Did You Know That You Can Change the Shape of Your Gums?

gum contouring V1Y 8B7

Most dental patients know that cosmetic, restorative, and orthodontic dentistry procedures correct a multitude of smile flaws. There are treatments to reshape teeth, straighten teeth, correct damaged teeth, whiten teeth, and replace missing teeth. But what about your gums? Are you aware of how much your gums affect the look of your smile?

You Can Contour Your Gums

The shape and size of your gumline can make your teeth appear too large or too small or otherwise out of proportion. Gum contouring can fix gums that appear too low or too high in relation to the teeth and shape them for the perfect smile.

People who are unhappy with their gums might want to examine gum contouring. Many dentists and periodontists offer gum contouring surgery.

Gingival Sculpting

This procedure is also called gingival sculpting, gingival contouring or gum graft surgery, but don’t let the term surgery frighten you. Cosmetic gum contouring is performed using a precision laser. The procedure usually involves little pain and requires no recovery time.

Gum Contouring Can Treat Gum Recession

Gum reshaping is not always done for purely cosmetic reasons, it is also used to treat gum recession, a common condition that can lead to decay and tooth loss.

In gum graft surgery, soft tissue is often taken either from the roof of the mouth, the area surrounding the site of the grafting, or a tissue bank. Soft tissue grafts used to cover exposed tooth roots protect teeth from receding gums and can relieve sensitivity. Of course, gum grafts often increase the attractiveness of the smile in the process.

If you are seeking more specifics about gum contouring or other dental procedures, call Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair today at 250-860-8900 to schedule a consultation.

We provide quality dentistry to patients in Kelowna and the greater Kelowna area.

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


The Advantages of Implant-Retained Dentures

implant dentures Kelowna

Are you trading your traditional dentures for implant-stabilized dentures?

Implant-retained or implant-stabilized dentures both provide numerous merits over traditional dentures.

Secure in the mouth—no slipping

Provides up to 100% natural chewing function

Upper denture doesn’t cover as much of the palate

This helps users taste food more easily. (Hooray!)

More comfortable

When dentures are fixed in place, they don’t slip around, allowing the wearer to feel more confident in social or professional situations.

Little or no gum irritation

Mouth sores lower the quality of life and can make eating painful.

Doesn’t impair speaking power

Denture wearers recognize how frustrating it is to not be able to speak properly. With implant-stabilized dentures, you can regain the ease of talking and laughing.

Stronger

Implant-retained dentures are sturdy and long-lasting.

Prevents bone loss

When bone recedes, you can get that “sunken face” look. Nothing ages an individual more than hollowed-out cheeks.

Allows the wearer to eat any type of food

Has it been a while since you’ve taken a bite of a juicy steak or crisp, red apple? It’s time to enjoy your favorite foods again!

No adhesive required

You won’t miss gluing your dentures into your mouth.

What Are The Differences Between Fixed and Removable?

Fixed implant-retained dentures (sometimes called screw-in) necessitate more implants than the removable type. However, they can restore 100% chewing ability.

Removable implant dentures (sometimes called snap-in) may necessitate just 4 implants to stabilize the upper arch and just 2 for the lower denture. Removable implant-stabilized dentures can restore up to 90% of chewing ability.

Should I get removable or fixed implant-anchored dentures?

The following factors will impact your determination.

Bone Health

Implants require the patient to have a sufficient amount of healthy bone structure for placement. The condition of your jawbone influences whether it can support implants and where the posts can be inserted.

Price

Fixed implant dentures cost more but some men and women believe the benefits outweigh the extra expense.

Convenience

Fixed implant-stabilized dentures don’t have to be taken out for cleaning. Patients who have found it inconvenient to clean standard dentures would face the same issue with removable implant-retained dentures.

Preferred Foods

Fixed dentures are sturdier than removable dentures. Patients who choose foods that are harder to chew should consider this.

Sleep Conditions

People with TMJ or sleep apnea may find it harder to manage these conditions if they have to remove their dentures at night.

Now denture wearers have a better option.

