Steveston Smiles: Drs. Michele and Doug Nielsen
3951 Steveston Hwy V7E2J9 Richmond, BC, Canada

Did someone one say 30 years?! Jo has been side-by-side with Dr. Doug Nielsen as his Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) since 1991. Jo is the backbone of our team. She keeps us stocked with supplies and on track during the day. She is a true team player and willing to help. ... Outside of work Jo enjoys gardening, getting outside walking with friends (when it’s allowed) and her passion is yoga. Jo has also had the privilege of volunteering for dental missions in Central America as well as at home with the UBC students alongside Dr. Doug; finding it a rewarding and life changing experience. Jo, I won’t wish you another 30 years as I know you don’t want that, however, you know you have a home at Steveston Smiles for as long as you wish. Tell us your favorite memory about Jo at Steveston Smiles. See more

DO YOU REMEMBER ANYTHING FROM HIGHSCHOOL SCIENCE CLASS? I’M GOING TO TALK ABOUT pH and how it plays a major role in our oral health. A pH of 7 is neutral. As the numbers get smaller than 7, the substance becomes more acidic, and as they get larger than 7 (up to 14), it becomes more alkaline or basic. ... NOW WHAT DOES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH OUR MOUTHS? Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body; however, it is highly susceptible to acid erosion (a low pH). There are many ways our teeth can be exposed to acid: Eating or drinking something sour or acidic When we consume something sugary or starchy, oral bacteria eats the leftovers and produce acid Acid reflux and vomiting also expose our teeth to stomach acid, which is very strong. Drinking carbonated beverages which are both high and sugar and a low pH (acidic) The best natural defense our teeth have against acids is our own saliva! BUT Saliva needs time to neutralize after we eat which is why Sipping surgery beverages or frequent snacking throughout the day is also a BIG problem for our teeth. Did you know the importance of pH to your oral health? See more

How does Invisalign treatment work? There are three easy steps that will start you on your Invisalign Journey: 1 Meet with an Invisalign Certified Doctor... Using the iTero Element scanner, we can take a 3D digital scan of your teeth and map out a custom treatment plan 2 Start transforming your smile from your first aligner fitting This is a key step for your success Your aligners will be checked for fit, your questions answered and care instructions reviewed You will be seen for doctor check-ins scheduled around your routine. 3 Keep your brand-new smile looking beautiful Once you have transformed your smile, it is easy to keep the smile you love by wearing your Vivera retainers as instructed. Starting your journey to a healthier smile of your dreams is as easy as 1, 2, 3. What questions do you have about your Invisalign smile journey? See more

TIP OF THE DAY! Floss, Floss, and Floss! Cavities form in between teeth and can easily be prevented by flossing. When we brush, our toothbrush doesn’t make it all the way in between our teeth, that’s when flossing comes in! ... What type of floss should you be using? Waxed, unwaxed with a handle or without the handle? Whichever one works best for you! All we care about is that you care for your gums and those hard to reach spots between your teeth! Let’s be honest! We are all friends here...do you floss? . See more

Are you wondering what your dentist uses for their oral hygiene routine? We got you, we are sharing an interview with Dr. David Yuen’s and his favorite products today: FAVORITE TOOTHPASTE: Sensodyne Repair and Protect because I like the way it tastes! Minty but not too minty. ... MANUAL OR ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH: I prefer to use an Electric toothbrush: Sonicare. I like the built-in timer and how well it cleans his teeth... when I saw how much better it cleaned my Invisalign trays compared to my manual brush I thought about how much better a job it did cleaning my teeth! FAVORITE MOUTHWASH: X-Pur Opti-Rinse 0.05%, the mild fruit flavour is really pleasant, and it helps prevent decay GO-TO FLOSS: Oral-B Essential Floss, my teeth are pretty tight and it doesn’t shred when I use it. What about you? Share below your favorite products we would love to see what your go to’s are! See more

Do you know that X-ray we take that goes around your head? It’s called a PANORAMIC X-RAY! Panoramic X-rays are KEY for us Dental Professionals. They help us see your entire mouth, upper and lower jaw in one picture. Panoramic X-rays help us:... Diagnose missing teeth earlier. Assess the position of wisdom teeth. Check for any jaw fractures. Diagnose tumors and more. At Steveston Smiles we take panoramic X-rays every 5-7 years. When was the last time you had a panoramic X-ray taken? See more

Solea is a breakthrough dental laser that replaces the dental drill for the vast majority of procedures in our practice. Anesthesia-free No sound of the drill Quick and easy... Done in a single visit Kid friendly We want your patient experience to be as comfortable, painless and yes, as enjoyable as possible #solealaser #solea #needlefreedentistry Convergent Dental

