If you are planning to whiten your teeth, the important first step is to decide on a whitening method. It may seem like there are a multitude of options, but it’s important to remember that they all employ a peroxide-based whitening solution. The difference lies in the strength of the bleaching solution and method of delivery. In-office whitening procedures generally use a solution with a relatively higher concentration of peroxide. In other words, it is stronger.
Takes longer to achieve desired level of lightening
Whitening appliances don’t protect gum tissue
Solution must be applied many times over a period of weeks
In-Office Professional Teeth Whitening Advantages
Same day results
Administered by a dental professional
Gum tissue is protected
You may be able to pay for it with HSA or flex spending
In-Office Professional Teeth Whitening Disadvantages
More expensive
Did you know that in order to maintain the brightness achieved from an in-office teeth whitening treatment, a patient must follow up with at-home touch-ups? Therefore, a combination of in-office and DIY methods is often the most effective solution.
A note about non-professional teeth bleaching kiosks:
A few years ago during the height of the tooth-whitening craze, teeth-whitening kiosks started popping up in Kelowna area malls. Though some have closed their doors, a few remain in business. Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair urges patients to avoid these establishments. There is little regulatory oversight and customers have no guarantee of the safety of their services or the qualifications of their employees. As always, it is critical to only trust your smile to dental professionals.
Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair advises patients to meet with their Kelowna dentist before starting any tooth bleaching regimen. An oral examination will help your dentist know if tooth whitening will deliver the results you are seeking. This is especially important when you have tetracycline stains or multiple restorations.
Declining health, limited mobility, financial strains – clearly, aging is not for wimps. Though some challenges seniors face can’t be avoided, others can. Dental dilemmas, for instance.
Many dental problems common among retirees such as missing teeth, gum recession, tooth damage, and yellowed enamel, can be remedied.
With modern cosmetic dentistry at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair, mature men and women can have an extraordinary smile that looks as young as they feel (or wish they felt!). Regardless of your age, it is not too late to improve your smile – even if you have some missing teeth.
At Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair in Kelowna, we pamper our highly regarded patients. We offer comprehensive general and innovative cosmetic dental services including cosmetic dentistry and cosmetic dentistry.
Keeping your teeth clean is an essential factor in maintaining a beautiful smile. One of the benefits of visiting your dentist commonly is receiving a thorough teeth cleaning and a review of your brushing habits.
Your Partner in Oral Health
Our dental hygienist can professionally clean and polish your teeth at your twice-yearly dental check-up. The hygienist also helps you keep your teeth clean by assessing the condition of your teeth and recommending improvements to your daily teeth cleaning habits.
Having a professional dental cleaning is the only way to get rid of plaque (a sticky substance in which bacteria thrives) and tartar (a calcium deposit that forms on teeth and contributes to cavities).
Don’t Forget Basic Dental Hygiene
Brushing and flossing at least twice each day can keep plaque and tartar from collecting on your teeth and results in cleaner, healthier teeth.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends visiting your dentist at least once every 6 months for a dental checkup and dental cleaning.
To keep that beautiful smile in top condition, come in for a dental check-up and teeth cleaning. Call Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair to make an appointment.- Dr. Stephen Malfair
One of the most important tools for maintaining oral hygiene is a toothbrush. However, with so many types of toothbrushes available in the Kelowna British Columbia market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for you.
Choosing the best toothbrush can depend on a lot of factors. Our team at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair can help you decide which toothbrush is best for you. In the meantime, let’s take a look at a few different types of toothbrushes and see what they offer…
Manual Toothbrushes
Manual toothbrushes are the most commonly used type of toothbrush in Kelowna British Columbia. They are affordable and easy to use. They come in different sizes, shapes, and bristle types. Manual toothbrushes have a handle that you hold and a head with bristles that you use to clean your teeth.
We’re all familiar with this type of toothbrush. The bristles come in different varieties, including soft, medium, and hard.
Soft-bristled toothbrushes are the most recommended by dentists at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair because they are gentle on the teeth and gums. Hard-bristled toothbrushes, on the other hand, can cause damage to your tooth enamel and gums.
