AF Dental was founded in the first place to create absolutely beautiful smiles for Scarborough community.


Book a visit to AF Dental in Scarborough, simply fill out the form below and we will contact you back regarding the intervention you require.
The outer layer of a tooth is called the enamel. The color of natural teeth is created by the reflection and scattering of light off the enamel, combined with the color of the dentin under it. Your genes affect the thickness and smoothness of the enamel. Thinner enamel allows more of the color of the dentin to show through. Having smoother or rougher enamel also affects the reflection of light and therefore the color.
Every day, a thin coating (pellicle) forms on the enamel and picks up stains. Tooth enamel also contains pores that can hold stains.
The most common reasons for teeth to get yellow or stained are:
Aging makes teeth less bright as the enamel gets thinner and the dentin becomes darker.
It is also possible to have stains inside the tooth. These are called intrinsic stains. For example, intrinsic stains can be caused by exposure to too much fluoride as a child while teeth are developing. Other causes include tetracycline antibiotics. They can stain a child’s teeth if taken by a mother during the second half of pregnancy or by a child who is 8 years old or younger. Teeth are still developing during these years. Trauma may also darken a tooth.
Other dental problems can affect the success of tooth whitening. For example, cavities need to be treated before teeth are whitened. That’s because the whitening solution can pass through decayed areas and reach the inner parts of the tooth. If your gums have receded, the exposed roots of your teeth may appear yellow or discolored. Whitening products will not make them whiter.
If you have tooth decay or receding gums, whitening may make your teeth sensitive. Whitening also does not work on ceramic or porcelain crowns or veneers.
Whitening can be done in the dental office or at home. For in-office whitening, your dentist probably will photograph your teeth first. This step will help him or her to monitor the progress of the treatment. Your dentist also will examine your teeth and ask you questions to find out what caused the staining.
Next, the dentist or a dental hygienist will clean your teeth. This will remove the film of bacteria, food and other substances that build up on your teeth and contribute to the staining. Once this is done, the whitening procedure begins. For whitening at home, your dentist can make trays to hold the whitening gel that fit your teeth precisely.


Home whitening gel usually needs to be applied daily for two to three weeks. Over-the-counter kits also are widely available for home use. They provide trays to hold the gel, or whitening strips that stick to your teeth. Talk to your dentist if you want to use these home products. Be sure to follow directions to avoid overuse and possible damage to your teeth and mouth.
Book a visit to AF Dental in Scarborough, simply fill out the form below and we will contact you back regarding the intervention you require.
Please install and activate Contact Form 7 plugin.
Are dental X-rays safe?
Yes. Digital X-rays use significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays — roughly the amount of background radiation you absorb naturally in a day or two. At AF Dental we only take X-rays when they are diagnostically necessary, never as a routine add-on. If you are pregnant or think you might be, tell us before your appointment so we can adjust the plan.
How often do I need dental X-rays?
It depends on your individual risk. New patients usually need a full set so we have a baseline, and after that most adults need check-up X-rays every one to three years. Patients with active decay, gum disease, or ongoing treatment may need them more often. We will never take X-rays you do not need — if your mouth is healthy and stable, we space them out.
What can an X-ray show that a visual exam cannot?
Quite a lot: cavities forming between teeth, bone loss from gum disease, infections hiding under old fillings or crowns, impacted wisdom teeth, and cysts or other abnormalities in the jawbone. Many serious problems cause no pain until they are advanced, which is why X-rays are one of the most valuable early-detection tools in dentistry.
I am pregnant — should I skip my X-rays?
Routine X-rays are usually postponed during pregnancy as a precaution, even though a single digital dental X-ray involves very little radiation. If you have a genuine dental emergency, the benefit of diagnosis usually outweighs the minimal risk, and we use a lead apron and thyroid collar for protection. Talk to your dentist and your physician together so the decision is made with full information.
Do dental X-rays hurt?
Not at all — the process takes seconds and is completely painless. You simply bite gently on a small sensor while the image is captured. Some patients find the sensor slightly awkward against the gums for a moment, but there is no discomfort involved, and our Scarborough team works quickly to keep you comfortable.
Does the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) cover dental X-rays?
Diagnostic X-rays are covered for eligible CDCP patients, subject to an eligibility assessment first — coverage is never automatic, and the plan reimburses according to the CDCP fee guide. AF Dental direct-bills the CDCP for eligible treatments, so just bring your plan details to your appointment and we will handle the rest.
Comprehensive dental solutions in Scarborough: From preventative cleanings and exams to complex restorative surgery and dental implants. Trust AF Dental for specialized, comfortable family dentistry.