General Dentist

Do You Love Your Smile?

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Categories: General Dentist

Kelowna Cosmetic Dentistry The Mission people who are most happy with their smiles have healthy, straight teeth that sparkle when they laugh. If nature didn’t bless you with attractive teeth, you are not alone. Most perfect smiles you come across in V1W 3C6 were not always that way. They are the result of cosmetic dentistry performed by an experienced Kelowna aesthetic dentist.

At Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair in Kelowna, Stephen Malfair DDS provides the state-of-the-art procedures that deliver dazzling, flawless teeth for cosmetic dentistry patients. We treat patients from 35 to 65. You are never too young or too old to improve your smile; but it will definitely make you feel younger!

Two common smile problems are yellow enamel and chipped teeth.

Discolored Teeth

Few Kelowna people have pearly white smiles that stay that way forever. Even with consistent brushing, flossing and regular dental cleanings, our teeth darken as we age. Fortunately, the most affordable Kelowna cosmetic dentistry procedure is tooth bleaching. Picture yourself with a celebrity-caliber smile. It is possible with safe and affordable teeth whitening at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair.

Damaged Teeth

Our teeth work hard for us day after day, year after year. Sometimes they get chipped or cracked in the process. If you would like to fix your tooth flaws, schedule a consultation by calling Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair at 250-860-8900. We use porcelain veneers every day to remedy tooth trauma. Cosmetic bonding has been used with fabulous results for many years and bonding is usually a fraction of the price of a crown.

Ask Dr. Malfair which of our Kelowna cosmetic dentistry procedures can be completed in one appointment. How about a same-day smile makeover?

If you have never been eager to show your teeth when you smile or laugh, now is the time to change that. Call Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair today at 250-860-8900 to schedule a smile design consultation.

Contact Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair:

250-860-8900

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

301-1890 Cooper Rd
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 8B7

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Seven Ways You Can Break Your Teeth And How To Protect Them In British Columbia

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Categories: Dental health, General Dentist, General Dentistry

Seven Ways You Can Break Your Teeth And How To Protect Them In British Columbia

Your teeth are among the most important structures in your body. They are responsible for tasks such as biting, chewing, and speaking.

Unfortunately, there are many ways in which you can accidentally break your teeth. This can lead to pain, discomfort, and long-term disability.

At Love Your Smile, we want you to be careful with your teeth. Let’s discuss the top seven ways you can break your teeth, so you know what to watch for and when to be the most careful with your oral health in mind.

1. Biting on Hard Objects

At Love Your Smile, we want you to be careful with your teethMany people have a habit of biting on hard objects, such as ice, pens, or pencils. While this may seem harmless, it can actually cause significant damage to your teeth. Biting on hard objects can cause your teeth to crack, chip, or even break. To avoid this, try to break the habit of biting on hard objects and stick to chewing on food.

2. Using Your Teeth as Tools

Using your teeth as tools is a common way people break their teeth. For example, using your teeth to open a bottle, tear open a package, or even cutting a piece of tape for that birthday gift can cause damage to your teeth. Always use the appropriate tools for these tasks and avoid using your teeth.

3. Grinding Your Teeth

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common condition that can cause significant damage to your teeth. Grinding your teeth can cause your teeth to become worn down, cracked, or broken. If you grind your teeth, talk to your British Columbia dentist at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair about getting a mouthguard to protect your teeth.

4. Eating Sticky or Hard Foods

Eating sticky or hard foods such as a chewy caramel or a piece of hard candy can cause your teeth to crack or break. If you regularly eat these types of foods, try to chew them on the opposite side of your mouth to avoid putting too much pressure on one tooth. Avoid biting those hard candies, too. They taste great, but they can cause a lot of damage.

5. Playing Contact Sports

Playing contact sports such as football or hockey can increase your risk of breaking a tooth. Broken teeth can occur from personal contact, contact with the ground, or contact with equipment. Even soft equipment such as an inflated ball can cause damage. Make sure to wear a mouthguard while playing to protect your teeth from impact.