If you have any questions about the bristles on your toothbrush, bring it in to Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair and let’s take a look. We may be able to recommend a better option for your teeth.
Electric Toothbrushes
Electric toothbrushes have become increasingly popular around British Columbia in recent years. They typically have a small motor that moves the bristles in a circular or back-and-forth motion to clean your teeth. Some electric toothbrushes come with different modes and settings for different cleaning options.
Electric toothbrushes are a great solution for people who have difficulty using a manual toothbrush or have limited dexterity. They are also more effective at removing plaque and stains compared to manual toothbrushes. However, electric toothbrushes can be more expensive than manual toothbrushes.
Sonic Toothbrushes
Sonic toothbrushes are a type of electric toothbrush that uses high-frequency vibrations to clean the teeth. These vibrations create a sonic wave that helps to dislodge plaque and debris from the teeth and gums. Sonic toothbrushes are more effective at cleaning than manual or electric toothbrushes and can help to whiten the teeth.
Sonic toothbrushes are a good option for people who have heightened sensitivity because they are gentle on the teeth and gums. However, they can be expensive compared to manual or electric toothbrushes.
Which Toothbrush is the Best?
The best toothbrush for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. However, there are some general guidelines that you can follow when choosing a toothbrush:
Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid damaging your teeth and gums.
Look for a toothbrush with a small head that can reach all areas of your mouth, including the back teeth.
Consider an electric toothbrush if you have difficulty using a manual toothbrush or want a more effective cleaning option.
If you opt for an electric toothbrush, choose a model with different modes and settings that suit your sensitivity.
Choosing the right toothbrush is essential for maintaining good oral hygiene. There are different types of toothbrushes available, including manual, electric, and sonic toothbrushes. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, and the best toothbrush for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Whatever type of toothbrush you choose, make sure it has soft bristles and a small head to effectively clean all areas of your mouth. Better yet; make a visit to Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair and let’s talk about how best to keep your teeth clean and healthy.
Most Kelowna residents know that frequently eating foods high in sugar can cause cavities. Therefore, it’s important to limit candy, soda, cookies, etc. Also, remember that frequency is as dangerous as the amount of sugar.
Research has found that a higher frequency in sugar consumption may lead to demineralization more than the amount of sugar consumed. In other words, eating sugary foods in small amounts on a regular basis can do more harm than eating the occasional sugar-laden dessert. (Healthline)
Before we discuss the issue further, let’s review the miracle substance that protects our teeth: enamel. While enamel is the hardest substance in the body, it’s not invincible. In fact, it demineralizes (loses some of its density) when it comes in contact with sugar, acids and bacteria.
Let’s consider additional eating habits and how they can affect oral health.
Acid is as Bad as Sugar
First, let’s talk about acids. A plethora of both healthy and unhealthy foods and drinks are acidic. Soda pop and energy drinks are especially dangerous because they have sugar and acid, a dangerous combo. Plus, they provide virtually no nutrition. However, you probably don’t want to limit all acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes. Many acidic foods and beverages are high in Vitamin C and other nutrients.
You can shield your teeth by eating these things as part of a meal to decrease the acidic effects. It is smart to eat a variety of healthy foods such as chicken, cheeses, chicken, other meats, nuts and milk. The calcium and phosphorus will support tooth remineralization.
Meal Timing Makes a Difference
The more frequently you eat the more often your teeth are subject to the decay process. This can be moderated by deciding on healthy snacks. And keep in mind, the later at night you eat, the more likely you will skip brusing and flossing altogether.
Enamel Erosion
While the enamel is soft, the tooth is exposed to losing a microscopic outer layer of enamel. If the onslaught continues, the much softer dentin underneath is exposed. The dentin erodes more quickly. Eventually, you may lose the tooth.
Understand Which Foods are Acidic
Broadly speaking, the normal diet is becoming more acidic. The list of acidic foods may surprise you. They include eggs, gravy, asparagus, chicken, cottage cheese, honey, fish, ham, butter, sour cream, aged cheese, and yogurt with active cultures. Generally, foods with a high sugar or artificial sweetener content are especially acidic. We don’t recommend cutting out the healthy foods. We just want you to be aware of them so you can make better choices.
