Dental Crowns—What You Probably Don’t Know

As we head into the new year, many of our patients have expressed interest in learning more about specific dental topics. And, well, there are some topics that affect more patients than others. More than 40% of Americans have a dental crown, and that percentage only goes up the older you get. And so, since many of our patients might need crowns in 2019, we wanted to offer information on what different types there are and all the benefits of popular options, like porcelain crowns.  

 

If you are faced with needing a dental crown next year, then keep reading to learn more about the crowns used in Dr. Ku’s office. 

 

What is a dental crown? 

 

Simply put, a crown is a cover or “cap” that Dr. Ku can put on a tooth. The crown restores the tooth to its normal shape, size and function. The purpose of a crown is either to make the tooth stronger or improve the way it looks. Crown restore your bite, too, which will help minimize jaw and head pain if you suffer from this.  

 

Since the mouth is linked to most systems in your body, a crown can positively impact your whole heath. For example, people who suffer from missing teeth may have problems eating crunchy, high-fiber foods. This can lead to both malnourishment and cause an individual to rely on soft, high carbohydrate food that ends up causing weight gain.  

 

Crowns are made by taking an impression of the tooth or teeth they’ll be covering. Before this impression is created, your dentist must first reduce your tooth’s size so that the crown can fit properly. Your dentist may also place a temporary crown while the permanent one is being made, so don’t worry—you won’t be stuck with funky dagger teeth. 

 

Are there different types of crowns? 

 

You bet! There are many different types of dental crowns to choose from. Since it can be overwhelming to parse through an overload of information in the office, we wanted to share this as your low-stress reference guide: 

 

• Base metal alloy – This metal is rarely used to make full-metal crowns. Instead, it requires the least amount of healthy tooth to be removed prior to fitting. But once it’s on, metal crowns can withstand biting and don’t wear down as easily. These qualities make them a popular option for many patients. 

 

• All ceramic – These crowns provide a better natural-color-match than any other crown type and are usually the most suitable for people with metal allergies. All-ceramic crowns can be used for front and back teeth. 

 

• All porcelain – The most popular type of crown are those made from porcelain since they not only replicate the original tooth in function, but can be designed to look like the original—or even better. Patients have reported that all-porcelain crowns feel the most like their real teeth since they can be molded to any size and shape. 

 

• Gold alloy -This crown is a mix of gold, copper and other metals. In addition to providing a strong bond to the tooth, it doesn’t fracture—and it doesn’t wear away the tooth itself! 

 

What is it like to get a crown? 

 

Proper preparation for a crown is important to ensure your smile and teeth appear natural and function right in the end! First, your dentist will remove a fine layer of enamel from the front of the tooth, then take an impression of your teeth. Sometimes it can take a couple of weeks for this crown to be completed. And because of this, your dentist may fit you with temporary crown to protect your teeth after the enamel was removed.  

 

When the crown is ready, your dentist will check it to ensure the color, shape and size are spot-on. Dentists have the ability to fine tune crowns after they arrive to ensure they blend in perfectly.  

 

After prepping your teeth the day of placement, the crown is bonded to your teeth using a dental cement. The cement is allowed to harden with a curing light which sets the teeth in a matter of minutes.  

 

While the whole process can take several weeks (due to making the crown), putting them on to your teeth can be done in a couple of hours! 

 

 

If you are looking for a dentist to help improve your smile, look no further than Dr. Ku’s office! For the second year running, Dr. Ku has been voted the #1 Dentist in Fort Worth by the Star Telegram. Ask Dr. Ku to rejuvenate your smile today!  

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GLO…As A Gift? Find Out Here…

Do you have anyone in your family that is just impossible to buy for? Or, maybe you have family members who keep bugging you about what you’d like this year?  

 

Instead another tie or more festive dishtowels that will just get stuffed in a drawer, what about giving the gift of a better, more brilliant smile?  

 

A whiter smile can boost confidence and increase positivity. And those are two things that anyone would love to receive as a gift! This holiday season, consider giving a GLO teeth whitening system as a truly special gift. GLO Professional Whitening has revolutionized the teeth whitening industry and provides our patients one more option in the teeth whitening repertoire.  

 

Even better—take a picture of yourself using the system, and get $25 cash back! Saving money and brightening your smile…it doesn’t get much better than that!  

