Smile by Design Dental Group

Products And Services

• Veneers

  Porcelain veneers help you make your teeth look their best without surgery or total tooth replacement. At Smile by Design Dental Group in Irvine, California, experienced dentist Michael Choi, DMD, and his team design and fabricate your veneers to match the natural contours and color of your original teeth. To see how veneers can make your smile look better than ever before, schedule your appointment online or over the phone today. Veneers Q&A What are veneers? Veneers are thin covers that attach to the front surface of your teeth. While they don’t improve the way your teeth fit together or function, they make the frontal surfaces of your teeth look more attractive or similar to one another. At Smile by Design Dental Group, the team customizes your veneers according to the original shape, size, and color of your teeth so they look as natural as possible. They use porcelain to make the veneers, which comes in a range of colors and has a very similar translucency to natural teeth. Porcelain is also similar in strength and durability to your natural tooth enamel, the outermost layer of a tooth. As long as you follow proper care instructions, porcelain veneers can last several years before you detect any wear-and-tear that might require a replacement. How can veneers improve my smile? Veneers mimic the natural characteristics of your teeth while eliminating the appearance of many of the most common types of cosmetic damage. Sometimes teeth break or wear down and still function just fine without the need for crowns or dental implants. As long as you’re addressing issues with teeth in the front of your mouth and not your molars, you can use veneers to cover defects like: Minor cracks Minor chips Discoloration that doesn’t improve with whitening Worn-down biting surfaces Minor twists or overlaps Small or short teeth Gaps between teeth Porcelain veneers from Smile by Design Dental Group are stain-resistant and maintain their white shades. However, it’s important to know that veneers aren’t a reversible treatment since your dentist must alter the structure of your natural teeth before attaching them. What is the procedure for getting veneers? As with any dental services at Smile by Design Dental Group, you’ll need to come in for a consultation regarding your goals and oral health. The team conducts a visual screening before taking scans and X-rays of your smile. Based on their findings, they decide whether or not you’re a candidate for porcelain veneers. The team buffs your targeted teeth to prepare for the veneers before attaching them. They use a handheld digital scanner to get the exact dimensions and contours of your teeth before designing and fabricating your custom veneers in a lab. It might take some time to fabricate your veneers, so the team might offer you temporary veneers to wear as you wait. When your porcelain veneers are ready, the team etches your teeth to help the veneers attach to them securely. Then, they use a firm bonding material to attach the veneers to your teeth and use a curing light to harden it. They send you off with instructions on how to care for your new and cosmetically improved smile. If you’re interested in improving your smile’s beauty with high-end porcelain veneers, schedule a consultation at Smile by Design Dental Group online or over the phone today.

  Link: Veneers

• Invisalign

  Invisalign® makes your smile look its best after 12-18 months of wearing comfortable, removable custom aligners. Talented cosmetic dentist Michael Choi, DMD, takes 3D scans and X-rays to map out your treatment progress and design aligners that fulfill your goals for better alignment in your smile. To set up a consultation at Smile by Design Dental Group in Irvine, California, and learn more about the benefits of Invisalign, book online or over the phone today. Invisalign Q&A What is Invisalign? Invisalign is a treatment alternative to braces and other more traditional orthodontic options. It improves the cosmetic appeal of your smile by adjusting the position of your teeth. This can have a major impact on your facial shape, the appearance of your smile, and the comfort of your bite when you speak or chew. Invisalign doesn’t just improve your smile’s appearance after it’s finished. Unlike having braces, your smile remains visible and appealing throughout the whole process. This is thanks to Invisalign’s unique system of custom plastic covers for your teeth, called aligners. During your time using Invisalign, you’ll progress through a series of custom aligners made to fit your teeth perfectly at each stage. Each aligner places gentle pressure on various teeth to move them slowly over time into their ideal placement. How does Invisalign compare to traditional braces? When comparing the Invisalign system to traditional metal and wire braces, you’ll notice a number of advantages. Invisalign is more advanced and aesthetically pleasing. Other benefits include: Removable devices No dietary restrictions Easy device cleaning and teeth brushing Aligners that are nearly invisible from even a short distance Soft plastic that doesn’t cause irritation or injury like metal and wires Less frequent visits to the dentist Highly predictable results Invisalign can treat most mild to moderate cases of overbite, underbite, crowding, and other common forms of malocclusion. The team at Smile by Design Dental Group tells you if you’re a candidate after a brief consultation, which might include X-rays and scans. What should I expect during my time using Invisalign? Living life with Invisalign is an easy adjustment since you don’t need to make modifications to your diet. You simply have to remember to wear your aligners for most of the day and take them out only to eat, brush your teeth, and drink anything other than water. You’ll wear your aligners in order, using each aligner for 1-2 weeks. Every day, you should have your aligners on your teeth for at least 22 out of 24 hours, including while you sleep. Before putting them back in after removing them, you should make sure you don’t have food stuck between your teeth since this can affect the process and cause cavities. As you use Invisalign, you should try not to chew on the aligners’ soft plastic. Doing so can alter their shape and disrupt the process. You can expect to wear your aligners for 12-18 months according to the Smile by Design Dental Group team’s instructions, and you can view your progress along the way. To explore the long list of benefits and find out what your smile would look like after the Invisalign treatment process, call Smile by Design Dental Group or schedule a consultation online today.