If your teeth have become more sensitive in general, or in response to hot or cold foods or liquids, you may have enamel erosion. Call us to schedule an appointment and Dr. Malfair can examine your teeth and discuss it with you.
Is Your Go-To Beverage Affecting Your Teeth?
Now let’s talk about beverages. You probably already know that soda pop and wine are not good for your teeth. Kelowna teenagers that sip soda all day can have acid erosion while their young teeth should be at their healthiest. As mentioned, energy drinks have a multitude of teeth-damaging ingredients. Dentists are noticing the impact of their increasing popularity.
If you drink soda or energy drinks often, you may want to drink water or chew sugarless gum after downing a can. Increasing saliva production can energize the remineralization process.
Xylitol Gum
If you choose to chew gum to stimulate saliva production, a good choice is gum with Xylitol. Xylitol is a natural sweetener that was first discovered in birch tree bark but is also found in many fruits and vegetables. Unlike most other sweeteners (natural or synthetic), xylitol is actually beneficial for your teeth.
Several clinical studies have demonstrated that xylitol prohibits the growth of the bacteria that initiates tooth decay. It also diminishes plaque and strengthens tooth enamel.
For years, the dental industry has been advocating implants as the preferable tooth restoration option in most circumstances.
But many dental insurance companies don’t cover teeth implants. The dental insurance industry seems to be stuck in 1970. For example, many insurers will cover dental bridges.
Clearly, dental insurers rarely make coverage decisions based on what is best for the patient.
However, you shouldn’t give up on tooth implants if your dental insurer doesn’t cover them. You may be able to get coverage for part of the procedure. Or your medical insurance may cover part of the treatment plan.
What to do if your dental insurance provider doesn’t cover dental implant procedures
Have your implant dentist provide a detailed implant treatment plan in writing
Armed with your treatment plan, talk to both your dental insurer and your medical insurance provider
Ask your dental insurance provider if they will give you an allowance equal to the cost of a bridge or standard dentures
Ask your dental insurance provider if they will cover the cost of the crown(s)
If your tooth loss has medical complications, your health insurance provider might cover some components of the implant treatment
Consider switching dental insurance companies–if your employer offers more than one dental option, contact the other provider(s) to find out if they cover implants
Pay for dental implants instead of premiums: consider not renewing your dental insurance and use the money saved toward the cost of implants
Look into dental implant-specific insurance–some companies are filling a need in the industry by offering dental insurance created specifically for tooth implants and related treatments
Ask Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair about financing and payment options
Chronic bad breath can happen to anyone. Even individuals who practice impeccable oral hygiene can suffer from the condition.
Are you struggling with bad breath?
Schedule an examination and deep dental cleaning at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair in Kelowna. Our dental hygienist will get all the plaque and calculus off your teeth. During your examination, Dr. Stephen Malfair will determine whether you have a dental problem that is contributing to your breath.
In addition to inadequate dental hygiene, the following can cause chronic bad breath:
Dry mouth
Digestive issues
Systemic infection
Gum disease
Food particles on tonsils
Bacteria on dentures or a broken crown
At Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair, we can help you with this unpleasant condition. Even if you think you brush and floss adequately, here’s a refresher course:
Brush for at least 2 minutes
People who have no idea how long they brush can set a timer (there is probably one on your smartphone). When you are finished with your teeth, don’t forget your tongue!
Floss carefully
Then take the time to carefully floss around each tooth to wipe away the plaque between your teeth and keep your gums healthy.
Some extra-careful oral hygiene pros brush after each meal to restrict particles of food from sitting on their teeth during the day.
Possible dental causes are: a cavity, a broken crown, or gum disease. If we suspect that your bad breath is linked to a non-dental malady, such as a respiratory infection, you will be referred to an appropriate medical professional.
Treating bad breath starts with a visit to Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair. In addition to general dental care, we provide a complete menu of dental services including Cosmetic Dentistry, Teeth Whitening, and Dental Implants.
Hi! Welcome to the Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair dental blog where we take the time to answer dental questions. Today we are focusing on fabulous veneers, which are used extensively in cosmetic dentistry.