 

Before I dive in, is this a weird gift? 

 

Not at all! Studies have shown that bright, white teeth have a direct correlation on both success in professional endeavors and interpersonal relationships. Anyone who is hoping to find that special someone this year or land a new job could have an edge with Glo tooth whitening. Teeth whitening can make you appear friendlier, more approachable and can give you a more positive outlook on life. Each of these qualities can’t be bottled up or wrapped in a box, so you should give the next best thing—GLO teeth whitening.  

 

Is this safe now or still a thing of the future? 

 

While you may think tooth whitening is a newer phenomenon thanks to increased advertising, the truth is that the concept has been around since the time of the Egyptians. Thankfully, technological and our understanding of the human body have propelled the science of teeth whitening forward.  

 

Both in office and at-home professional level products like GLO make tooth whitening the most popular cosmetic dental procedure on the market. Thanks to this, popularity the industry is always growing and moving forward.  

 

What is GLO teeth whitening? 

 

GLO represents the cutting edge of teeth whitening products on the market. There is no longer a need for messy strips, uncomfortable trays and sticky gels that previously dominated the at-home whitening industry. The GLO Brilliant Teeth Whitening Device is one of the easiest and most effective professional-level whitening products that can be used at home.  

 

The whitening gel comes in one-of-a-kind GLO Vials so it can be easily brushed directly onto your teeth. 8-minute applications are pre-timed for you and whiten the top and bottom teeth simultaneously. The device is hands free, too, so you can whiten easily as part of your regular routine. 

 

Sounds great, any downsides? 

 

The upfront cost for GLO is higher than other at-home products; however, the cost is easily offset by the results and the complex system parts. Included in the cost is a mouthpiece and storage case, GLO control and lanyard, 10 teeth whitening GLO vitals, travel case and charger. 

 

The reviews are in! 

 

On top of publications like In Style and Business Insider singing the praises of the GLO teeth whitening system, at-home users are flooding the internet to comment on the life-changing effects they’ve had. From less tooth sensitivity to ease of use, consumers are thrilled at the results they get—and without the mess and discomfort associated with other at-home products!  

 

In addition, our own patients here at Dr. Ku’s office have raved about the benefits they’ve seen. If you suddenly see more bright smiles around the Fort Worth area, you may have just discovered one of the Metroplex’s best kept secrets. 

 

If you are still on the fence, give Dr. Ku a call today to discuss this new, innovative product. Whether it’s for you or a gift for someone else who needs a reason to crack a smile! We’ll be happy to provide additional details and testimonials. 

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Your #1 Holiday Plan: Reduce Holiday Stress

Thanksgiving is now behind us, which means that we are barreling towards end-of-year holidays at an alarming speed.  

 

Between gift buying, meal planning and hitting the road for holiday travel, even the most organized among us tend to get stressed. And like we’ve discussed before, sustained stress can lead to adverse health effects including weight gain, irritability, and increased blood pressure.  

 

To help you enjoy this next month, we have complied a go-to list of ways to lessen your burden and help you enjoy your holiday season. If you have any great tips, make sure to leave us a note on our comment page so others can learn from your success! 

 

Create a holiday countdown  

 

Most of us have a hodgepodge of calendars from work, our phones and school schedules. So, for December, create a single calendar where everything from parties to appointments is listed. If you create the calendar digitally, consider sharing it with your spouse, children or other family members who are integral to your holiday plans. This means everyone will be reminded that you are having brunch with grandma at 10am, and no one is surprised the morning of! 

 

In conjunction with the single shared calendar, make sure to call for all end-of-year appointments now. Whether you need a haircut or your child needs a physical to go out for sports in the spring, calendars are filling up NOW due to last-minute needs and holiday hours.  

 

If you need to sneak in your end-of-year dental appointment at Dr. Ku’s, please take note that we are closed December 24-25 and closed January 1 as well.  

 

Draw up a house holiday plan 

 

Do you dread cleaning before guests show up? It can seem that the list of chores always grows, and everyone else in the family seems to disappear when the heavy scrubbing is necessary.  