  Link: Invisalign

• All-on-4

  All-on-4 or All-on-6 dentures improve upon traditional dentures by adding dental implants that they latch onto for support. At Smile by Design Dental Group, Michael Choi, DMD, and his team place four or six implants at even intervals in your jawbone before attaching a custom denture, complete with artificial teeth and gums. To set up a consultation, book an appointment online or over the phone at the dental practice in Irvine, California, today. All-on-4 Q&A What is All-on-4? All-on-4 is a treatment option when you’re missing all of the teeth in either your upper or lower jaw, or if you’re missing most of them and are willing to have the rest extracted. Instead of getting regular dentures, All-on-4 offers more stability with the support of four evenly spaced implants across the jawbone. Similarly, All-on-6 uses six implants for the same purpose. The team at Smile by Design Dental Group creates your prosthetic teeth to look appealing in your mouth and maintain your face shape. They consider the original shapes and sizes of your teeth while designing the prosthetic, which also includes a gum component to make them look more consistently natural when you grin. By using four or six implants instead of one per missing tooth, you can maintain your jawbone’s structure and avoid compromising its strength and density. Both options minimize healing time and offer a stable base for your dentures. What is the procedure for getting All-on-4 or All-on-6? The All-on-4 or All-on-6 procedure starts with an initial consultation at Smile by Design Dental Group, during which the team screens your teeth and may take X-rays. If you have remaining teeth in the arch you’re treating with four or six implants, they remove them after injecting local anesthesia. Next, the team decides where to place the titanium implants along your jawbone. They sedate you before surgically placing all of the implants during a single procedure. The dentures are ready by the time you have your surgery, so the team can lock them in position atop the implants the very same day. What are the advantages of getting All-on-4 or All-on-6 dentures? Compared to traditional dentures and other tooth replacement options like dental bridges, All-on-4 and All-on-6 dentures have some noteworthy advantages for you to consider. You should consider getting All-on-4 or All-on-6 dentures because they: Remain stable and don’t slip Restore your phonetics Restore your chewing ability Restore your facial shape and structure to make you look younger Have a minimal healing time compared to traditional implants Require just one visit to the office Slow down deterioration of your jawbone Your All-on-4 or All-on-6 restoration lasts for a long time and is easy to clean. You should continue to visit the dentist for cleanings, but more frequently than you would with your natural teeth. Instead of once every six months, you should visit about once every three months. If you’re missing most or all of the teeth in your upper or lower arch and would like to consider All-on-4 or All-on-6 implants instead of traditional dentures, schedule an appointment at Smile by Design Dental Group online or over the phone today.