Dental veneers (also called laminates) are custom-made to permanently cover the front part of one or more teeth. Wafer-thin, super-strong veneers can correct a variety of problems including:
1. Chips
2. Cracks
3. Stains
4. Teeth that are misshapen
5. Teeth that are too short
6. Teeth that are misaligned
7. Gaps between teeth
To begin the veneer procedure, your dentist will make a model of your teeth. Following this, an experienced dental technician will use the model to make the veneers. In some veneer procedures, a small amount of the enamel from the face of the tooth has to be removed. Today’s veneer process leaves most of your healthy tooth structure.
Please call 250-860-8900 and a member of our caring staff can answer any questions you have about veneers. We can also tell you about other cosmetic dental procedures that have a dramatic impact.
There’s something about having knowledge on anything unknown that makes us feel less afraid or at least more self-assured handling the unknown. If you consider dentistry an unknown topic, maybe you can educate yourself by asking your dentist lots of questions. Find a dentist willing to listen to your fearful thoughts and concerns so they can better assure you there isn’t much to worry about. Usually when we talk about our fears someone with more information can help by reducing our anxiety. They may even eliminate it completely by showing our thoughts to be entirely irrational.
Meditate
Studies show how incorporating a 10-minute meditation routine can increase our overall feeling of wellness considerably. Think of meditation as a way for you to focus on the present moment and be comfortable with a subtle feeling of relaxation. This will provide a sense of peace we don’t always experience in our day-to-day lives. Ask yourself, “When was the last time I dedicated time to concentrate on the present moment and simply watch life pass, instead of trying to control everything.” With meditation, we can tune in to our natural way of being and more easily distinguish the difference between a real-life threat or an anxious thought.
Bring a friend or family member to your appointments
Sometimes modifying your environment in a way that’s more familiar will reduce anxiety. A great way of doing this is to bring someone familiar to your dental appointments who can offer emotional support. This could be a close friend or family member who understands how you feel. You should bring someone who is prepared to talk you out of negative thinking patterns. Your companion ideally will comprehend they are there for you and that this isn’t so much about the two of you hanging out socializing. Make sure they are up to the challenge!
Practice good oral hygiene
By having superb oral hygiene you can feel more confident about your next visit to the dentist. With excellent dental care you can go into the dentist with a lower chance of having a root canal or being diagnosed with gingivitis, the onset to periodontal disease. See why these conditions may worsen your nervousness? If you were diagnosed with gingivitis, your mind would have logical reasons for feeling anxious which is not what we want. However, if you’ve been doing the regular brushing and flossing as recommended then there isn’t as much to worry about.
Seek out a therapist
Are you feeling anxious all the time or just while at the dentist? Seeking out a therapist may help with dental anxiety. Your therapist may advise adjusting your daily routine to help fight both dental anxiety and any anxiety from day to day life. Or, your dentist may suggest specific techniques to focus on while at the dentist. The 3-2-1 technique involves naming 3 things you can hear, followed by 3 you can see and lastly, things you can feel. Then you reduce the numbers to 2, then 1. This is a valuable exercise you can do while in a dentist’s office or anywhere you may feel anxious.
Going to the dentist in Kelowna is often considered to be a dreaded task for many people in British Columbia. However, a good dentist can make all the difference in how you view your dental visits.
We came up with ten great reasons to love your dentist and visit often. Here they are:
ONE: Personalized Care
A good dentist takes the time to get to know their patients and their specific needs. They create personalized treatment plans that address each patient’s unique concerns. Personalized care can make all the difference in achieving optimal oral health, and making your next dental visit comfortable and productive.
At Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair we pride ourselves on the personal care we provide. It’s our goal to make you as comfortable as we can.
TWO: Comprehensive Services
Dentists are highly skilled professionals that offer a wide range of services to their patients. From routine checkups and cleanings to more complex procedures like root canals and orthodontics, a good dentist can provide comprehensive care for all of your oral health needs.
At Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair we provide a comprehensive range of services to meet your needs. We can help you with a complete oral healthy plan, services to meet every need, and a range of alternatives to choose from.
