Dental Health

Are you thinking of getting dental implants but are worried about the expenses associated with the procedure? Fret not! Ensure Dental Care, your dentist in Saginaw, Texas is at your service. You can read this blog or walk in to our dental clinic at Saginaw, Tx and we can guide you about dental implant procedure and its cost. Dental implants are one of the best solutions to teeth loss. Dental implant is a sophisticated procedure and uses state of the art technology and needs to be performed by skilled and trained dentist. All of these things don’t come cheap and no one has that kind of money lying around the house hence you may be left wondering – “How do I take care of the costs?”. Dental implants can cost anywhere between $1000 to $5000. Please note that the cost of a dental implant can vary from case to case since all cases are unique in nature. Many a times dental implants are not covered by dental insurance. So whether you have a dental insurance or not you can go for these other methods of financing your dental implant procedure. 

What are the different ways in which I can finance my dental implants? 

1. Payment plans – Dentists now a days offer payment plans to their patients. Using this method, a patient can pay for the procedure in monthly installments. So, you need pay the full amount of the procedure upfront. The payment plan can be inhouse or the dental clinic may have a tie up with a third party like Sunbit payment plan. Sunbit does a basic credit check of the customer and offers loans for 3,6 or 12 months so that you can undergo the procedure without worrying about the expense. The loan has to be repaid by the patient via monthly installments. 

2. Dental credit cards – There are companies like CareCredit who offer credit cards with the explicit purpose of payment of dental procedures. You can apply for such a credit card before undergoing the procedure and pay the amount in small installments every month. 

3. Health savings account or Flexible savings account – You can pay for your own dental implants. These are accounts where you can save money for your health and dental requirements of the future. There is no interest paid on these accounts but there are tax benefits. There are some differences between the two though, FSA is an account sponsored by your employer while an HSA can be opened by you, all you need is a health plan. In FSA only a certain portion of the funds roll over to the next year while in HSA all funds roll over. The annual contribution for FSA is lower than that required for an HSA. 

4. Take a dental or personal loan – If you have a good credit score you can take out a personal loan for the expenses you may incur for the dental implant procedure. Interest rates on these loans vary depending on how good or bad the credit score is. Generally, the rate of interest is fixed and some lenders may even charge a small processing fee. 

5. Retirement savings – Several retirement plans like 401K and 403B allow you to withdraw up to 50% of your retirement funds for what is known as hardship withdrawal. Since you are dipping into your own savings, these do not attract any interest charges. For this there is no credit check done but you need a retirement plan through your employer. 

6. Subprime lending – If your credit score is not so good you can always try to go to a subprime lender for a loan. The interest rate on these loans is however high and one must be cautious when taking these loans as they may put a financial strain on your pocket.  

7. Double mortgage on home – Another way to get finance is to take out a double mortgage on your home. Using your home as a collateral you can raise the funds that you need at a much lower interest rate. 

8. Family Loan – You can always borrow money from within your family for your needs and repay the same as per terms agreed with your family. 

9. Online fundraising – There are many fund-raising pages online like GoFundMe, FundLy, Ketto etc where you can appeal for funds from public at large and since this is like an aid you need not return any money to anyone later. There is no credit check and you just need to register on the site and give out some basic information like name, email id, PayPal or bank account number and besides these there may not be any other special requirements needed for fund raising. 

Did you learn something new today? If you enjoyed reading the blog, then don’t forget to recommend and share it with your family and friends who may also benefit from this information.  

Ensure Dental Care is your family dentist at Saginaw Texas. Ensure Dental Care is the one of the best family dental clinics located in Saginaw Tx. We also get patients from Fort Worth. We accept all major insurance providers. We have an in-house payment plan and accept care credit too. We have a very experienced and professional team of dental practitioners and we look forward to serving you to the best of our abilities. Ensure Dental Care offers emergency dental services. Irrespective of the problem we offer same day emergency treatments. We also offer comprehensive dental exam in Saginaw Tx. We entertain walk ins as well. If you wish to know more about this subject or you want to avail any of our services, please call Ensure Dental Care on 682-213-4114 for an appointment today.  

We would love to hear from you. If you want to interact with us or give feedback and suggestions about our website, content or services on social media you can follow us on instagram. Our instagram handle is @ensuredentalcaresaginawtx. Look out for exciting offers, deals and more fun stuff on our social media handles. We look forward to interacting with you on instagram and Facebook soon.  

In the Greek mythology wine has been called the nectar of the Gods. Wine today is synonymous with celebrations be it parties, dinners or any other special occasion. Among the different varieties red and white, red is generally more popular among people. So, does the wine that we drink affect our teeth? 

Does wine stain our teeth? 

Well, who among us who has drunk red wine not faced the staining of our teeth? We all have seen that the teeth can turn gray or purple when one consumes wine occasionally which can even turn a dirty brown if one is a regular wine drinker. This discoloration of the teeth is because the wine that is drunk has acids, tannin and natural dyes like anthocyanins which can stain the teeth. 

