Smile by Design Blog

Gum disease is one of the most common health problems on Earth, and it can arise from a wide range of potential causes. While you may be aware of how bad habits like neglecting to brush your teeth and excessive sugar consumption can set you up for destructive oral infections, you may not know that your genetics may also make you more vulnerable to gum disease. Here’s a brief guide to a few inherited conditions that can complicate your oral health.

If you’ve considered dental implants, you may think you know enough about them. That they’re the gold standard of tooth replacement can seem like the only truth worth grasping. However, you’d do well to learn the little-known facts about dental implants; those tidbits would help you decide whether the metal posts truly suit your smile. Your Virginia Beach dentist will even share some with you to get things started. To that end, read on to discover some lesser-known dental implant truths.

For many families, the holiday season often means long trips, busy schedules, and plenty of delicious food. But in all the excitement of traveling, it’s easy to get into a habit of letting your oral hygiene slip. However, keeping your smile healthy while away from home is simpler than you think! Read on to find some useful tips to ensure your teeth stay bright and healthy during your holiday adventures!

It seems like you can get anything shipped these days; would you be surprised to learn that you could get clear aligners through the mail? As convenient as that might sound at first, there are some good reasons why dental professionals are making such a big deal out of mail order orthodontics. Keep reading to stay informed and learn why you might not want to consider this method for straightening crooked teeth.

Did you know that an estimated 36% of Americans experience anxiety around dental visits? If you tend to get nervous when you have an upcoming appointment, you’re not alone. Those who are overly fearful might even avoid scheduling essential procedures required to preserve their oral health, like dental crowns.

Many patients assume getting a restoration will involve a long and agonizing process and are too afraid to move forward with their treatment. Fortunately, that’s not usually the case! Continue reading to learn more about getting a dental crown so you can safely set your concerns aside.

Cosmetic dentistry is on the rise, and it’s easy to see why. Upgrading the appearance of your smile can boost your self-esteem, take years off your face, and even improve your oral health. How’s that for a glow up?

Here’s why this special area of dentistry is becoming so popular and learn more about a few exciting procedures that can improve your smile, too!

Everyone knows the feeling—you wake up in the morning, roll out of bed, and step into the bathroom. But before you brush your teeth, you catch a whiff of your own breath… and it’s horrible!

Morning breath is something that everyone has experienced from time to time. But why does it happen? And is there any way to avoid it? If you’re curious, here’s what you ought to know.

If you have lost a tooth, there’s no better treatment than a dental implant. A dental implant is unlike any other prosthetic because it mimics both the tooth root and the crown. A titanium post supports a customized restoration, offering unmatched support and stability. However, if you travel a lot, you may have concerns about the implant setting off metal detectors. You don’t have to worry about unwanted attention at the airport. Here’s why most dental implants won’t trigger metal detectors.

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Invisalign trays offer the ultimate in orthodontic convenience, but you’ll still need to stay on-top of your dental hygiene to keep them clear, prevent them from smelling, and keep your smile cavity-free throughout your treatment. One of the best ways to do that is to use Invisalign Cleaning Crystals or other recommended cleansing solutions to prevent plaque accumulation on them. Read on to learn how to use Cleaning Crystals and some other tips for keeping your aligners clean and hygienic.

You’ve just wrapped up a dental crown placement? That’s great news – your tooth now has the protection it needs! Still, don’t get ahead of yourself and assume life is “back to normal.” You must recover from your treatment for its full benefits to appear. During that time, you’ll notice certain effects that deserve careful handling. Your Virginia Beach dentist is here to help you get through them. So, here’s a primer on what to expect after getting a dental crown and how to manage your recovery.