  Link: All-on-4

• Dental Implants

  Dental implants have earned an esteemed reputation in dentistry for their strength, stability, and durability. At Smile by Design Dental Group in Irvine, California, Michael Choi, DMD, and his team offer dental implant surgery, as well as custom crowns and All-on-4 or All-on-6 dentures, for implant restoration. To see if you’re a good candidate for one or more dental implants, book a consultation online or over the phone today. Dental Implants Q&A What are dental implants? Dental implants are titanium posts that hold dental prosthetics in your mouth permanently. The team at Smile by Design Dental Group performs a couple of simple surgeries to place the implants in your jaw, as well as the attachment pieces that latch onto them and hold your prosthetics (called abutments). Before you get implants, the team takes X-rays and digital scans of your mouth. Using the X-rays, they evaluate the strength of your jawbone. Since the loss of the roots of your teeth can cause jawbone deterioration, you might need a bone graft to make your jawbone strong enough to hold an implant. During the healing period after your first implant surgery — which varies from person to person but usually takes a few months — the bone in your jaw grows around the implant, making it sturdy. Once you’re healed, the team at Smile by Design Dental Group reopens the incisions to attach the abutments. What are dental implant restorations? Dental implant restorations are the prosthetics that the dental team at Smile by Design Dental Group design and mill to attach to your dental implants. Smile by Design Dental Group offers two types of restorations: Crowns A single custom dental crown attaches to just one implant. The team makes your crown from ceramic material and attaches it to the implant abutment with a strong dental adhesive. All-on-4 or All-on-6 dentures All-on-4 and All-on-6 dentures require just four or six dental implants, not one per tooth. They replace either the full upper or lower arch of teeth. If you have any remaining teeth in the arch, you’ll need them extracted before your implant surgery. What are the benefits of getting dental implants? Dental implants offer a list of benefits that far outweigh some of the other options for replacing missing teeth, like removable dentures or dental bridges. If you opt for dental implants, you’ll enjoy these advantages: Stable teeth Great aesthetics Better phonetics Durable prosthetics The prevention of jawbone deterioration The prevention of teeth drifting into the vacant spaces While the process of getting dental implants can be lengthy, the benefits make them worth the wait and planning. The team at Smile by Design Dental Group makes sure your new teeth look and feel completely natural after attaching them to your implant abutments. To learn more about the dental implant process for either All-on-4, All-on-6, or singular implants, schedule an appointment online or over the phone at Smile by Design Dental Group today.

  Link: Dental Implants

• Same Day Crowns

  Getting traditional crowns requires a lot of time and multiple dental office visits. With same-day crowns at Smile by Design Dental Group in Irvine, California, the process is much simpler and faster. Skilled cosmetic and implant dentist Michael Choi, DMD, creates your crown using computer-aided design and manufacturing in just one office visit. Set up your consultation by requesting an appointment online or over the phone today. Same Day Crowns Q&A What are same-day crowns? Same-day crowns are durable caps for your teeth that can cover damage or reinforce a tooth’s original strength or structure. Same-day crowns simplify the traditional process of repairing or replacing teeth with crowns so you don’t have to wait for several weeks using temporary devices. Unlike veneers, which only serve a cosmetic purpose, crowns can cover any tooth to fix damage or just make the tooth look better. The team at Smile by Design Dental Group customizes the color of your crown so it blends in nicely with the teeth around it. You can use a crown to: Cover chips and cracks Replace the enamel of a worn-down tooth Protect a weak tooth Restore a broken tooth Cover a dental implant Cover a tooth after a root canal Improve the appearance of a misshapen or discolored tooth Smile by Design Dental Group offers same-day crowns using the advanced CEREC system, which accurately designs and mills your crown in one day. How do same-day crowns compare to traditional crowns? Compared to traditional crowns — which can take weeks to create after your impressions — same-day crowns using the CEREC system have many notable advantages. In addition to being faster and easier, other benefits of same-day crowns include: Comfortable, safe imaging and scanning High-quality devices using computer-aided manufacturing Minimal enamel removal before crown placement Minimal additional adjustments once your crown is ready No need for an ill-fitting or uncomfortable temporary crown Same-day crowns are made of very durable ceramic materials designed to last for years or decades at a time. You might eventually need to replace your crown due to wear-and-tear, but you can expect your same-day crown to last 5-15 years if you care for it properly. How are same-day crowns designed and fabricated? Getting your same-day crowns at Smile by Design Dental Group is a simple and painless process that takes place over the course of a day-long appointment. When you arrive in the morning, the team prepares the tooth by removing some of its enamel. This step isn’t necessary if you’re getting a crown for a dental implant. Next, the team takes digital impressions of your prepared tooth or of the abutment attached to the implant that will hold your crown. The digital scanner sends the impressions to a computer, and a computer-aided manufacturing machine mills the crown out of a solid block of ceramic. You can relax in the comfort of the clinic as this process takes place. Once your crown is ready, the team places it right away. They check the fit and might make some final adjustments before bonding it to the tooth with dental adhesives and a curing light. To consult with the Smile by Design Dental Group team about same-day crowns for your smile, schedule an appointment online or over the phone today.

