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272 Bendix Road Suite #650,
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
(757) 499-9639
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Tooth-Colored Fillings Can Revitalize Your Smile

May 31, 2015

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , — smilebydesignteam @ 9:00 pm

tooth-colored fillings can do a lot for your smile.When you think of your smile, naturally, you’re going to picky. Everyone is. Your smile is one of the most important traits you can show off to other people. If there is something going on with your smile that you don’t like, we’d like to help you. At our office in Virginia Beach, VA, we know a thing or two about giving people the smiles that they want. Tooth-colored fillings are just another way we can transform your smile into a beautiful work of art. Dr. Stephanie Santos and Dr. Vinita Folck are here to alleviate any imperfections and get your smile back to looking and feeling great. Smile By Design truly raises the bar when it comes to providing patients with a smile they can proudly show off for years to come. Are you ready for a smile that will turn heads in all the right ways? Tooth-colored fillings are where it’s at!
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Enjoy General Dentistry Services That Will Keep Your Family Smiling Big

May 21, 2015

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , — smilebydesignteam @ 5:00 pm

General dentistry for the whole family.To us, there’s nothing better than seeing a family with bright, beautiful smiles. Think about family pictures throughout the years. You want you and your family’s smiles to stay beautiful throughout your lives, and the best way to maintain a great smile is by keeping Dr. Santos, Dr. Folck and the rest of the Smile By Design team as part of your dental family. Our general dentistry services are here to help your mouths stay strong, clean and, most importantly, healthy. Unhealthy mouths can lead to a multitude of problems down the road that could be very expensive and time consuming. With comfortable, comprehensive dental care within your reach, why wouldn’t you want to treat your family’s mouths to a dental team that has their care at the top of their minds? Our Virginia Beach, VA office is ready to treat your family with the utmost care.
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Get Rid of Tooth Pain for Good with Root Canal Therapy in Virginia Beach, VA

January 28, 2015

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — smilebydesignteam @ 10:19 pm
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

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , — smilebydesignteam @ 10:16 pm
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

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — smilebydesignteam @ 4:31 pm
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

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — smilebydesignteam @ 4:05 pm
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. 

Don’t Let Toothache Pain Ruin Your Holidays: Get Root Canal Therapy at Smile By Design Today

November 30, 2014

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , — smilebydesignteam @ 3:10 pm
With all of the cooking, shopping, decorating, and traveling
you have to do this holiday season, the last thing you’ll want to deal with
is a toothache. Pain and soreness from a toothache can be so intense; it can
literally render you helpless. That’s why it’s so important to see a dentist to
get a sore or sensitive tooth treated, before the pain and discomfort have a
chance to ruin your holidays. Make an appointment
with the gentle and caring dentists at Smile
By Design today. Dr. Santos and Dr.
Folck can get you immediate pain and sensitivity relief with root canal
therapy. Smile By Design provides root canal therapy to patients throughout
Virginia Beach, VA, Norfolk,
Sandbridge, Portsmouth, Fort Story, and nearby communities.
What Happens During Root Canal
Therapy?
·         The dentist will complete the anesthesia, so
all pain is blocked
·        
The infected tooth will be isolated with a
rubber dam
·        
An access whole will be drilled into the core of the
tooth
·        
The root canal will be cleaned out and shaped
·        
The dentist will fill the root canal with gutta-percha and
use a dental sealer to cover the whole
·        
A temporary or permanent crown will be placed
Will Root Canal
Therapy Hurt?

No. The compassionate and gentle dentists at Smile By Design take every
precaution to ensure that you are completely calm and comfortable during the
entire procedure. They will also insure that the infected tooth and surrounding
tissues are completely numbed before beginning the root canal
therapy. Besides, the intense pain of a toothache far exceeds any
sensitivity you might experience during a standard root canal therapy
procedure.
Root Canal
Therapy Appointments in Virginia Beach, VA
If you are muddling through toothaches, you’ve already
waited too long to see a dentist. Not only can Smile By Design relive your pain,
the root canal
therapy they provide can also save your natural tooth from falling out, or
needing to be extracted. To protect your teeth and your sanity this holiday
season, make an
appointment with the experienced restorative dentists at Smile By Design today. Dr. Santos and Dr.
Folck can complete your root canal
therapy quickly and efficiently. Smile
By Design is conveniently located in Virginia Beach, VA with
comprehensive dental services to patients throughout Norfolk, Sandbridge,
Portsmouth, Fort Story, and surrounding areas.