 

Instead of trying to tackle all the cleaning in one weekend, break holiday preparations into small, manageable tasks. For example, week one is “bed and bath week.” This could include surveying towels to make sure they don’t need to be replaced and see that all are washed. Clean the bathrooms and check bedrooms to make sure they are stocked for your guests.  

 

The next week could focus on living areas where you declutter, dust, vacuum and wash throw blankets in the den or other areas where guests will congregate. Continue with this plan until all rooms are clean. Take the final days before the guests arrive to simply touch up areas that may have gotten messy again. Also, don’t forget to enlist the whole family’s help! 

 

Stick to a budget 

 

Aside from household stress, concerns about money over the holidays is at the top of many people’s list of stressors. Prior to purchasing anything, look at what you can spend over the holidays that won’t cause you stress later in the year—or at the start of the next one.  

 

Last December, American shoppers racked up an average of $1,054 worth of debt. This only contributes to stress throughout the new year. This time, prevent stress by looking for sales, avoiding impulse buys and religiously sticking to your budget. Remember that memories last longer than this year’s hottest trinkets, so try to emphasize local adventures over toys. Thankfully, our winters are still somewhat mild this time of year, so head outside instead of the mall on those extra days off! 

 

 

Don’t let the happiest time of the year stress you out. By following these simple steps, we hope you’re able to enjoy this time of year to the max with your loved ones. If you have any great tips or tricks, make sure to share them with us here!

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When To Be Your Own Dentist

To some, the instruments in a dentist’s office look foreign and obscure. while other people think that, if needed, they could figure out how just about anything works. 

 

However, with most things in density it’s important to leave certain aspects of the practice to the professionals. This clip is a comical parody that follows Mr. Bean’s trip to the dentist. While we hope this series of misfortunate events would never happen in an actual appointment (especially the patient taking the cleaning into their own hands), we do think that this video gives us the perfect opportunity to discuss what dental issues can be handled by the patient and which ones require a professional. So, enjoy this hilarious clip of Mr. Bean and then keep reading for our list of dental issues that you should know what to do about! 

 

Toothache and radiating pain—what’s it mean? 

 

A toothache often comes at the worst time: in the middle of the night, on a holiday or while you’re out of town. For severe toothaches, especially those that that are accompanied by radiating pain through your jaw, it’s important that you seek professional care. 

 

Severe tooth pain could mean you need a root canal before more damage is done to your mouth. However, if you are faced with middle-of-the-night pain and want instant relief, there are home remedies that should help take the edge off. 

 

• First, try over-the-counter pain relievers if you’re in a pinch. This should provide some instant relief. 
• In addition to pain relievers, put peppermint leaves in boiling water and let them steep for 20 minutes. After allowing the liquid to cool, swish the peppermint tea around your mouth several times a day. If you have peppermint tea in a bag, the bag can be placed on the effected area to provide similar medicinal benefits. 
• And finally, if you aren’t opposed to strong flavors (and maybe won’t be breathing on anyone anytime soon), try using garlic, which has been used widely throughout history remedy toothaches. Garlic contains a compound called allicin, which accounts for its powerful antibacterial properties. Crush a fresh glove of garlic and mix with salt, then apply to the affected tooth. 

 

What about swelling? 

 

Any swelling in the mouth is an indicator that you should call your dentist immediately. And while they try to slot you in as soon as possible, there are a couple things you can do at home to try to help relieve the pain in the meantime.  

 

• First, try a salt water rinse. A good mix is 1/2 teaspoon table salt to 8 ounces of water. Make sure to use warm water and spit the solution out—don’t swallow it. 

• Also, place a cool compress or a bag of ice on the affected area. This will help numb it as well as receive swelling.  

 

Bleeding or lost tooth and what to do 

 

If you’re suffering severe bleeding from the mouth or have knocked out a tooth, it is important to seek care immediately. If you can’t get the bleeding under control, then it’s time to visit urgent care or an emergency room. In the event you knocked out a tooth, first find the tooth. It is important to try to seek care within the first 30 minutes if you want to be able to save the tooth. And remember, keep it moist in a baggie with saliva or milk. 

 

Don’t try to be your own dentist 

 

Dr. Ku has once again been voted Fort Worth’s #1 dentist by the Star-Tribune, so it’s important to use his skills and expertise instead of relying on what you can research on the internet. Give our office a call today if you are experiencing pain and we will ensure you will have a great visit—unlike that of Mr. Bean!  