How are my custom Invisalign aligners made? Your clear aligners are created using leading technology based on your custom treatment plan. 1 Your teeth will be captured quickly and accurately in a 3D image using the iTero Element scanner... 2 Your custom treatment plan is completed by your Invisalign certified doctor. 3 Each aligner is designed with a slightly different shape, that when inserted put pressure on your teeth causing them to move. 4 Your custom aligners are 3D printed using Invisalign SmartTrack material which is engineered specifically for comfort and fit. 5 Each aligner is individually trimmed to your gumline and tooth shape resulting is a better fitting and more discrete aligner Are you ready to transform your smile? See more

Do you or someone you know want a white, bright zoom smile for the New Year? At Steveston Smiles we offer an easy, effective take-home teeth whitening system. Our patients love having the option to whiten safely at home. Drinking too much coffee, tea or smoking causes your teeth to darken and lose that brightness. That’s when teeth whitening comes in! We use a system called Opalesence Go!... No impression required Ready to use right out of the box The ultrafit tray that conforms to any smile Available in two concentrations: 10% and 15% to accommodate sensitive teeth Contains a desensitizer pH neutral so you don’t have to avoid foods and drinks that stain (Pssst you can drink wine and whiten your teeth) Do you find your teeth are looking stained or yellow? Do you want to whiten in your own home? . . . . . . #stevestonsmiles #dentist #richmondbc #steveston #stevestonbc #604 #richmonddentist #stevestonvillage #vancouverdentist #yvr #Vancouverbc #vancitydentist #dentistry #whitening #whiteteeth #bleaching #nitrousoxide #sedationdentistry #oralhealth #dentalhygiene #digitaldentist #whitening #whiteteeth #solea #needlefreedentistry #happyholidays #holidaygifts #stockingstuffers #merrychristmas #giftexchange . See more

Have you wanted to straighten your teeth but can’t even imagine having all those metal brackets? Then Invisalign might be an option for you! Invisalign is an innovative treatment that allows us, dental professionals, to straighten your teeth with clear aligners/trays. No more metal brackets! ... HOW DOES IT WORK? You change your trays every week to 2 weeks and visit us for regular follow up appointments. The length of your treatment varies, the best way to know is by booking a consultation, we will be able to guide you and share more on your particular case. More and more patients are leaning towards Invisalign. They love the results and we love helping you achieve your dream smile! What are your Invisalign questions? Leave them below! . . . . . . #stevestonsmiles #dentist #richmondbc #steveston #stevestonbc #604 #richmonddentist #stevestonvillage #vancouverdentist #yvr #Vancouverbc #vancitydentist #dentistry See more

Hate coming to the dentist! Cerec, one appointment crowns, can reduce your visits to the dental office. Rather than waiting up to two weeks between appointments for your new crown, Cerec crowns are made in office the same day. ... We use CAD/CAM technology to digitally scan your teeth, bite, design the crown and then mill that crown all in one appointment. Cerec crowns have no metal core and are milled from a single block of ceramic making them strong. Does fewer dental appointments sound good to you? Do you have any questions about crowns? Leave them below. . . . . . . #stevestonsmiles #dentist #richmondbc #steveston #stevestonbc #604 #richmonddentist #stevestonvillage #vancouverdentist #yvr #Vancouverbc #vancitydentist #dentistry #oneappointmentcrown #oneappointmentdentistry #cerec #cerecdoctor #digitaldentistry #whiteteeth #crowns #dentalcaps #covid #ppe #coronavirus #covid19 #covidscreening #dentalhygiene #staysafe #safety #handsanitizer See more

It has been almost 48 years since Dr. Doug chose Richmond as the location to build a home for our practice. He chose Steveston for our practice because of many reasons. We thought we would share in his own words exactly why he did: 1 When I was accepted into UBC Dental School in February 1968, I knew that I would open my future dental practice back home in Richmond. My family had moved to Richmond in 1949. I realized by 1971 tha...t Steveston was changing rapidly and was going to continue to grow and develop. 2 I approached my classmate, Dr. Bob Jamieson, and he was on board with building a clinic in Steveston. He asked his Dad (a dentist) to come out from Saskatchewan to see our plan firsthand. 3 I remember standing with Bob on the vacant lot, looking west at the cabbage fields, as Dr. Jamieson Sr. told us that this plan was crazy. I responded Sir, every one of those cabbages will someday be a house filled with a family. 4 My Dad helped us by co-signing the mortgage... and the rest is history! We welcomed our first patients on February 19, 1973. We are so thankful for our patients for picking us as their dental home. We appreciate you all. What’s 1 reason you love Steveston. Let us know below. See more