No Long Waiting Periods with CEREC One Visit Crowns

November 15, 2014

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , — smilebydesignteam @ 2:24 pm

If you have ever needed car repairs, you know that the
process can be daunting. You have to drop your car off at the repair shop,
get a rental car, and then wait several days (or even weeks) to get your
car back. This is because the repair shop has to order special parts, wait for their delivery, and then begin working on your car. It’s all a
big hassle. The same is true for traditional dental crown procedures. In the past, if you
needed a dental crown, your dentist had to first take impressions of your teeth, construct and place a temporary crown, then wait two weeks
for the crown to be constructed by a dental lab. After this long waiting period, your dental
crown could finally be placed. Not anymore! With the new CEREC (Chairside
Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic) one visit crowns, there’s no
long waiting period for your permanent restoration. You can be in and out with
your brand new crown in one short visit. If you need a damaged or compromised
tooth crowned, make an
appointment with the experienced restorative dentists at Smile By Design today. Dr. Santos and Dr.
Folck can restore your teeth quickly and efficiently using the new CEREC crowns
technology. Smile By Design is
conveniently located in Virginia
Beach, VA and proudly serves patients throughout Norfolk, Sandbridge,
Portsmouth, Fort Story and surrounding communities.
You may need a CEREC crown
to repair:
·        
large cavities
·        
disfiguring chips or cracks
·        
broken teeth 
·        
misshapen teeth
The CEREC crown
procedure is a simple six step process. Your dentist will:
·        
Cover the tooth with non-toxic powder and take
digital pictures
·        
Using 3-D CEREC technology, the restoration is designed 
·        
This detailed information is sent digitally to
the CEREC milling unit
·        
The personalized porcelain crown is fabricated right in your dentist’s office
·        
The new crown is polished and placed
·        
The crown is permanently bonded to your tooth
The benefits of CEREC Crowns
include:
·        
No fabrication waiting period
·        
Prepping, fitting, and placing all in one visit
·        
No temporary crown that falls off or is
sensitive
·        
You receive your final crown in one visit
·        
You get a more accurate scanned impression
·        
Your dentist can make any necessary changes
immediately
Repair Your Teeth
with CEREC
Crowns in Virginia
Beach, VA
We use technological advancements to make our lives simpler
and easier every day. This principle should also be true of our dental care. CEREC crowns
make dental crown procedures faster and less complicated for dentists and  patients. That means that your dentist has more time to focus on giving you
the best possible care. Make
an appointment with the highly qualified cosmetic and restorative dentists
at Smile By Design today. Dr. Santos and Dr.
Folck restore smiles daily throughout Virginia Beach, VA, Norfolk,
Sandbridge, Portsmouth, Fort Story, and nearby areas.

Porcelain Veneers from Smile by Design in Virginia Beach, VA

October 30, 2014

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , — smilebydesignteam @ 6:54 pm
When you see your smile in the mirror or in a photograph,
do you see the smile you want or do you see the smile you’ve simply settled
for? Perhaps your smile is marred by slightly flawed teeth. Whatever the
reason, you don’t have to settle anymore. With porcelain veneers,
Dr. Stephanie
Santos and Dr. Vinita Folck, the dentists at Smile by Design in Virginia
Beach, VA, can give you the smile you’ve always wanted.
The concerns that porcelain veneers can remedy cover a broad range. For example,
maybe you are bothered by a tooth that is chipped, cracked or broken. Whether
by injury or normal wear and tear, porcelain
veneers can repair these cosmetic worries. Likewise, if you have teeth that
are discolored or stained, veneers can help restore your smile to its natural
whiteness. Gaps and uneven spacing between teeth, slightly crooked or rotated
teeth, and even the shape and length of teeth can all be corrected with the aid
of porcelain veneers.
What
are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain
veneers are micro-thin shells of dental porcelain that are
bonded to the surface of your teeth to repair or enhance your smile. When you
come to Smile by Design, we will
need to take impressions and photos of your teeth in order for the dental lab
to fabricate your custom-made porcelain veneers.
But that’s not all we do to make sure your new smile
is just right for you. We also take into consideration your facial features,
hair color and eye color. Your veneers need to fit you, not just your smile.
When your porcelain veneers arrive
from the lab, one of our dentists will make sure they are a perfect fit for you
and then use dental cement to bond the veneers to your teeth. With a little
gentle loving care, your new veneers will give you years of smiling satisfaction.
Schedule
an Appointment Today

If you are ready to discuss what porcelain veneers can do for you and
your smile, then call the office of Smile
by Design in Virginia
Beach, VA, to schedule a consultation. We will be glad to see you. Our
office also serves patients in Sandbridge, Norfolk, Fort Story and Portsmouth.

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

October 15, 2014

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , — smilebydesignteam @ 6:48 pm
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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