6. Ignoring Dental Problems

Ignoring dental problems such as cavities or gum disease can lead to weakened teeth. Weak teeth are more prone to breaking. Make sure to visit your British Columbia dentist at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair regularly to keep an eye on your oral health and to address any dental issues before they become a problem.

7. Getting Into Accidents

Finally, accidents can happen and they can often result in broken teeth. Whether it’s a car accident, a fall, or running into a bar at the playground, make sure to seek dental care as soon as possible if your teeth are damaged. Quick reactions to damage can help ensure the best chances of saving a tooth and limiting damage.

There are many ways in which you can accidentally break your teeth. We encourage you to be aware of these risks and take steps to avoid accidents.

Remember to visit your dentist at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair regularly for checkups and address any dental issues promptly to keep your teeth healthy and strong.

 

CONTACT LOVE YOUR SMILE – DR. STEPHEN MALFAIR:

250-860-8900

LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

301-1890 Cooper Rd
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 8B7

What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?

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Categories: General Dentist, General Dentistry, Wisdom teeth

wisdom teeth Kelowna

Evolution isn’t always tidy and linear. For example, we have smaller jaws than our ancestors thousands of years ago, but most of our bodies haven’t adapted by generating fewer teeth. Two-thirds of us produce the same amount of teeth as early humans. These late-developing extra molars are called wisdom teeth and they pose unique oral problems. Luckily, Love Your Smile can safely take care of your wisdom teeth.

When a wisdom tooth tries to come in but is obstructed by the adjacent tooth, it becomes impacted and can result in:

It’s hard to clean partially erupted wisdom teeth. Since they have a high risk of tooth decay, dentists pay special attention to them. They can also cause cavities in the neighboring molars.

If they are causing issues, your dentist will recommend they be removed. Your dentist may also recommend extraction to prevent future dilemmas.

It is estimated that 85% of wisdom teeth need to be removed. Wisdom tooth extraction is a routine outpatient procedure. Most patients experience minimal pain and recover in a few days.

If your high-schooler still has their wisdom teeth and is going away to college this fall, we recommend an exam before they leave. You don’t want the teeth to start hurting them when they are away from their regular dentist or have them miss class to get them removed.

To schedule an exam and X-rays, call us at 250-860-8900.

CONTACT LOVE YOUR SMILE – DR. STEPHEN MALFAIR:

778-760-2099

LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

301-1890 Cooper Rd
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 8B7

What’s New At Your Kelowna Dental Office?

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Categories: Beautiful smile, Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentist

Affordable Smile Makeovers In KelownaHello friends of Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair, today we’re talking about the modern dental office in British Columbia. Dentistry is a field of continual innovation. There are always new and improved ways to help Kelowna residents have the healthiest and most beautiful smile possible.

Many dental offices in the Mission, V1Y 8B7, and V1W 3C6 areas have found that switching to digital X-rays makes for more efficient appointments. Also, dental images can more easily be stored in a patient’s computer file and compared with past images.

Diode lasers are innovative instruments that allow your Kelowna area dentist to detect bacteria levels in your mouth as well as find and treat cavities.

For Kelowna patients interested in cosmetic or restorative dentistry, CAD (computer-assisted design) technology can allow procedures that involve crowns and bridges to be done in fewer appointments.

If you are considering a full smile makeover and want veneers, the newer, thinner veneers are just as strong and beautiful, but more of the original tooth is left intact.

I’m Dr. Stephen Malfair. I want my patients to have the best oral health possible. My practice, Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair, is located at 301-1890 Cooper Rd, and our caring dental team is always ready to welcome new patients. We offer the following services:

Cosmetic Dentistry
Dental Implants
Sedation Dentistry
Teeth Whitening
Porcelain Veneers

Call 250-860-8900 today to schedule an appointment!