Our lovely hygienists want to remind you to care for your oral health. We are all going through stressful times and we don’t want you to neglect your dental health! Here are some tips for YOU: Brush at least 2 times a day.... Floss at least once a day. Get into the habit of it! Your gums and health will thank you. Implement a mouthwash into your routine. Limit sugary drinks and foods. Brush your tongue. Visit your dental hygienist for your dental cleaning. Your oral health is a lifelong commitment! Are you due or overdue for your dental cleaning? Give us a call at 604-277-1131 to book your next appointment. We look forward to seeing you. See more

Are your teeth stained? Do you know what’s causing it? Here are some factors that are contributing to the staining on your teeth: Coffee Smoking Red wine Tea Berries Here are a few tips to prevent it: Use a straw. Rinse with water after. Limit your intake. ... Which of these do you need to cut back on? Are you having too much coffee? That’s a popular one! Let us know below! . . . . . . #stevestonsmiles #dentist #richmondbc #steveston #stevestonbc #604 #richmonddentist #stevestonvillage #vancouverdentist #yvr #Vancouverbc #vancitydentist #dentistry #invisalignsmile #invisaligndoctor #invisalignjourney #invisalign #straightteeth #whiteteeth #orthdontics #iTero #ivisalignbeforeandafter #covid #ppe #coronavirus #covid19 #covidscreening #staysafe #safety #handsanitizer See more

What are the patient benefits of Solea? Solea delivers an entirely new experience for our patients. Imagine a dentist visit with no needles, no numbness, no noise, no pain. Even the most fearful patients leave feeling relaxed and comfortable. ... Visits are shorter because patients don’t have to spend time in the chair waiting to get numb. More work in a single appointment, which means fewer visits to my office, less time away from work for adults, less time away from school for kids. With Solea, you are able to go right out to lunch or back to work without that numb sensation following your appointment. Solea is truly changing what it means to go to the dentist. The experience is so unique that you will find it hard to believe you were just at a dental appointment. Would you like to spend less time at the Dentist? See more

SEALANTS. What are they? Sealants are a treatment used to prevent cavities. Many of us have teeth with many grooves, especially kids. These grooves make it hard to properly brush, it’s hard to get right into those grooves to remove sugar, food, debris from sitting there causing a cavity. ... When we see very groovy teeth, we recommend sealants. It’s a very easy and quick procedure! Have you or your child been recommended sealants? See more

Why is mouth breathing a Problem? IN THE SHORT-TERM: Dry mouth: This can lead to bad breath and tooth decay ... Poor sleep/low energy: You get less oxygen when you mouth breathe which results in poor sleep quality and lower energy. In kids this can mean difficulty paying attention in school. IN THE LONG-TERM: Facial Shape: Mouth-breathing can change the way the face develops; causing flat features, drooping eyes, narrow jaws and a small chin. Sleep Apnea: The risk of sleep apnea increases with mouth breathing in both children and adults. Teeth Crowding: Narrowing jaws due to mouth breathing leads to crowding which is one of the early signs your child is a mouth breather. Mouth breathing full-time has negative effects. This is why we are taking a proactive approach to mouth breathing and screening children for the signs and symptoms so we can intervene early and prevent a long-term mouth breathing habit. Are you proactive? Would you like to know how we can help correct mouth breathing in your child? See more

We want to introduce you to Erika Erika has been in the dental field since 1997. She started working for her Orthodontist which she was doing a business degree. Erika has worked as an assistant, receptionist, office manager and now Hygienist. Erika has been working with us for 3.5 years. Erika became a hygienist so that she could directly help people become healthier. She saw that there was so much more opportunity to directly improve o...ral health than her other roles in the dental office. This is what Erika has to say about working as a hygienist: My favorite thing is building relationships with patients and watching them become healthier, not just orally but systemically. I love teaching the connections and seeing the changes in people! But most of all, I love the patients! When she is not at the practice, she loves to spend time with her family and dog. Erika is a very talented artist: she paints, draws and crafts. Erika made our letterhead and the social distancing floor decals in the office. Have you met Erika? We are so grateful to have her as part of our team. . . . . . . #stevestonsmiles #dentist #richmondbc #steveston #stevestonbc #604 #richmonddentist #stevestonvillage #vancouverdentist #yvr #Vancouverbc #vancitydentist #dentistry #team #teammembers #greatstaff #hygienist #cda #dentalassitant #nitrousoxide #sedationdentistry #oralhealth #dentalhygiene #digitaldentist #whitening #whiteteeth #solea #needlefreedentistry See more

