About Us
Welcome to Smile & Sage Dental
About Us
Smile & Sage Dental is a Newport Beach practice built on the belief that exceptional dentistry and whole-body wellness belong together. Every treatment plan is grounded in evidence-based care, shaped around your long-term health goals, and delivered in an environment designed to feel as restorative as it is thorough. This is dentistry that's thoughtful by design: intentional, personal, and focused on outcomes that last.
Get to know
Dr. Sheila Nikdel
Dr. Sheila Nikdel grew up in Irvine, California, and always knew she wanted to return to the community that raised her. After earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from NYU College of Dentistry, where she received honors in prosthodontics, she came back to Orange County with a clear vision: to build a practice where patients feel genuinely heard, educated, and cared for, not rushed through a revolving door.
With seven years of clinical experience, Dr. Sheila brings a philosophy that connects oral health to overall wellness. Her approach is grounded in biomimetic dentistry, a method focused on preserving your natural tooth structure rather than removing more than necessary. She believes the best dental care works with your biology, not against it, and that every recommendation should be scientifically supported, functional, and designed with your long-term health in mind.
Airway health is another area Dr. Sheila is deeply committed to. She incorporates airway screening into comprehensive evaluations because she understands that what happens in your mouth can have far-reaching effects on how you breathe, sleep, and feel. This whole-body lens shapes everything from how she reviews your imaging to how she builds your treatment plan.
Among her favorite services are cosmetic dentistry, particularly veneers and full smile transformations, implant dentistry, and Invisalign clear aligner therapy. She finds deep satisfaction in the intersection of precision and artistry, and in the confidence her patients gain when their smile finally reflects how they feel on the inside.
Outside the office, Dr. Sheila stays connected to the same wellness principles she brings to her practice. She enjoys Pilates, hiking, cooking, and traveling, and believes that balance and intentional living are as important in everyday life as they are in long-term dental care.
Dr. Sheila is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), the California Dental Association (CDA), the Orange County Dental Society (OCDS), and the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). She is committed to continued education and to staying at the forefront of evidence-based dentistry, so that every patient at Smile & Sage receives care that reflects the best of what modern dentistry has to offer.
Your first visit, thoughtfully considered
Everything you need to feel confident
Your first visit to Smile & Sage is designed to be comprehensive without feeling overwhelming. We take the time to understand your goals, review your oral health with modern imaging and airway screening, and walk you through our findings in a way that makes sense: no jargon, no pressure. By the end of your appointment, you'll have a clear picture of where your health stands and a personalized plan built around your life and your goals.
Patient Experience
From the moment you arrive, the experience at Smile & Sage is calm, elevated, and centered entirely on you. New patients receive a comprehensive exam that includes 3D CBCT & digital x-rays, intraoral scans & smile design, salivary testing, and airway, TMJ, and sleep analysis – all part of our $395 new patient special. We move at a pace that allows you to ask questions, understand your options, and feel genuinely cared for rather than rushed through an appointment. Recare visits are designed with the same intention: restorative in feel, focused on your long-term health rather than short-term fixes.
What to Bring
To help us make the most of your first visit, please bring the following:
Modern tools, thoughtful touches, and a space designed for your comfort
Smile & Sage is a fully digital practice equipped with advanced imaging technology and a carefully considered patient environment. Every detail, from the tools we use to diagnose and treat, to the amenities that greet you when you arrive, reflects our commitment to care that is both clinically excellent and genuinely comfortable.
.svg)
CBCT imaging
Cone beam CT (CBCT) imaging gives us a precise, three-dimensional view of your teeth, bone, airways, and surrounding structures. This level of detail allows for more accurate diagnoses, better treatment planning, and a more conservative approach to care, catching what two-dimensional x-rays can miss and helping us make recommendations grounded in the full picture of your oral health.
.svg)
Digital scanners
Our digital scanners replace traditional impressions with fast, comfortable, highly accurate scans. Whether you're being fitted for a restoration, planning Invisalign treatment, or simply having your bite evaluated, digital scanning means greater precision and a more comfortable experience from start to finish.
Soft tissue laser
Our soft tissue laser allows for precise, minimally invasive treatment of gum tissue with less discomfort and faster healing than traditional methods. It's used for a range of procedures, from frenectomies to cold sore treatments, and reflects our commitment to care that is as gentle as it is effective.
.svg)
TVs and streaming in every operatory
Each treatment room is equipped with a monitor and streaming options, so you can watch your favorite show, listen to music, or simply have something to focus on during your appointment. It's a small detail that makes a meaningful difference in how relaxed you feel throughout your visit.
Noise-cancelling headphones
Block out the sounds of the office and settle into your own space. Our noise-cancelling headphones are available during any appointment for patients who want a quieter, more focused experience.
Aromatherapy and calming sensory elements
Thoughtfully chosen scents and sensory details throughout the office help create an environment that feels calm and grounded from the moment you arrive. These subtle touches are part of what makes Smile & Sage feel different from the moment you walk through the door.
Warm towels and cozy blankets
Small comforts go a long way. Warm towels and cozy blankets are available to every patient, because feeling physically comfortable during your appointment is part of the care we provide.
Beverage station and comfortable seating
Our welcoming reception area includes a beverage station and comfortable seating designed to help you settle in before your appointment. Whether you arrive a few minutes early or need a moment after your visit, the space is yours to enjoy.
