visit with our team, and explore the possibilities of Invisalign for yourself. We look forward to helping you reveal your
most beautiful and confident smile yet. Our practice serves patients throughout
the Virginia Beach area, including Norfolk, Sandbridge, Portsmouth, Fort Story, and beyond.

Restore Your Smile with Dental Implants!

August 15, 2014

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , — smilebydesignteam @ 4:57 pm
Having teeth missing from your
smile can be detrimental to the way you feel about yourself as well as the way
you interact with the people around you. Our smiles are how we show friendliness
to others, nourish ourselves, and communicate with people. If you have a smile
that is not complete, you may feel as though there is nothing that can bring
back the life your smile once had. Though you may have considered dentures and partials
as tooth replacements, you may be wanting a more permanent solution to your
smile woes. Thankfully, Dr. Stephanie L.
Santos and Dr. Vinita John Folck
are able to give you the smile you have been wanting by offering dental implants
to their patients at their Virginia
Beach, VA dental office.
Dental implants are a permanent solution to having a smile that is
not full, and it yields amazing results. You begin the process with a
consultation with one of our doctors. They will have to determine whether or
not you are a candidate for dental
implants my evaluating the current state of your smile, your gum health,
and your bone density. Dental implanting
involves embedding a titanium post into your jaw bone. Over time, the post will
promote healthy bone growth, as well as fuse with the implant itself, creating a strong bond. Once the proper amount of
healing has taken place, our doctors will make custom crowns to place atop the implant. The crowns look just like
natural teeth, making your smile makeover look as organic as possible.
One of the amazing things about dental implants is that you are able to
regain the confidence you may have lost. Feeling insecure about your smile is
never easy on anyone, and when you feel confident in the way you look, many
positive things are sure to follow. If you would like our doctors to help
restore your smile with dental implants,
contact our office today!

Contact our office in
Virginia Beach, VA today to schedule
your visit with our team, and explore the possibilities of dental implants for yourself. We look forward to helping you reveal
your most beautiful and confident smile yet. Our practice serves patients
throughout the Virginia Beach area,
including Norfolk, Sandbridge, Portsmouth, Fort Story,
and beyond.

It’s Time for a Stunning Summer Smile Makeover at Smile by Design

July 22, 2014

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — smilebydesignteam @ 7:41 pm
Summer is officially in full swing, and it’s time to get
outdoors and enjoy everything the warmer weather and beautiful sunshine have to
offer. Make sure that you’re ready to soak up the sun and revel in the fun of
the season with friends and family when you come to Smile by Design. Conveniently
located in Virginia
Beach, VA, the practice of Dr. Vinita Folck
and Dr. Stephanie Santos can help get your smile ready for pool parties,
backyard cookouts, and summer vacation with a variety of cosmetic
dentistry treatments.
Say Hello
to Your Brand New Smile

Many American men and women admit that they would benefit
from some level of cosmetic enhancement when it comes to their smiles.
Sometimes, it’s a simple matter of stains or yellowing that has them feeling
down about their appearance. Deep discoloration caused by coffee, wine,
tobacco, and certain medications can make you look and feel years older than
you actually are, but professional teeth whitening can help. With the proven
power of Zoom!
Teeth Whitening, our doctors can help erase years of built-up stains from
your smile. You’ll be leaving our office with a revitalized new look and a
gorgeous set of pearly whites you can be proud of!
If yellowing isn’t your only concern, you’re not alone. What
about problems like fractures in your enamel, mild misalignment, crowding, gaps
between teeth, and more? Fortunately, we have a solution for these issues as
well. Porcelain
veneers are an ideal fix for all kinds of problems all at once, giving you
a perfectly proportioned, uniform smile in just two visits. These ultra-thin,
durable layers of customized dental porcelain fit right over your natural
teeth, giving the gorgeous smile you’ve always wanted with minimal preparation. Whatever you need to feel great about your smile this summer, you’ll find it
here at Smile by Design.