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Thankful In Fort Worth, Texas

With Thanksgiving just hours away, we want to take the time to count our blessings and tell you what we are thankful for this year. Living and working in Fort Worth allows us to be in a community full of loving families, hard-working folks, and people dedicated to the betterment of our home town. We are thrilled Dr. Ku’s office has grown roots here in North Texas and even more humbled that his office was once again voted as the #1 dentist is Fort Worth by the Star Telegram. Read our list of what we are thankful for and make sure to add your own as well! 

 

Living within local history 

 

Fort Worth, TX commonly calls itself “the city of cowboys and culture.” While those two things seem to contradict each other on the surface, in reality that’s one of the ways Fort Worth exudes a deep-rooted sense of home and welcoming, even for people who are first-time visitors.  

 

We are so thankful to live in a city that is teeming with history and adventure around every corner! Below are some of our favorite places to visit year-round, each of which we’re truly thankful for. 

 

• Sundance Square is famous for its retail and dining. Grab some hot chocolate this fall and watch as the Square is transformed into a winter wonderland! 
• Stockyards Museum and Station is located in the historic Livestock Exchange Building and documents the history of the cattle trade and its role in the growth of Fort Worth, from a mere stop along the Chisholm Trail to the center of the ranching, cattle-shipping and meatpacking industries. 

• Vintage Flying Museum is located at the south end of Meacham International Airport, always open to tour nearly two dozen rare and historic aircraft. Also on display are a dedicated reciprocal and jet engine room, an FAA aviation education resource center, WWII memorabilia and artifacts, and a unique aircraft model exhibit. 

 

Easy escapes to outdoor adventures  

 

This is the perfect time of year to soak in mild temperatures and escape to the outdoors to take in the natural beauty of North Texas. Here are some of our favorite places to get out to in nature: 

 

• Everyone is a child again at the Fort Worth zoo. With over 540 species represented, there’s always something new to see! 
• Trinity Park boasts over 40 miles of hiking and biking paths along the river. You’ll also find a duck pond, large playgrounds and a miniature train that’s been running since 1959! 
• Fort Worth Nature Center is a remarkable park and education center located in Fort Worth, just north of the city limits. The park includes a small herd of bison, a prairie dog city, and alligator residents in the lake. 
• Did you know you don’t have to head out west to fly-fish? Avid fisherman attest that some of the best fly-fishing is right here in Trinity River! 

 

What we’re most thankful for: each one of you 

 

One of the best things about working, living, and having our practice in Fort Worth is getting to interact with each of you, our patients! We understand that going to the dentist is not the appointment everyone looks forward to. However, we appreciate the joy, positivity, and smiles each of you bring to our office. We are also thankful for the staff at our practice. We work with some of the most professional, talented, and kind people in the area. Their dedication to great service and hospitality are directly related to the success of our office. 

 

We wish each of our patients and their family a Happy Thanksgiving from the team at Dr. Ku’s office! Be sure to connect with us on social media this holiday season! 

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TCU Football 2018

Now that the weather is finally cooling off, we can look forward to all the home games of the TCU horned frogs without sweating too much! And even though their 4-5 record isn’t as good as it was in years past, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t keep going to games to support the players. 

 

With one home game left in the books against the Oklahoma State Cowboys, it’s time to get out to the stadium, tailgate, and see how the university is an integral part of community engagement! Don’t hesitate to head to Carter field one Saturday this fall to be a part of the football dynasty and soak in the college football energy. The stadium received over $164 million in renovations and is one of the most state-of-the-art stadiums in the country. In addition to the amenities in the stadium, Frog Alley (located outside) hosts the family-friendly pre-game festivities and a place to cheer on the team as they enter the stadium! 

 

Below are some of our favorite aspects of TCU football. 

 

Tailgating 

 

Some of the most fun (and delicious!) aspects of football take place right outside the football stadium. From those who prefer a turn-key experience like catering to the low-key folks that throw the grill and cooler in the back of the truck, there is something that will fit everyone’s needs at TCU games. The staff at Dr. Ku’s office love to get out to football games and enjoy a weekend’s tailgating. Let us know if you’re hosting a tailgate, and we will try to stop by to say hello. It’s hard to turn down a hotdog and great community!  