The following online article was used as source material for this blog: “Advances in Dental Care: What’s New at the Dentist,” WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/advances-in-dental-care-whats-new-at-the-dentist, accessed on February 1, 2012

CONTACT LOVE YOUR SMILE – DR. STEPHEN MALFAIR:

778-760-2099

LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

301-1890 Cooper Rd
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 8B7

How Oral Inflammation Affects Your Health

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Categories: Dental health, General Dentist, Gum Disease

inflamed gums Kelowna

Swollen and painful gums are symptoms of periodontal disease, an inflammatory gum disease. Swelling occurs from an auto-immune response of the body reacting to an infection. Infections are noticeable through pain, redness, and warmth. If the infection is left untreated, it can influence the bone near the teeth. The body’s immune system wants to rid the bone of the harmful material the bacteria is creating. Over time, bone loss will arise.

Inflammation in the gums also is associated with atherosclerosis, the occurrence of fatty deposits inside the body’s arteries. Inflammation coincides with an increase of the blood protein CRP (C-reactive protein), produced by the liver. The more inflammation there is, the more the liver produces CRP. The more CRP present, the more likely cardiovascular disease is present, along with related issues. CRP production is also related to arthritis, auto-immune disorders, and intestinal dilemmas.

Scientists are currently looking into the relationship between periodontal inflammation and CRP levels and the effects outside of the oral cavity. Links have already been discovered between periodontal disease and pancreatic cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

If inflammation is left untreated, gums can develop pockets that provide the perfect breeding ground for infection. The longer the infection persists, the more likely bone loss will arise, eventually causing tooth loss.

It is vital to practice preventive dental care daily at home and have regular visits to the dentist. Dental appointments should include an exam, cleaning, and full mouth x-rays, along with the important knowledge and instruction on how to properly care for teeth and gums at home. It is also very important to see your dentist promptly if a tooth suddenly becomes sensitive or you observe any other changes.

Thanks for visiting our blog. For more specifics about inflammation or periodontal disease, give us a call.

 

CONTACT LOVE YOUR SMILE – DR. STEPHEN MALFAIR:

778-760-2099

LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

301-1890 Cooper Rd
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 8B7

Should Teens See a General or Pediatric Dentist?

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Categories: Children's dentistry, Family Dentistry, General Dentist

when should my child transition from a pediatric to general dentist? Kelowna

Some parents in the Kelowna area bring their children to a pediatric dentist. Others use a general or family dentist for every member of their household.

What’s the difference between a pediatric dentist and a general dentist?

Pediatric dentists have specialized training to treat infants, young children, and adolescents. They use special dental tools created for smaller mouths. Some pediatric dentists have training in child psychology which can help make children feel comfortable during dental treatment.

When should my child transition from a pediatric dentist to a general dentist? Some parents transition their child to a general dentist as soon as all their child’s permanent teeth come in. Other parents have their children see a pediatric dentist until their late teens.

Does your teen feel comfortable at a pediatric dental practice?

Sometimes, when a child hits their early teen years, they feel uncomfortable at a pediatric dental practice. This is especially true if the office is furnished and geared toward toddlers and pre-teens. In this case, the teen may choose the right time to transition.

Above all, it’s critical that your child feels comfortable at the dentist. If your child starts feeling like they are too old to see a pediatric dentist, it’s time to switch to a general dentist.

We understand the oral health needs of your teenager

Remember that the team at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair is willing and able to address adolescent dental needs. We are happy to treat your teenager through their adolescent years.

What dental issues should I be watching for during adolescence?

First off, pay attention to your son or daughter’s nutrition. As children become more independent, they start making more of their own food choices. If you visit any Kelowna-area middle school or high school during lunch, you will notice that some teens drink soda and energy drinks. Most of those teens most likely drank milk during elementary school. Make sure you get enough calcium to keep your teeth strong. Vaping and smoking take a toll on physical and dental health. Unfortunately, they are too common among the teen group in the Kelowna area.

Your dentist is an essential member of your teen’s healthcare team

Your dentist can help you understand how their diet and lifestyle impact their oral health. If your teenager struggles with an eating disorder, a dentist can address any related dental issues. If your teen is undergoing orthodontic treatment, your dentist can monitor their teeth closely during a time when it’s more difficult to keep teeth clean and free of tooth decay

Regardless of when you transition your teen to a general dentist, make sure they see a dentist at least twice a year. Continue to monitor their oral hygiene practices and set a good example. Watch out for destructive habits. Furthermore, make sure they wear a mouthguard when participating in contact sports.

