Let’s Talk About Your Smile in Kelowna

Let’s Talk About Your Smile I’m Stephen Malfair of Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair. My office is located at 301-1890 Cooper Rd in Kelowna. One of the best things about being a dentist is interacting with my patients. During initial dental consultations, I listen carefully to my patient’s short and long-term dental goals.

I enjoy discussing options and developing effective treatment plans tailored specifically to each person. Some of my patients desire a total smile makeover. I explain in detail the treatments available including teeth whitening, dental veneers, orthodontia, crown restoration, and dental implants.

If a patient is nervous about undergoing treatment, we discuss oral conscious sedation. Oral conscious sedation, sometimes called oral sedation dentistry, is a great option for anxious patients. Dental visits do not have to be painful!

After the treatment has been completed, it is very gratifying for me to see my patient’s reaction to their new smile.

I never get tired of creating dramatic smile transformations for the best patients in British Columbia!

If you have been considering a smile makeover, let’s talk about your smile. Call Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair at 250-860-8900 to schedule a cosmetic dentistry 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


What Sets Love Your Smile Apart?

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At Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair, we aim to educate all our patients. We know that optimal dental health depends on accurate information.

General Dental Procedures

Suppose you need a cavity filled or want to restore a tooth with a dental implant. We make sure our patients understand all the details of their treatment. We also explain how to care for your teeth post-procedure. Constant communication, clear guidelines, and frequent follow-up ensure successful outcomes.

Creating Beautiful Smiles

We know that patients want a smile that is beautiful as well as healthy. We work to make patients aware of the numerous cosmetic dental procedures that can improve smiles dramatically. Procedures such as teeth whitening and veneers are simple but can have amazing results.

Keeping Smiles Healthy

At Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair, we believe in preventive dentistry. What does this mean? It means we would prefer to see you twice a year for an exam and professional cleaning. We can help you prevent tooth decay and gum disease so you never need a filling or gum grafts. In other words, you can keep your teeth healthy well into your retirement years. We can create a custom mouthguard to protect your teeth during sports activities. Remember, we are a critical part of your healthcare team. If you have diabetes, cancer, heart disease–or any other ongoing issue–we will help you prevent oral complications related to the condition. On a happier note, if you are planning to become pregnant, we will help you prevent potential dental problems due to hormonal changes.

We Serve the Kelowna Area

Stephen Malfair, DDS performs extraordinary work for patients who visit us from around the Kelowna area. Dr. Malfair’s friendly and professional care combined with continuing education and experience, will bring energy and compassion to your dental chair experience. Education is what you should be looking for. Schedule a consultation to learn for yourself at 250-860-8900.

If you are in the Kelowna area and are looking for an outstanding dentist with top-notch communication abilities, consider our practice. Our services include:

Cosmetic Dentistry
Dental Implants
Sedation Dentistry
Teeth Whitening

 

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?

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


When it Comes to Your Smile, Don’t Settle For Less

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Don’t Settle for a Smile You Aren’t Happy With

No one likes to settle for less than the best, especially with something as important as your smile. Stephen Malfair DDS at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair in Kelowna has the solutions for your smile problems.

Fixing Small Chips and Cracks Can Work Wonders

You don’t have to live with crooked or chipped teeth. Porcelain veneers are a cost-effective and non-invasive way to correct misshapen or damaged teeth that are otherwise structurally sound. If you have a tooth that is beyond repair, don’t despair—a tooth implant may be the answer.

Lighten Up Your Smile!

You don’t have to watch your teeth become duller and more discolored every year, either. Whether you are young, older or somewhere in the middle, professional teeth bleaching works wonders to perk up your smile.

Not Your Grandfather’s Restorations

Modern dental restorations have many advantages over those in years past. There are stronger and more natural-looking materials. Many of our patients at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair who have not had a filling for a while, are not aware that white fillings are available. You can even replace old amalgam fillings with white fillings and give your mouth a makeover!

With Cosmetic Dentistry, There is Never Buyer’s Remorse

I have been practicing dentistry since 2004. I have noticed that my patients who receive dental makeovers have only one regret; they wish they would have done it sooner! Patients with dazzling new smiles are surprised by how much confidence they gain. Because they love their smile, they smile more often.

Come in and see us at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair.

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 Often Should I Replace My Toothbrush?

How Often Should I Replace My Toothbrush?

As I stand over my sink and meditate the frayed bristles of my favorite toothbrush, I wonder if I should replace it.

It’s a good question. We all brush our teeth on a daily basis. Like a good pair of jeans, it seems the more we use a toothbrush, the more comfortable it gets.

As it turns out, that’s not a good thing when it comes to brushing your teeth.

The angle of the bristles on your toothbrush are an important part of cleaning. Straight bristles scrub your teeth and flex your gums. A light circular motion is enough to clean your teeth without causing damage.

Flat or frayed bristles are less efficient and can even cause you to work harder. Pressing harder on your teeth can cause damage.

So how often should you change your toothbrush?

Anyone who has worried about changing the oil in their car has learned this basic rule of thumb; change your oil every three months. It’s the same with your toothbrush.

Most dental professionals recommend a new toothbrush every three months. Your local Kelowna British Columbia dental professionals at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair do, too.