  Link: Same Day Crowns

• Sedation Dentistry

  For many adults, the thought of going to the dentist is terrifying — so they don’t. While there’s no shame in being anxious, avoiding dental care can have serious consequences for your teeth and gums. To get the care you need without panic, consider sedation dentistry at Smile by Design Dental Group in Irvine, California. Experienced dentist Michael Choi, DMD, and his team offer sedation for all dental procedures, including tooth cleanings, making for a relaxed, pleasant visit. To learn more about sedation dentistry, schedule an appointment online or over the phone. Sedation Dentistry Q&A What is sedation dentistry? Sedation dentistry includes a number of techniques designed to relieve your stress and anxiety when you go to the dentist. The team at Smile by Design Dental Group uses sedation dentistry to provide a relaxing, comfortable treatment experience. You may consider sedation dentistry if you: Have a low tolerance for pain Have highly sensitive teeth and gums Have an overactive gag reflex Are afraid of shots and drills Become very anxious while in the dental chair Frequently cancel dental appointments The team at Smile by Design Dental Group provides sedation dentistry techniques for routine teeth cleanings and checkups, as well as more involved dental procedures. Don’t be embarrassed to express your concerns to the team and ask about sedation dentistry techniques. Plenty of people have fears about going to the dentist. What types of dental sedation are available? Sedation can be minimal, moderate, or deep: Minimal sedation: largely awake but relaxed Moderate sedation: awake but unable to speak and unlikely to remember the procedure Deep sedation: almost completely unconscious The team at Smile by Design Dental Group aims to use the minimum level of sedation necessary for you to feel comfortable and relaxed during your appointment. The level of sedation depends on your level of anxiety, your sensitivity to pain, and the procedure. Techniques Smile by Design Dental Group use to perform sedation dentistry include: Oral sedation In oral sedation, you take a pill before your procedure. The medication is designed to help you stay awake but relaxed, though some patients fall asleep after the effects set in. Is sedation dentistry safe? The team at Smile by Design Dental Group is cautious about their use of sedation. The team monitors you after your procedure and makes sure you can get home safely before you leave the office. You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home afterward. To get the dental care you need without discomfort, schedule a sedation dentistry appointment at Smile by Design Dental Group online or over the phone.