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


How Much Do You Know About Gum Disease?

gum disease treatment Kelowna

1. Which of the following are risk factors for gum disease (periodontitis)?

a. Pregnancy
b. Overbite
c. Diabetes
d. Genetics

2. Which of the things listed below are possible signs of gum disease?

a. Teeth that appear longer
b. A change in the way dentures fit
c. Loose teeth
d. Tender gums

3. Which of the items below are possible health problems linked to untreated gum disease?

a. Asthma
b. Low birth weight babies
c. Parkinson’s disease
d. Stroke

4. What percentage of men and women age 65+ have gum disease?

a. 5%
b. 12%
c. 25%
d. 50%

5. Which of the following procedures are used for gum disease?

a. Scaling and root planing
b. Gum grafting
c. Flap surgery
d. Flip surgery

Answers
1. All of the above. Pregnancy, menopause, or any other condition that causes hormonal changes is a risk factor as is any type of malocclusion.
2. All of the above. Note: some patients don’t observe any symptoms.
3. a,b,d.
4. c.
5. a,b,c.

Hi, I’m Dr. Malfair of Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair in Kelowna. Gum disease usually responds favorably to treatment—especially if caught early. If you haven’t seen a dentist in a while, or have been noticing issues with your gums or teeth, I invite you to call 250-860-8900 today to schedule an appointment.

Sources:
John Donavan, “5 Things You Didn’t Know About Your Teeth,” WebMD, December 15, 2015, http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/5-things-you-didnt-know-about-your-teeth#3, accessed March 20, 2017
“Periodontal (Gum) Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments,” National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/GumDiseases/PeriodontalGumDisease.htm, accessed March 20, 2017
“Diseases and Conditions Periodontitis,” Mayo Clinic, February 4, 2014, http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/periodontitis/basics/risk-factors/con-20021679, accessed March 20, 2017

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


Mini Implants May Be Right For You

How Mini Dental Implants Can Help Your Smile in V1Y 8B7 I’m Stephen Malfair of Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair in Kelowna. Today’s topic is mini dental implants, sometimes called “immediate implants”.

Though they are not as well known as traditional dental implants, mini implants are also being used successfully in the Kelowna area to improve smiles. Like their larger diameter counterparts, mini implants can support a restoration for one or more missing teeth or replace a bridge or fixed denture. Denture wearers benefit considerably from these slip-free dental implants that are anchored securely in the jaw bone.

In some cases, a patient is unable to receive traditional full-size dental implants due to insufficient bone thickness. There are also mini implant patients who are not able to undergo dental implant surgery due to health issues. These patients are often excellent candidates for the mini version.

The placement of toothpick-size mini dental implants can sometimes be done in one dental visit. The placement usually requires no incisions or stitches. Recovery time, if necessary, is frequently very short. Most patients are able to eat dinner that evening.

Don’t let the word “mini” fool you; your smile can receive a maximum upgrade with mini dental implants. Call Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair at 250-860-8900 to schedule a 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


When It’s Better Not To Brush

enamel erosion Kelowna

Though thin and partially translucent, tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body and has the critical job of safeguarding teeth from constant use and the continual assault of chemicals in food and drink. Enamel also safeguards tooth nerves from hot and cold food and beverages. That’s why enamel loss often causes tooth sensitivity.

Cuts heal. Bruises fade. Broken bones mend. The body’s ability to heal itself is truly incredible. But tooth enamel is different. When it’s gone, it’s gone.

The team at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair encourages our patients to protect their tooth enamel for a lifetime of dental health.

This may seem counterintuitive, but sometimes it is better NOT to brush immediately after eating. Specifically, after eating acidic items. The acid weakens the enamel which can be further weakened by brushing. Waiting 60 minutes will allow the acid to dilute. Rinsing immediately after eating acidic foods is useful, however, because it washes away some food particles and speeds up the dilution of the acid.

Some people don’t realize that dry mouth can cause or exacerbate enamel erosion. The calcium and phosphate in saliva protect your enamel. When there is little saliva, the enamel is left unprotected. Chewing stimulates saliva production but constant snacking is not the answer for dry mouth. Chewing sugar-free gum and sipping water periodically can stimulate saliva production between meals without increasing the risk of or upping your calorie intake.

Furthermore, tooth grinding wears enamel away. If you are one of the many Kelowna residents who grind their teeth at night, it’s critical to get a mouthguard right away. People who grind their teeth are at high risk for enamel erosion and the cavities that can follow. Athletes should also safeguard their teeth on the playing field with a mouthguard. For more specifics, talk to Dr. Stephen Malfair at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair about custom mouthguards.

If you sip soda, tea, or coffee all day, we suggest you switch to water to halt any enamel erosion that has already transpired. It may be a hard change to make – but if you are successful – your teeth will thank you for it.

Using teeth as tools can hurt enamel, as well. Take a moment to fetch scissors before tearing a package or ripping duct tape with your teeth. Do you really want to take a chance on chipping a tooth just to open a package of lunchmeat?