Schedule
Your Cosmetic Consultation Today

Whether your smile needs a complete transformation or you’d
simply like to give it a little boost for summer, our doctors are here to help.
Contact our office
in Virginia Beach, VA today to
schedule your visit with our team, and explore the possibilities of cosmetic dentistry for yourself. We
look forward to helping you reveal your most beautiful and confident smile yet.
Our practice serves patients from throughout the Virginia Beach area, including Norfolk,
Sandbridge, Portsmouth, Fort Story, and beyond. 

Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Products: How Effective Are They?

June 25, 2014

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , — smilebydesignteam @ 3:19 pm
Everyone wants a bright, healthy smile that they’re proud to
show off to the people in their lives, but aging and many external factors can
cause our teeth to look less than lustrous. Today, there are many
over-the-counter teeth whitening products available at your local pharmacy and
grocery stores, each of them promising amazing results. It is important,
however, to be an informed consumer when it comes to teeth whitening products
and services before you make a decision. At Smile by Design in Virginia Beach, VA,
our doctors are happy to help patients understand the intricacies of teeth whitening and how it affects your
teeth.
OTC Whitening vs.
Professional Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening
strips and comparable over-the-counter whitening products are capable of
producing temporary results because they remove surface stains from the enamel.
Unfortunately, their active ingredients aren’t powerful enough to deliver
long-lasting results and, therefore, customers must repeat the process every
month or so. In addition, because these products are used at home, there is
more margin for error in application. This means that you may not even get the
results you see on the package, particularly if the whitening solution does not
remain in contact with all surfaces of the teeth for the prescribed amount of
time.
Zoom! Whitening:
Advantages of In-Office Whitening

Unlike over-the-counter teeth whitening products,
professional whitening services – including the highly-effective Zoom! Whitening
we offer in our office – produce lasting results by removing stains from deep
within each tooth. The hydrogen peroxide gel formula we use during your Zoom! procedure
is activated by a specialized light, allowing the active ingredients to
permeate the stained layers of dentin and enamel. Years of discoloration are effectively
lifted in a single, one-hour treatment. Take-home kits can be used to touch up
your smile and maintain lasting results. Over-the-counter treatments simply
cannot penetrate the surfaces of your teeth to remove set-in stains the way
Zoom! Whitening can.
Schedule Your
Appointment Today

Do you want to experience the full benefits of a gorgeously
white smile in less time than ever before? Contact our office
today if you have any questions about teeth whitening, or if you’re ready to
schedule your appointment with our team of experienced doctors and our friendly
staff. We look forward to helping you achieve the brilliantly white, healthy
smile of your dreams. Our conveniently located office in Virginia Beach, VA proudly serves patients from the surrounding
areas as well, including Portsmouth,
Norfolk, Fort Story, Sandbridge, and beyond. 

E-Cigs and Your Smile: How Does Vaping Affect Your Teeth?

June 13, 2014

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — smilebydesignteam @ 3:18 pm
As many cigarette smokers turn to electronic cigarettes to
get their nicotine fix, the topic of how these popular products affect oral
health inevitably comes up again and again. While it is common knowledge that
smoking cigarettes can cause a variety of oral health problems – including oral
cancer, periodontal disease, and substantially stained teeth – not much is yet
known about how e-cigs impact a person’s smile. At Smile by Design in Virginia Beach, VA,
our doctors are happy to share valuable oral health information with our
patients, including how the mouth is affected by smoking vs. vaping
e-cigarettes.
Being an Informed
Consumer