Patient and staff safety is #1 to us! We have implemented all the protocols necessary to keep everyone safe and make our practice a safe environment. These are some of the protcols we have in place:... Pre-screening of all patients one week prior to their appointments Masks are required when entering the office. One will be provided for you if you do not have one As per our College regulations a second office-visit screening will be done on the day of your appointment. Please be prepared to sanitize your hands, have your temperature checked and pre-rinse with a mild hydrogen peroxide solution prior to treatment. Your car is our new waiting room. When you arrive please call or text 604-277-1131 to let us know you’ve arrived. Please remain in your car and we will let you know when it is time to come in for your appointment. Only patients will be allowed in the office. Guests must wait in the car. Patients who require a guardian or advocate may have one person accompany them in the office. Extra time scheduled for appointments to allow for disinfection and cleaning of treatment rooms and sterilization of equipment. Our team members will be wearing masks throughout the office and during your entire appointment. Clincial staff will be wearing additional PPE; masks, glasses, shields and surgical caps. They will look different from what you are used to. Is there anything stopping you from visiting the dentist during this time? Leave your questions below! We would love to put your mind at ease. See more

Are you a good candidate for Invisalign? The short answer is YES! INVISALIGN CAN TREAT:... Crowding Spacing Overlapped teeth Open bites Deep bites Uneven bites Most malocclusions (unhealthy tooth alignments) can be addressed with Invisalign. Have you ever considered Invisalign for yourself? See more

Donation Recommendations Please As our office Christmas party is cancelled for 2020, I am donating the party budget this year to help our community. I will be donating half of the budget to the Richmond Christmas Fund. ... I would like to donate the other half to a mental health organization In Richmond. With the COVID-19 Pademics impact on mental health of those around me and especially those living alone I would like to donate to an organization that offers support. Could you share any recommendations below. Please and thank-you. See more

Bonnie, is one of our hygienists and we want you to get to know her a little bit more. Bonnie is kind, gentle, thorough and a great listener. She is passionate about oral health and improving our patients smiles allowing them to keep them for a lifetime. Here are some fun facts about Bonnie: ... 1 She covered several Mat leave positions at our office before she became an official Steveston Smiles team member 2 She loves to bake and we love to eat her baking 3 She has 2 kids; both girls 4 She loves Disneyland Tell us 1 fun fact about you, do you love to bake as much as Bonnie does? See more

Remember what it was like to lose our first tooth as a kid? Wiggling it with your tongue, accidentally biting down on it the wrong way, getting all kinds of advice from friends, older siblings, and parents, and being a little worried about what it would actually feel like when it came out?! It’s something every child will go through, and just like any new experience, it can be scary. ... Our tips for parents to help their kids through this rite of passage are: Establish a good mindset. Celebrate this exciting milestone. Find the Right Technique. We would discourage you from chasing your child around with a pair of pliers. Encourage your child to wiggle the tooth often with their tongue or a clean finger to help it along, Don’t force it. Try not to force the issue if they’re still too nervous. It’s best to wait until the tooth is very loose. When the tooth is loose enough, We recommend tying a piece of floss around it and giving it a fast pull. There is the YouTube version of tying the dental floss around a doorknob, using a Nerf dart, or arrow. If the whole idea is just too much for your family, we would be happy to help. What is your child’s pulling teeth technique? Get it out themselves ASAP or wait till it’s on its last thread? See more

Anyone feel any STRESS right now? Stress affects oral health. We are seeing more cracked teeth, sore jaws and pain of unknown origin than usual. How does stress show up as oral health symptoms? GRINDING YOUR TEETH ... Clenching and grinding are natural responses to stress and frustration for some people. Common signs of bruxism include flattened chewing surfaces of the teeth and a sore jaw and even broken or cracked teeth JAW JOINT (TMJ) SYMPTOMS Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a disorder of the jaw joint, muscles, and nerves associated with chronic facial pain. Stress is believed to be a contributing factor, resulting in pain in the TMJ, frequent headaches, and popping and clicking in the jaw. WEAKENED IMMUNE SYSTEM When stress goes on for lengthy periods of time, it can put strain on the immune system, making it harder to fight back against things like oral infections, canker sores, dry mouth, and gum disease. Has your jaw been hurting? Let us know if you would like us to reach out to you to book an appointment. See more