Chewing ice and hard candy can also hurt enamel. If you simply must have sugar, soft candy is best as long as it is not left to sit on teeth for long periods of time. If your molars are packed with gummy candy, it can lead to cavities that erode enamel just as efficiently as chipping it with hard candy. Many of the old-school hard candies we enjoyed as kids now come in soft versions. Enjoy them sparingly because constant sugar is bad for teeth. Period.

If you have already experienced enamel erosion or other dental problems, Dr. Stephen Malfair can help you protect what is left. To schedule an extensive examination, contact Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair in Kelowna at 250-860-8900!

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


Why You Shouldn’t Dread Going To The Dentist

Mission gentle dentist

Do you have a dental issue that needs attention?

Have you been putting off a dental visit?

Good news! Dentistry in the Kelowna area and around British Columbia is nothing like it was when you were a kid. (Even if you’re still a kid, we invite you to keep reading.)

There Is No Reason to Avoid Dental Visits

First off, if you need dental treatment, oral sedation dentistry allows you to sleep during the procedure. There are several levels of sedation–you can remain conscious or take a trip to la-la land.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Stephen Malfair for more important specifics about sleep dentistry.

If you have a bad memory of hurting for days after a procedure, relax. Improved painkillers, lasers, and advanced techniques have reduced the pain experienced by Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair patients. If you need extensive treatment, we will create a pain management plan to ensure that you remain comfortable.

You Won’t Be Here All Day

We can perform procedures much quicker with today’s extremely precise dental instruments. Healing times for oral surgery are also much shorter.

You don’t have to live with gaps in your smile, sore gums, stained teeth, or a toothache. We can take care of all your dental problems. We will help restore your oral health to improve your quality of life and prevent dental problems from affecting other parts of your body.

Today’s dentistry is not your father’s dentistry. We invite you to discover why you shouldn’t avoid the dentist any longer.

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


Soft, Medium, Or Buzz Lightyear?

Affordable Dentistry in Kelowna At Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair, Dr. Stephen Malfair is often asked how to select the most basic tool of oral hygiene, the toothbrush. Picking a toothbrush can be as difficult as choosing a paint color, and there seem to be just as many choices.

If you have visited the dental section of your local grocery store or drugstore lately, you know what I am talking about. There are brushes with bristles of varying lengths, brushes that massage your gums, and brushes that change color when they are used up. (If I had to rate them purely on their fun factor, I would choose the Spiderman brush.)

Some toothbrush manufacturers claim their brushes freshen your breath or remove stains from your teeth. How do you pick the best one?

One vital factor is the firmness of the bristles. Hard bristles may be more effective for cleaning burnt steak off a grill or hard water deposits off a shower floor. However, this does not hold true for your teeth. Medium and firm brushes can break your gums. Soft and extra-soft bristles are plenty stiff enough to wash plaque, food particles, and surface stains from your teeth. Soft bristles also serve you with more flexibility for hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.

After having dental work or oral surgery, especially anything involving soft tissue grafts, make sure that you use an extra-soft brush and be careful!

When selecting a toothbrush for a child, make sure the brush feels comfortable in his or her hand. If the size and angle feel awkward, the child will be less likely to use it long enough to clean all areas of the mouth. Children do not necessarily need a child-sized toothbrush. Some kids can handle an adult-size brush better than a short, narrow child-size brush. If you are unsure, ask your dentist.

What about the electric types and water shooters? Some men and women like the feeling of pulsing bristles or a mini-squirt gun squirting away at the plaque. People with arthritis or other movement-inhibiting conditions can benefit from powered brushes which take some strain off hands and arm muscles.

Is your toothbrush doing the job? Schedule an exam at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair.

At Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair, our caring dental hygienists instruct our patients and on proper brushing and flossing. If you haven’t experienced a dental deep cleaning at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair, you don’t know how clean your teeth and gums can feel.

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


Does Your Smile Make a Great First Impression?

top smile makeover dentist Kelowna

In a Match.com survey, over 5,000 single men and women were asked what they found most attractive in a potential dating partner. 60% of men and 71% of women said straight, white teeth and an attractive smile was the most valued feature.

and…

Research by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), found that a healthy, beautiful smile makes you appear more intelligent, successful, friendly, and interesting.

plus…

Research reveals that many people believe when meeting someone for the first time, an attractive smile makes a deeper impression than the first thing a person says.

Hopefully, we’ve successfully made the case that most people place great importance on the quality of a person’s smile.