  Link: Sedation Dentistry

• Smile Makeover

  Have you ever looked in the mirror and felt hopeless about your smile and all of its issues? At Smile by Design Dental Group in Irvine, California, Michael Choi, DMD, and his team offer smile makeovers and full mouth reconstructions, complete with a custom combination of all the treatments you need. If you’re interested in planning a comprehensive smile makeover, book an appointment over the phone or online today. Smile Makeover Q&A What is a smile makeover? A smile makeover is a series of cosmetic dental procedures that you plan in conjunction with one another. The dental team at Smile by Design Dental Group helps you select treatments that align with your ideal result and plans the treatments so you have minimal healing time. A full mouth reconstruction, which is very similar to a smile makeover, addresses cosmetic issues as well as more serious issues that affect the form or function of your teeth. The team at Smile by Design Dental Group has an excellent track record in performing full mouth reconstructions and smile makeovers using the latest dental technologies. Which issues can my smile makeover address? A smile makeover or full mouth reconstruction can target and fix nearly any cosmetic issue and most health issues affecting your smile and the way it looks or functions. Several of the many common issues you can address during your smile makeover consultation are: Discoloration Brown and yellow stains appear on teeth because of highly pigmented foods and substances like tea, cola, and tobacco. You can also get heavy tooth discoloration from certain medications or traumatic tooth injuries. Missing teeth Losing teeth during adulthood can happen because of an injury or poor oral health and hygiene. You have many options for replacing one or many missing teeth during your smile makeover or full mouth reconstruction. Damaged teeth Your teeth might get chips or cracks from a distinct acute injury, like direct impact to the face. They can also gather damage when you bite down on solid objects, use your teeth in lieu of scissors, or grind your teeth at night. Health issues Health issues like cavities and gum disease can impact the way your smile looks. They can cause changes in the way your teeth look or cause you to lose teeth if you don’t treat them. Which treatments can I include in my smile makeover? The team at Smile by Design Dental Group prides itself on offering the most advanced treatments and diagnostic imaging technologies available so you can plan your smile makeover or full mouth reconstruction in the best way possible. After reviewing your concerns, the team recommends a combination of these treatments and services: Gum contouring and grafting Teeth whitening Dental implants Bridges All-on-4 Traditional dentures Crowns Veneers Composite bonding Inlays or onlays Plaque and tartar removal Invisalign® Root canal therapy The team at Smile by Design Dental Group coaches you through the process of healing and recovery after your procedures. They plan them to give you as little healing time as possible so you can enjoy your smile very soon after completion of your treatments. To set up a personalized consultation for a smile makeover or full mouth reconstruction, book an appointment at Smile by Design Dental Group online or over the phone today.

  Link: Smile Makeover

• Full Mouth Reconstruction

  If you’re missing some or all of your teeth, full mouth reconstruction provides a safe and effective way to restore your smile, as well as your ability to chew, bite, and speak confidently. Michael Choi, DMD, at Smile by Design Dental Group in Irvine, California, performs full mouth reconstruction using state-of-the-art techniques. Take the first step toward improved oral health today. Request an appointment by calling the office and speaking with a friendly team member or clicking the online scheduling tool today. Full Mouth Reconstruction Q&A What is full mouth reconstruction? Full mouth reconstruction is a blanket term used to describe a group of procedures designed to restore your smile to a healthier, more attractive condition. This type of treatment combines cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry to improve the health, function, and physical appearance of your mouth. Can I benefit from full mouth reconstruction? Anyone who has multiple dental issues affecting the aesthetic appearance or function of their teeth and gums can benefit from a full mouth reconstruction. The team at Smile by Design Dental Group performs full mouth reconstructions to address a wide range of oral health problems, including: Missing teeth Large, damaged fillings Cracked teeth Chipped teeth Broken teeth Severe decay You might also benefit if you have weak or damaged teeth caused by issues such as bruxism (teeth grinding) or a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. The team also uses full mouth reconstruction to help people born with certain genetic conditions. What treatments does full mouth reconstruction utilize? No two full mouth reconstruction treatments are exactly alike. The team at Smile by Design Dental Group tailors a custom care plan that aligns with your individual health history and goals for treatment. That said, the process usually combines several cosmetic and restorative dentistry procedures, including: Crowns Bridges Dental implants Fillings Onlays Inlays Veneers Dentures If you have crooked or misaligned teeth, the team might also recommend orthodontic treatment with Invisalign®. Is full mouth reconstruction painful? Full mouth reconstruction is safe and well-tolerated. However, some of the procedures involved require surgery or anesthesia. For example, if you receive dental implants, the first step of treatment involves a procedure that requires 3-4 months of recovery. Prior to performing a full mouth reconstruction, your Smile by Design Dental Group provider walks you through each step of the process. During your initial consultation, make sure to let your dentist know about any prescription medications or supplements you’re taking, as well as any underlying health problems, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. These ailments won’t necessarily prevent you from undergoing treatment, but they may increase your risk of complications. If you’re interested in learning more about full mouth reconstruction, request an appointment at Smile by Design Dental Group today by calling the office or clicking the online scheduling tool.

  Link: Full Mouth Reconstruction