Though research is still ongoing regarding how e-cigs affect oral health, there are a
few things that medical studies have been able to tell us so far. One of these
factors involves the manner in which vaping dehydrates the mouth. A dry mouth
is an excellent environment for bacterial imbalance and the development of periodontal
disease. Patients who experience chronic dry mouth – whether it is caused by
using electronic cigarettes or not –
should contact our office for a consultation to determine the underlying issue,
as well as to seek treatment.
Other concerns regarding e-cigs and oral health revolve around the ingredients used to
create the liquid, or “juice,” these products use to deliver nicotine. More
research is needed to determine how these ingredients, including propylene
glycol and the flavorings used, impact the teeth and soft tissues of the gums,
cheek lining, and tongue.
Schedule Your
Appointment Today

Whether you are currently a smoker, an e-cig user, or simply
someone who would like to learn more about how these behaviors affect your oral
health, we are here to help. Our doctors and caring, compassionate staff are
always happy to share vital oral health information with our patients because
we want you to have the happiest, healthiest smile possible. Contact our office
today to schedule a visit to our Virginia
Beach office and discover the difference that our patient-centric approach
can make in your life. We also happily serve patients in Norfolk, Sandbridge, Fort Story, Portsmouth, and beyond. 

The Role of Fluoride in Your Dental Health

May 6, 2014

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , — smilebydesignteam @ 9:29 pm
There are a lot of misconceptions about fluoride as it relates to health, and hundreds of sites online that
offer conflicting information about its effects. At Smile by Design in Virginia Beach, VA,
our doctors want you to feel informed about all aspects of oral health,
including the ways in which fluoride can
impact your teeth.

Fluoride: Is it Good
or Bad for Teeth?

Fluoride is a
naturally occurring substance that originates from an element called fluorine.
It is found in its natural form in the water and many foods we drink and eat,
respectively. Despite much controversy regarding its effects, the amount of fluoride found in normal tap water is
not substantial enough to cause any adverse health problems. In fact, fluoride is one of the essential
factors in a healthy smile.
Fluoride treatments help
to remineralize teeth, offering improved strength and protection against common
problems like tooth decay. Adults are advised to use a toothpaste and mouthwash
that contains fluoride because of this fact, better fortifying your teeth
between visits to your dentist’s office. As with any procedure or treatment
performed at our office, we invite you to ask questions and raise any concerns
you may have regarding fluoride treatments. We’re here as a source of accurate,
up-to-date information pertaining to the overall oral health of you and your
family
.
Schedule Your Next
Visit Today

Has it been more than six months since the last time you had
your teeth and gums cleaned and examined at Smile by Design? If so, then it’s time to contact our office in
Virginia Beach, VA to schedule your
appointment. Our experienced, caring doctors and staff look forward to helping
you achieve optimal oral health through general dentistry and preventive
services, all while welcoming you into a warm, comforting atmosphere. Our
family-friendly practice happily serves patients from throughout Virginia Beach, as well as the
surrounding areas of Fort Story,
Portsmouth, Norfolk, Sandbridge, and beyond. 

Are You Seeing Us for the First Time?

April 28, 2014

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , — smilebydesignteam @ 7:33 pm
Is your upcoming visit with us also going your first? Then
we’d like to tell you how much we’re looking forward to seeing you. At Smile by Design in Virginia Beach, our goal is making close, personal relationships
with our patients–new and old–because
that’s how you deliver truly compassionate and patient-centered care.
We also want to let you know about our New Patient page.
On this page, you will find a link for downloading our new patient forms.
Filling these out before you come see us will make it possible to streamline
your visit. When you come in, just hand us your paperwork and take a seat while
we start processing your information.
You may also want to take a look at our Services page, if you
have not already done so. On this page, you’ll find helpful information about
the range of services we offer, and what those services entail. Some of our
biggest services include:

If you have any questions about these services, the information
on our site will help you gain a basic understanding of them. If you still have
questions afterwards, we would be happy answer them during your visit.

Call
us today if you’re ready to schedule an appointment with Dr. Santos or Dr. Folck.
We’re happy to serve the needs of patients from Virginia Beach, Fort Story,
Sandbridge, and nearby communities.

What is Periodontitis?