THREE: Pain-Free Procedures
One of the biggest reasons people dread going to the dentist is the fear of pain. Modern advancements in dentistry have helped eliminate pain from the many procedures we perform. Good dentists use state-of-the-art technology and techniques to minimize discomfort and ensure a comfortable experience for their patients.
At Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair we feel that your comfort is our first priority. We know you’re nervous, and that working with your teeth can bring out the anxiety in even the toughest tigers. We understand, and will always work with you to ensure your comfort.
FOUR: Preventative Care
Preventative care is key to maintaining good oral health. A good dentist emphasizes preventative care and works with patients to establish good oral hygiene habits. By catching and treating dental problems early, a good dentist can help prevent more serious issues from developing down the road.
At Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair we feel that preventative care is your best option from the start. That’s why we emphasize regular visits and a carefully personalized plan to help you extend the health of your teeth and gums.
FIVE: Education and Communication
A good dentist takes the time to educate their patients on proper oral hygiene and dental care. They communicate clearly and effectively, making sure their patients understand their treatment options and what to expect from each procedure. This level of education and communication helps patients feel more at ease and confident in their dental care.
At Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair we love to talk with our patients. We’re here to answer your questions about oral health and to discuss the options you have to maintain the healthiest smile possible.
SIX: Emergency Care
Dental emergencies can happen at any time, and a good dentist is always available to provide emergency care. Whether it’s a broken tooth, severe pain, or other dental emergency, a good dentist is ready and equipped to handle the situation.
At Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair we’re prepared to help you with those emergencies when you need us. We’ll also help you practice good oral health with a plan that will help you avoid those emergencies in the first place.
SEVEN: Patient Comfort
A good dentist understands that many patients experience anxiety or fear when visiting the dentist. They go out of their way to create a comfortable and welcoming environment that puts their patients at ease. From comfortable chairs to calming music, a good dentist strives to make each visit as pleasant as possible.
As we mentioned above, everyone at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair is concerned about your comfort. We’re working to create a pleasant environment where you can relax and get the treatment you need with as little anxiety as possible.
EIGHT: Flexibility and Convenience
Many people have busy schedules that make it difficult to fit in dental appointments. A good dentist understands this and offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate patients’ needs. They also strive to make their services as convenient as possible, with features that make dental care easier to access.
At Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair we try to keep our schedule flexible with open spaces to accommodate everyone we can. If you need help scheduling an appointment or want to talk to one of our specialists, please give us a call at 250-860-8900
NINE: Commitment to Continuing Education
The field of dentistry is constantly evolving, and a good dentist is committed to staying up-to-date on the latest advancements and techniques. They attend continuing education courses and workshops to improve their skills and knowledge, ensuring that they can provide the best possible care to their patients.
Our dentist at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair is always learning the latest techniques and procedures to make sure you get the best possible care available. Our continuing education goals include our entire staff and we’re all committed to treating you with the latest proven techniques.
TEN: Positive Relationship
Finally, a good dentist is someone you can trust and build a positive relationship with over time. They take the time to listen to their patients and understand their concerns, and they work collaboratively with their patients to achieve the best possible outcomes.
From all of us at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair we’re excited to count you among our cherished patients. We know it takes a lot to trust someone to work on your teeth, and we know it’s something we earn through a long history of honesty and a lasting relationship.
There are many reasons to love your dentist. From personalized care and comprehensive services to pain-free procedures and preventative care, a good dentist can make all the difference in achieving optimal oral health. By prioritizing patient education, comfort, and communication, and staying up-to-date on the latest advancements in the field, Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair is a partner in your journey to a healthy and happy smile.
Love Your Smile is a full-service dental practice led by Dr. Stephen Malfair, a skilled and compassionate dentist. Anyone can visit our convenient office in beautiful Kelowna, British Columbia for top-quality dentistry services and personalized patient care.https://drmalfair.ca/
A copy of this text will be sent to the office and to your cell phone. The office's reply will also be sent to your cell phone where you can continue the text conversation.
Note: Mobile message and data rates from your cell phone carrier may apply.
