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Smile By Design Dental Group

Your Irvine General Dentist for the Whole Family

Finding a general dentist in Irvine, CA who feels right for your whole family shouldn't take much effort. At Smile By Design Dental Group, we built our practice around one idea: one team, one Irvine office, and a full range of dental care for every person in your household. Our team communicates in English, Korean, and Spanish, so language never gets in the way of understanding your treatment or feeling at ease in the chair. We're also welcoming new patients now, whether you just moved to the area or you're ready for a change from your current dental office.

One Team, One Irvine Office

General Dentistry Is theFoundation of Long-TermOral Health

General dentistry is the foundation of long-term oral health. It’s where small problems get caught early, healthy habits take root, and you build a relationship with a dentist who actually knows your history. Rather than sending you to a different office for every need, Smile By Design brings preventive, restorative, orthodontic, and emergency care together under one roof.

Conservative by Default

When a tooth can be preserved with a filling or an inlay instead of a crown, that’s the recommendation you’ll hear first, since we’d rather protect your natural tooth structure than jump straight to the most invasive option.

Written Plans, No Surprises

You’ll receive a written treatment plan before any work begins, so you know what’s recommended, why, and what it costs. No surprises after the fact.

Care in Three Languages

Our team speaks English, Korean, and Spanish, so care feels personal no matter which language you’re most comfortable using.

Specialist Depth in Routine Care

Dr. Michael Choi is a prosthodontist and implant specialist with more than 35,000 implant procedures and restorations behind him, and Dr. Grace Ahn focuses on evidence-based, whole-person dentistry. That experience carries into your everyday cleanings and checkups, not just the complex cases.

Comprehensive Everyday Care

Comprehensive General Dentistry
Services in Irvine

General dentistry is one part of the full range of care we provide. Take a look at our complete services overview if you’re curious about our cosmetic or restorative options too. Here’s what falls under general dentistry at our Irvine office.

Preventive dental cleaning and exam in Irvine CA

Preventive Care and Dental Checkups

Regular cleanings and exams are the backbone of preventive dentistry in Irvine, CA. During a dental checkup in Irvine, CA at Smile By Design, we check for cavities, gum disease, and early warning signs that are easy to miss on your own. Our Cleanings & Exams visits also cover fluoride, sealants, and oral cancer screening, so prevention stays simple and consistent.

Explore Cleanings
Invisalign clear aligner treatment in Irvine CA

Alignment, Orthodontics, and Retention

Want straighter teeth without a noticeable appliance? We support orthodontic alignment through Invisalign and Invisalign for Teens, along with retainer repair to protect your results once treatment ends. Straighter teeth aren’t just about appearance, they’re also easier to clean and can ease strain on your bite over time.

Explore Invisalign
Oral health screening and protective dental treatment in Irvine CA

Oral Health Protection and Early Detection

Beyond your regular checkup, we protect your smile with fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and oral cancer screening at every routine visit. When a cavity does form, we treat it with dental fillings designed to blend in and hold up over time. For very early-stage decay that doesn’t yet need a filling, we also offer Icon resin treatments.

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Emergency dental care in Irvine CA

Emergency and Surgical Dental Services

Dental pain doesn’t wait for a convenient time. Our team handles emergency dental care, tooth extractions, wisdom teeth removal, and oral surgery, along with treatment for traumatic injuries and chipped or cracked teeth. If you’re in pain or dealing with a dental injury, call us and we’ll get you seen as soon as we can.

Explore Emergency Care
TMJ therapy and bite health treatment in Irvine CA

Sleep, TMJ, and Bite Health

Jaw pain, teeth grinding, and sleep-related breathing problems are more common than most people realize. We evaluate and treat TMJ disorders and bruxism, screen for sleep apnea, and build custom snore guards, night guards, and sports guards to protect your teeth and support better rest.

Explore TMJ Care
Dr. Michael Choi, Prosthodontist in Irvine CA

Dr. Michael Choi, DMD

Prosthodontist & Implant Specialist

Irvine, CA Practice Leader

Why Timing Matters

What Happens When Routine Dental Care Is Delayed?

Skipping a cleaning here and there doesn’t feel like a big deal, but small cavities and early gum disease rarely stay small. Left alone, a minor issue can progress into something that needs a crown, root canal, or extraction instead of a simple filling. If that happens, our Restorative Dentistry team can help rebuild what’s been lost, but catching problems early through regular visits is always the easier, more comfortable path.

Family Dental Home

Why Irvine Families Choose Smile By Design for General Dental Care

Choosing a family dentist in Irvine, CA means trusting someone with your whole household’s care for years to come. Here’s what that looks like with us.

We lean conservative. When a tooth can be preserved with a filling or an inlay instead of a crown, that’s the recommendation you’ll hear first, since we’d rather protect your natural tooth structure than jump straight to the most invasive option.

You’ll also receive a written treatment plan before any work begins, so you know what’s recommended, why, and what it costs. No surprises after the fact. Our team speaks English, Korean, and Spanish, so care feels personal no matter which language you’re most comfortable using.

As an Irvine general dentist practice, we bring specialist-level depth to routine care too. Dr. Michael Choi is a prosthodontist and implant specialist with more than 35,000 implant procedures and restorations behind him, and Dr. Grace Ahn focuses on evidence-based, whole-person dentistry. That experience carries into your everyday cleanings and checkups, not just the complex cases.

Coverage & Access

Insurance, Financing, and Patient Access

We accept a wide range of PPO insurance plans, including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Delta Dental, and MetLife, among others. Visit our Insurance & Financing page for more detail on coverage and payment options. As a general dentist in Irvine, CA, we’ve set up our practice to be accessible: our team communicates in English, Korean, and Spanish, and we’re currently welcoming new patients of all ages.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a general dentist in Irvine, CA treat?

In Irvine, a general dentist typically handles the full range of everyday dental needs, from cleanings and fillings to extractions, gum health, and bite issues like TMJ or teeth grinding. At Smile By Design, that range also extends into orthodontic support, sleep-related treatment, and emergency care, so most patients can get everything they need in one place.

How often should I schedule a dental checkup in Irvine?

Most patients do well with a dental checkup in Irvine, CA every six months, which allows us to catch small issues before they turn into bigger ones. Some patients with gum disease, higher cavity risk, or ongoing dental work may benefit from more frequent visits. We’ll recommend a schedule based on your mouth, not a one-size-fits-all rule.

Does Smile By Design accept new patients?

Yes, we’re currently welcoming new patients, including families, individuals, and anyone who has recently moved to Irvine. Getting started is simple: call our office or reach out through our contact page, and our team will help you find an appointment time that works.

Do you offer multilingual dental care in Irvine?

Yes. Our team provides care in English, Korean, and Spanish, so you can discuss your treatment and ask questions in the language you’re most comfortable using. Patients tell us this makes a real difference, especially when it comes to treatment planning and understanding what to expect.

What if I need more than general dentistry? Can the same practice handle it?

Yes. Smile By Design also provides restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and other specialized treatment right here in Irvine. Dr. Choi’s background as a prosthodontist and implant specialist means that if you ever need more advanced work, like dental implants or a full cosmetic dentistry treatment plan, you can stay with a team that already knows your history.
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NEW PATIENTS WELCOME

Make Smile By Design Your Family’s Dental Home in Irvine