April 16, 2014

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , — smilebydesignteam @ 7:50 pm
When most people think of gum disease, the first images that
come to mind typically include swollen gum tissue and bleeding gums when the
teeth are brushed or flossed. While these are certainly common symptoms
associated with periodontal disease, the consequences of leaving this condition
untreated can actually be far worse. At Smile by Design in Virginia Beach, VA, Dr. Vinita John
Folck and Dr. Stephanie L. Santos offer comprehensive periodontal
therapy to treat gum disease before it results in more severe
complications.
Gum Disease and the
Body

Periodontitis is
a severe infection of the gums and the gingival tissues that hold the teeth in
their proper places. When these tissues become inflamed and infected, the
structural integrity of the jaw and teeth is compromised. In addition to
causing gum sensitivity, swelling, and bleeding, periodontitis can eventually lead to loose teeth and even teeth
that fall out.
Other complications that arise from untreated gum disease include an increased risk
for heart disease, stroke, respiratory infections, dementia, and low birth
weight in infants of mothers with the condition. With periodontal therapy from the team at Smile by Design, we’ll develop a treatment plan that suits your
individual situation. Our primary goal is to help you achieve and maintain a
smile that is as healthy as it is beautiful.
Schedule Your
Consultation

If you suspect that you or anyone in your family may be
suffering from any level of gum disease –
even if it consists of occasional bleeding when you brush or floss – contact our office in
Virginia Beach, VA today. Our
doctors and caring staff look forward to helping you stop periodontitis in its tracks, giving you the healthy, gorgeous smile
you want and deserve. Our family-friendly office gladly welcomes patients from throughout
Virginia Beach and the surrounding
communities, including the cities of Norfolk,
Portsmouth, Fort Story, Sandbridge, and beyond.

What to Do In a Dental Emergency

April 7, 2014

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , — smilebydesignteam @ 7:31 pm
You can never see a dental emergency coming—that’s part of
what defines an emergency. So knowing what to do when you’re in the middle of
one is very important. In today’s post, we want to go through some of the most
common dental emergencies and offer tips on what to do in each case. If you don’t
see your emergency on the list, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’re
ready to help you!
Knocked Out Tooth

If you suddenly lose a tooth because of an accident, injury,
or some other cause, call
us immediately. Reattachment is possible if we can see you soon enough.
Until Dr. Santos
or Dr. Folck
can see you, gently rinse the tooth and put it back in its socket. If you’re
unable to do that, store it in a baggie of milk.
Broken Tooth

As with a knocked out tooth, breaking a tooth is also a
jarring experience. If you have a broken or cracked a tooth, call us for an
appointment. And in the meantime, rinse the area with warm water and apply
a cold compress to the area to treat pain and swelling.
Damaged Crown

Crowns can also become damaged, especially temporary crowns.
At Smile by Design, we can replace
your broken crown in a single appointment with our Virginia Beach office’s CEREC machine.
Severe Toothache

Are you struggling with a severe toothache? Before you call
us, try flossing around the affected tooth to see you can dislodge anything
from the area. If flossing does not help and your toothache continues, call us for an
appointment. Avoid putting aspirin on your tooth as this can damage your
sensitive gum tissue.
Something Caught
between Teeth

As with the last emergency, try flossing before you give us a call. Avoid
using sharp instruments to help you.
Cut/Bitten Tongue or
Lip

Bleeding from your tongue or lip is a more serious emergency
that may require a trip to your local emergency room. Clean the area and hold a
cold compress to it for a while to stop the bleeding. If your bleeding does not
stop, visit your area ER.
Possible Broken Jaw

As with a bleeding tongue or lip, you should see your local
emergency room for help with a broken jaw.

Are you experiencing a dental emergency not listed here? Dr. Santos and Dr. Folck would be happy to consult with you. Call us immediately
for help. Our Virginia Beach office serves
patients from Fort Story, Sandbridge, and nearby communities. 
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