 

Frog Alley 

 

Prior to kick off, Frog Alley is a family-friendly place to be where you a sport your purple early before heading into the stadium. Dance to the upbeat music, grab some food and drink, pick up new spirit wear and meet members of the band and spirit squares before they head into the stadium. 

 

In addition to these festivities, you can let your kids run out some energy on the inflatables or get their face painted to sport their purple pride. This is truly a family-friendly experience. This area opens three hours prior to kickoff. And then, two and half hours before kickoff, cheer on the team as they walk into the stadium. Finally, one hour before kickoff, jam with the marching band as they offer a quick pep rally prior the game! 

 

TCU’s community engagement 

 

If you are looking for more ways to get engaged in the community, or maybe are already a volunteer looking for more help, then look no farther than TCU’s Office of Community Engagement! The mission of the Office for Community Engagement is to position TCU as an engaged and reflective campus by integrating service and learning through reciprocal community-based partnerships.  

 

The holiday season is a great time to remember all the blessing that many of us have and propel us to give back to the community. The Office of Community Engagement has immediate volunteer opportunities for a variety of interests. Give their office a call today if you are interested in getting involved.  

 

At Dr. Ku’s office we love to see patients wear their TCU spirit gear and support the home team. Make an appointment today and don’t forget to wear your purple!

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GLO Teeth Whitening…What You Need To Know

The holiday season is right around corner, so that means lots of pictures and opportunities to see friends and family. Around this time and for those very reasons, many of us are looking for ways to look our best—but only ways that don’t take too much time (or effort). One of the best ways to boost your confidence and create a glow is teeth whitening, and we have an exciting new option. 

 

Dr. Ku’s office is now offering a state-of-the-art, at-home teeth whitening product that is sure to make your holidays a little brighter. The GLO Professional Whitening product has revolutionized the teeth whitening industry by provides patients professional-level whitening at home. If this is something you’re interested in, below are some frequently asked questions so you can learn the must-knows. And if you are interested in learning more, give our office a call today!  

 

Why GLO over other products? 

 

Teeth whitening products are hardly new to the market. In fact, most of our patients tell us they’ve tried over-the-counter whitening strips at least once. And while some people have success with whitening strips, other patients also suffer from tooth sensitivity or other adverse effects from using the products incorrectly or too often. 

 

The GLO Brilliant Teeth Whitening Device is one of the easiest and most effective professional-level whitening options to consider from the comfort of your home. This product combines LED light and warming GLO heat to accelerate whitening in a short amount of time. With gels or strips, you’re stuck leaving treatments on for a least a week. GLO only requires 32 minutes a day for five days in a row. Patients that have completed the regime rave that it’s the best at-home treatment (with the best results) that they’ve ever had.  

 

Is the cost worth it? 

 

The upfront cost is a little steeper than other at-home products; however, the cost is easily offset by results. The cost is higher than other over-the-counter whitening products since it’s a highly technological product. Included in the cost is a mouthpiece and storage case, GLO control and lanyard, 10 teeth whitening GLO vitals, travel case and charger.  

 

A quick overview on how it works 

 

Once the GLO control is charged, you place the lanyard and control over your neck and attached the mouthpiece. Next, apply the lip care that comes in the package to your top and bottom lips—this will ensure they’re protected from the LED lights. This gel is easy to spread and isn’t too messy. Next, squeeze the G-Vial (also included in the starter pack) and brush a thin layer on your top and bottom teeth. And once you make it to this point, you’re ready to start whitening! Pop in the mouthpiece and you will soon notice it the lights turn bright blue. Every eight minutes you’ll be alerted to add more gel. The process is actually quite easy, and after the first treatment you get the hang of it quickly.  

 

Rave reviews 

 

With highlights from In Style to Business Insider, reviewers of the GLO whitening product have been overwhelmed by the stunning results. If you are interested in this product, then give Dr. Ku’s office a call today to learn more and hear more local reviews and his own two cents on how best to use it.  

 

Dr. Ku’s office strives to be at the forefront of technology and new products. That is why he has been voted #1 Dentist in Fort Worth in 2018 for the second year in a row. We can’t wait to start your teeth whitening journey with you!  

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