The American Dental Association suggests replacing your toothbrush “every three to four months.”

The reasons to replace your toothbrush includes worn bristles and bacteria. Worn bristles, as we have discussed, are less effective.

Bacteria can also built up in the small gaps of your toothbrush and may contribute to decay and bad breath. Make sure you keep your toothbrush in a sanitary location. Allow for good drying to help extend its life.

Regardless of how long it’s been, if the bristles on your toothbrush look like they’re trying to get away from each other, it’s time. Otherwise, change your toothbrush at the start of every new British Columbia season to keep it fresh and effective.

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


Beating Horrible Halitosis

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“My neighbor’s bad breath is scaring me.”

I’m Dr. Malfair with Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair. I’d like to take a few minutes to share with you some insight about halitosis.

Brushing just the teeth may not remove particles of food between the teeth and up in the gums. Bacteria can grow and stink from hidden floss-only locations. Gently brushing the gums, sides of the mouth and the tongue in addition to the teeth may make the difference.

Also, the food you are eating can impact the odor in your mouth. Onions, garlic, and coffee are likely to show up on the breath regardless of consistent brushing.

Illness, infection, and allergies can all cause dry mouth which in turn upset the control of bacteria in the mouth. Diabetes, kidney failure, radiation therapy, liver malfunction, dry mouth, or even a sinus infection can cause an odor. The bacteria balance in the mouth is ever-changing.

Finally, dentures or a removable appliance may also carry bacteria that needs to be cleaned and freshened up on a regular basis.

1. Brush and floss the teeth as well as brush the tongue, gums, and sides of the mouth.
2. Enjoy onions and garlic a little less.
3. Stay on top of health issues.
4. Keep dentures clean.

Again, I’m Dr. Stephen Malfair. Located at 301-1890 Cooper Rd Kelowna, British Columbia. We offer Sedation Dentistry, Porcelain Veneers, Cosmetic Dentistry, Teeth Whitening, and Dental Implants just to name a few of our services.

We work hard to exceed your expectations.

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 Your Eating Habits Sabotaging Your Oral Health?

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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)

Tooth Enamel Varies in Density

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.

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 Veneers: 7 Fast Fixes

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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.

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 Mouthwash A Must?

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If you’ve ever visited a grocery store dental aisle, you know that there are many different types of mouthwash. Some tout their germ-killing abilities, others emphasize their fluoride content, and some claim to whiten teeth while freshening the breath. These are all great benefits, but will they help meet your oral care needs?

Many individuals wonder if daily mouthwash should be part of their dental routine. Brushing and flossing are the two critical habits that have the greatest impact on dental health, so if you’re doing these two things, is mouthwash necessary?

I’m Dr. Stephen Malfair of Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair in Kelowna. When my dental patients ask about mouthwash, I tell them that as long as they follow the directions on the bottle, mouthwash may slightly benefit dental health, even if it doesn’t live up to every promise as touted. Rinsing with a mouthwash that contains fluoride can’t hurt your teeth, but allowing a bit of diluted toothpaste to stay on tooth surfaces after brushing probably has the same effect.

People who suffer from bad breath often believe that mouthwash can solve the issue. Actually, mouthwashes that contain alcohol can worsen the problem because they can cause dry mouth—a condition that can worsen bad breath. Mouthwashes without alcohol are often more effective for freshening breath. These products are often called fluoride rinses.

If you have severe bad breath, however, you should have your teeth checked out for plaque build-up. No amount of mouthwash can remedy a mouth full of plaque. If your teeth and gums are healthy and you still suffer from bad breath, it’s important to ascertain the cause. Bad breath can be an indication of a physical condition, so see your doctor soon.

Bottom line? Never substitute mouthwash for proper brushing and flossing. And if you use mouthwash, elect a brand that contains fluoride and no alcohol.

We like to tackle important issues such as dental products, cosmetic dentistry services, over-the-counter teeth whitening, sedation dentistry, invisible braces, pediatric dentistry, oral care habits, and more!

My practice, Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair, provides quality dental care to our valued patients. If you are interested in making an appointment, please call us at 250-860-8900. A member of my caring staff can answer any questions you have about our services.

Call 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


A Dentist’s Indispensable Tool: The X-ray

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Providing quality dental care is much easier for dentists when they have extensive, comprehensive information about their patients’ oral health.

Pictures are more useful than written notes. To go a step further: pictures that show what’s going on below the visible surface of your teeth are worth even more than a thousand words. So, along with a thorough visual examination, most dentists want complete and up-to-date X-rays.

The frequency of X-rays is largely determined by your age as well as the state of your oral health. Because children are growing and they experience more changes to their teeth, they usually need X-rays more often.

X-rays also help dentists find cavities, assess gum health, and identify any major changes to your teeth and mouth.

Safety is an important issue Dr. Malfair considers when ordering X-rays, because low levels of radiation are used to obtain the images. Many important precautions are taken to limit exposure, such as putting leaded aprons and collars on our patients.

It is crucial that women inform their dentist if they are pregnant because special considerations should be taken.

Along with basic dental health issues, we are happy to discuss the many cosmetic dentistry procedures available, such as dental implants, teeth whitening, and full smile makeovers. We want you to have the healthy, brilliant smile that you deserve!

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