The team at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair has been serving families in the Kelowna area since 2004. We value the relationships we have developed with our patients and their families. If you are looking for an experienced, caring family and general dentist in the Kelowna area, give us a call to schedule a consultation.

 

CONTACT LOVE YOUR SMILE – DR. STEPHEN MALFAIR:

778-760-2099

LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

301-1890 Cooper Rd
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 8B7

5 Cavity Basics

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Categories: Dental health, General Dentist

Kelowna Cosmetic Dentist

The desire to prohibit decay is one of the main reasons people visit their dentists

Today we are going to explore 5 things you need to know about cavities.

1. Cavities are also called caries or tooth decay. When a tooth is permanently damaged in the hard surface, tiny openings develop. These little holes are cavities.

2. Factors that contribute to cavities are:

Frequent eating
Consuming sugary beverages
Oral bacteria
Poor dental hygiene

3. Cavities may get so bad that you will see pits or holes in your teeth, but symptoms may be more subtle, such as sensitivity, pain when biting, or a toothache. If you see any of these symptoms, you should call your dentist today to schedule an appointment.

4. Cavities are more common among youngsters, but that doesn’t mean adults don’t have to take precautions.

5. Avoiding cavities is simple. Be sure to brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, eat right, skip frequent snacking, and have regular visits with your dentist.

If you are in the market for quality dental care in the Kelowna area, give Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair a call. We have been treating dental patients in and around Kelowna since 2004. 

Contact Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair:

250-860-8900

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

301-1890 Cooper Rd
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 8B7

Is Your Smile In A World Of Hurt?

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Categories: General Dentist, General Dentistry, Oral health

full mouth reconstruction Kelowna

Do you have extreme tooth damage, bone loss, or few or no teeth still intact? This post is for Kelowna area residents whose mouths are in a world of hurt.

First off, we feel for you. We understand how severe dental issues influence you every day of your life.

Whatever the cause of the condition – chemotherapy, recreational drug use, eating disorder, severe mouth injury, disability, inadequate oral hygiene, or simply poor overall health – there is hope.

Full mouth reconstruction can restore your previously healthy, nice smile or give you the remarkable smile you never had. Patients who undergo full mouth reconstruction regain their confidence to smile, eat, and speak normally. How would that impact your life?

Replacing missing teeth and adding bone through grafting restores underlying facial structure, improving or preventing that “sunk-in” look that develops when teeth are gone and the jawbone recedes.

Full mouth reconstruction (sometimes called full mouth restoration) is a term that refers to a combination of dental procedures that restore a smile for people with several damaged or missing teeth. Treatment may include any combination of the following procedures: crowns, inlays/onlays, dental bonding, white filling replacement, tooth implants, porcelain veneers, implant-anchored dentures, gum contouring, soft tissue grafts, bone grafts, and tooth whitening.

Dental implants are often the best tooth replacement for Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair patients with missing teeth. A dental implant consists of a titanium post surgically inserted into the jaw bone to replace the root of the missing tooth. If there is not enough bone to anchor an implant, bone grafting may be carried out to augment existing bone. The post integrates with the bone to provide a sturdy foundation for the abutment and beautiful crown. Dental implants are indistinguishable from initial teeth in both form and function.

If you currently have dentures, speak with us about implant-anchored full or partial dentures. Significant improvements can be made even if you only get two or three tooth implants.

Crowns (sometimes called caps) are used when there is enough viable tooth structure that the tooth doesn’t need to be extracted. A crown adds strength to a tooth that has a large filling or has been injured. A crown can correct a bite misalignment and is usually necessary after a root canal. In a dental implant procedure, attaching the crown to the abutment is the final step.

Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair offers a full menu of cosmetic dental services including total mouth reconstruction. Cosmetic dentistry may be more affordable than you think. Talk to us about financing or a multi-procedure treatment schedule that allows you to pay as you go. Restoring a healthy smile may be the best investment you ever make.

Contact Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair:

250-860-8900

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

301-1890 Cooper Rd
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 8B7

Are Floss Picks As Good As Regular Dental Floss?