Have you ever wondered how a more attractive smile could improve your life?

Our smile makeover patients at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair in Kelowna have discovered the power of a beautiful smile firsthand. Not surprisingly, they not only appreciate their attractive smile for themselves, they feel more confident in their personal and professional circles.

I’m Stephen Malfair of Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair in Kelowna. I enjoy improving my patients’ lives by transforming their smiles.

It starts with a consultation where I work with each patient to design a custom treatment plan.

What would you like to change about your smile?

  • Tooth stains?
  • Crooked teeth?
  • Chipped teeth?
  • Missing teeth?
  • Gum recession?

There are cosmetic dental treatments that can correct each of these issues and more!

If not now, when?

There has never been a better time to enhance your smile. It’s an investment in yourself that will pay off every day.

We have performed smile makeovers for patients in all life stages. Clearly, you are never too young or too old to enjoy a healthy, attractive smile.

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


The Good, Better and Best for Dental Health

cosmetic dental Kelowna

Even if you value a healthy smile, it’s easy to become somewhat lax about smile-friendly lifestyle choices. In today’s post, our goal is for you to analyze where you stand and consider whether you could step it up a notch. Committing to oral health best practices can prevent future problems and improve your quality of life.

Brushing

Good: Brush teeth once a day.
Better: Brush teeth effectively after each meal.
Best: Brush after each meal and floss effectively before bed.

Dental Checkups

Good: See your dentist if you get a toothache.
Better: See Dr. Malfair once a year even if you don’t notice any dental problems.
Best: Twice yearly, have a thorough dental exam and professional dental cleaning at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair.

A White Smile

Good: Use whitening toothpaste.
Better: Use a tooth whitening system at home.
Best: Schedule an in-office tooth bleaching procedure.

Missing Tooth

Good enough for some people: Ignore it. (We don’t recommend this.)
Better: Get a quality dental bridge.
Best: Restore your smile with a beautiful, sturdy, and natural-functioning dental implant. (Consult with Dr. Malfair to find out if you are a good candidate for an implant.)

Smile-Friendly Nutrition

Good: Eat a nutritious diet.
Better: Eat a healthy diet and limit sugary snacks and beverages.
Best: Eat a sensible diet, limit between-meal snacking, eat lots of calcium-rich foods, minimize sugar-filled foods, abstain from energy drinks and soda, and sip water throughout the day to keep acid at bay.

For Young Smiles

Good: Never put your baby to bed with a bottle. When your toddler starts drinking from sippy cup, don’t let them sip juice or milk all day.
Better: Follow the previous guidance and schedule his/her first dental checkup before the first birthday.
Best: In addition, communicate with Dr. Malfair about dental sealants when your child is young. When your little athlete starts participating in sports, make sure he/she wears a protective mouthguard. Set a good example of daily dental hygiene and healthy lifestyle choices.

Hello, I am Dr. Stephen Malfair. At Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair, we are dedicated to the best in dentistry. We invite you to call 250-860-8900 to schedule an appointment. We look forward to meeting you.

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


Dental Confidence Or Caution

V1W 3C6 cosmetic dental and tooth implants

Whether you are one of those who goes willingly to the dentist or are hesitant about getting work done, the team at Love Your Smile in Kelowna wants you to make and keep regular appointments for cleanings and checkups.

Regular dental appointments are important because they help keep your teeth and gums healthy. For most patients, we recommend a visit to our office every six months. We occasionally need to see a patient more often.

Appointments, Parts 1 & 2

There are two parts to a typical dental appointment: a cleaning and a checkup.

During a cleaning, one of our dental hygienists inspects your teeth and gums, and uses special tools to remove any plaque and tartar that have built up. It also includes polishing your teeth, which removes any surface stains. The last step is flossing.

During a checkup, the dentist checks your overall dental health. If there are any issues, like a cavity or signs of gum disease, we’ll usually schedule a follow-up appointment. It will be planned for your convenience, of course, but sooner is better.

What you do between your six-month visits is really important. Plaque is contantly forming on the teeth, so we recommend – and we cannot say it strongly enough! – that you brush and floss your teeth every day. Ideally, you’ll do it twice.

You have a lot of toothpaste choices. The flavor is up to you, but be sure to choose one with fluoride.

By seeing Love Your Smile in Kelowna twice a year and maintaining a good dental health regimen at home, you can have confidence that your teeth and gums are in great shape. Patients from Mission, V1Y 8B7, and V1W 3C6 from to us for restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry. If you haven’t already, schedule your next appointment today!

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