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Categories: Dental health, Family Dentistry, General Dentist, General Dentistry

are floss picks as good as regular floss? Mission

Are floss picks as good as regular floss?

Floss picks vs regular floss? While it’s better to floss with a floss pick than to not floss at all, it’s important to note that floss picks can only clean a part of the tooth’s surface. Dr. Malfair recommends traditional floss or dental tape. Here’s why:

A floss pick holds just a small section of floss stretched in a straight line. Looking down, a tooth is shaped somewhat round or oval, with occasional irregularities. A straight segment of floss just doesn’t make sense geometrically because it doesn’t conform to the contours of the tooth as well as traditional floss used correctly. By wrapping the floss completely around the circumference of a tooth, you can more capably clean that critical area around and just below the gumline. And your fingers are much more agile than a piece of plastic.

We have seen patients who are observant floss pick users who developed decay due to a tiny crack the floss pick missed day after day.

Here is a review on correct flossing:

1. Cut a piece of floss about 18 inches long and securely wind each end around your middle fingers.
2. Take hold of the floss with your forefinger and thumb leaving about two inches to work with. Thread the floss between two teeth.
3. Hold the floss firmly against the side of the tooth and move it up and away from the gumline. You want to clean the space between the tooth and gum without pulling more gum tissue away, so it’s vital to scrape up and out of the pocket.
4. Move the floss around the tooth to clean every surface—especially those that your brush can’t reach. You can use a “shoeshine” method if you like. As you use a section of floss, unwind from one hand to access a clean piece. With 18 inches, you should have enough to furnish a clean piece for each tooth. If you run out, that’s okay. Just toss the used piece and cut a new section.
5. Some people find it easier to commence on one end of the upper teeth and clean each gap one by one until they reach the end on the opposite side, and then repeat for the lower arch. Whatever method you select, make sure you clean around every tooth, including the back surfaces of the rear molars.
6. If you have never flossed before, your gums might bleed the first few times. The bleeding may be due to gum inflammation, the beginnings of gum disease. Keep flossing gently and the bleeding usually stops within a week or two.

Contact Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair:

250-860-8900

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

301-1890 Cooper Rd
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 8B7

Your Smile Says Keep Trying!

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Categories: Dental health, General Dentist

gentle dentist Kelowna

Today’s article is for people who are frustrated because they haven’t been successful at making some changes that will benefit their oral health. We want to urge you to keep trying and assure you that the team of dental professionals at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair is eager to help.

Keep Trying To Floss

Many men and women are observant about brushing and believe that it makes up for lack of flossing. This is a misconception. Flossing is the only way to clean food debris and plaque from the gumline. Failure to floss can lead to periodontal disease which can, in turn, bring about tooth loss. We encourage everyone to make it a habit to floss appropriately every day. If you are not sure how to floss correctly, any one of the courteous dental hygienists at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair would be happy to teach you. (They’re the pros!) Call 250-860-8900 to schedule a professional dental cleaning a review on flossing.

Keep Trying to Overcome Dental Anxiety

Skipping dental checkups can have harmful, and in some cases, irreversible oral health consequences. Severe cavities or delayed diagnosis of oral cancer are two potential risks. If you are afraid of going to the dentist, you are not alone. This psychological disorder affects a significant portion of the population. Fortunately, there are many ways to manage this condition so you can undergo an exam and any necessary services. Talk to Dr. Malfair if you or a family member suffers from dental anxiety. Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair furnishes oral sedation and other help for apprehensive patients.

Keep Trying to Quit Tobacco

Smoking is just as detrimental for your teeth and gums as it is for other parts of your body. If you’ve tried unsuccessfully to drop the habit, it’s clear that you value your health and want to lower your risk for all the issues caused or exacerbated by smoking, chewing, or vaping.

Many smokers do not kick the habit the first time. But there’s hope! According to the CDC, there are now more former smokers than current users. Each of those former smokers was once right where you are. Keep trying!

Sometimes a little help can make all the difference. Call Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair at 250-860-8900 to schedule an appointment.

Contact Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair:

250-860-8900

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

301-1890 Cooper Rd
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 8B7