The color of the stains comes from the anthocyanins. The tannins bind the color to the surface of the teeth and although enamel is one of the hardest tissue in the body, it is still susceptible to wear and tear due to acids. According to the American Dental Association red wines stains are considered as external stains like those caused by tea and coffee. 

Do I give up drinking wine? 

You may be wondering if you need to give up drinking wine but that is not needed. Wine is not all bad, it has shown in recent studies red wine is rich in antioxidants and can prevent plaque forming bacteria from sticking to the gums, also it may help prevent gum diseases and tooth loss. If you are thinking of switching from red to white wine then we are sorry to tell you that, it will be a much worse choice. White wine is more acidic than red wine so it can be more damaging to the teeth. 

Tips to drink wine 

Instead of asking you to give up drinking wine, we will share some tips with you on how to drink wine so as to avoid or lessen the staining of the teeth. Here they are – 

1. Drink water with your wine – Drinking water can wash away the wine sticking to the teeth and prevent the staining of teeth. Preferably swish the water in the mouth before gulping it down. If that is not possible rinse your mouth with water after drinking the wine. Don’t brush your teeth as it may only spread the wine over the teeth rather than getting rid of it. 

2. Have cheese with wine – Cheese can form a sticky coating on the teeth thereby preventing the wine to come in contact with the enamel. This will prevent it from staining the teeth. 

3. Eat crunchy food items while you drink wine – Eating food like carrots and other crunchy vegetables can help keep the teeth clean while you sip on that wine because munching on them activates the flow of saliva in the mouth which will reduce the effect of the acid and restore the pH in the mouth. 

4. Brush your teeth before drinking wine – Wine can stick to the plaque on the teeth so if you brush your teeth prior to drinking wine you can get rid of the plaque making it difficult for the wine to stick to the teeth. 

5. Eat sugar free gums – Eating gum will stimulate saliva production in the mouth. Saliva will reduce the impact of the acid. 

6. Use teeth wipes – Keep teeth wipes handy and use them to wipe your teeth after you have had your wine. 

7. Do not rub lime or lemon or baking soda on your teeth – Lime and lemons themselves are acidic in nature and baking soda can be very abrasive so do not fall for these practices as they will harm your teeth more than doing good. 

Even though these prevention practices work pretty well but they cannot protect your teeth from the damaging effects of drinking wine in the long run. You can always go for a teeth whitening procedure at a dental clinic after a holiday season. You can walk in or take an appointment with us at Ensure Dental Care if you are in Saginaw, Texas. Our number is listed below. We can clean your teeth, remove the stains and whiten the enamel of your teeth at the same time. If you are a regular wine drinker, we suggest visiting us at least twice a year. 

So, the next time you pick up that glass of wine don’t worry about staining your teeth, just ensure you follow the above tips and practice good oral hygiene as you do normally like brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing your teeth and using a mouthwash. Cheers! 

Did you learn something new today? If you enjoyed reading the blog, then don’t forget to recommend and share it with your family and friends who may also benefit from this information.  

Ensure Dental Care is a family dentist near you. Ensure Dental Care is the one of the best family dental clinics located in Saginaw Texas. We also get patients from Fort Worth. We accept all major insurance providers. We have an in-house payment plan and accept care credit too. We have a very experienced and professional team of dental practitioners and we look forward to serving you to the best of our abilities. Ensure Dental Care offers emergency dental services. Irrespective of the problem we offer same day emergency treatments. We also offer comprehensive dental exam in Saginaw Tx. We entertain walk ins as well. If you wish to know more about this subject or you want to avail any of our services, please call Ensure Dental Care on 682-213-4114 for an appointment today.  

We would love to hear from you. If you want to interact with us or give feedback and suggestions about our website, content or services on social media you can follow us on instagram. Our instagram handle is @ensuredentalcaresaginawtx. Look out for exciting offers, deals and more fun stuff on our social media handles. We look forward to interacting with you on instagram and Facebook soon.  

Ever heard of hydrogen peroxide? May be the first thing that comes to the mind when one hears the word hydrogen peroxide is it’s use in a hair color or as a disinfectant. It is highly unlikely that one would associate the word hydrogen peroxide with oral health. But the fact is hydrogen peroxide is a very versatile liquid and can be used in multiple ways. Today, Ensure Dental Care, the family dentist at Saginaw, Texas is bringing to you the ways in which hydrogen peroxide can be used in simple ways to keep your mouth clean. We at Ensure Dental Care are committed to making oral care easy for our patients and others too. 

What is hydrogen peroxide?   

Hydrogen peroxide is a colorless liquid which is used in a wide range of cosmetics, personal care products, first aid etc. It is also used as a disinfectant to clean tools, surfaces, for housecleaning, whitening laundry, sterilizing wounds and cleaning vegetables. It is also an effect agent for teeth whitening. You can read all about that in our blog – ‘Teeth Whitening with Hydrogen Peroxide’. If used correctly it can be very good at keeping the mouth clean and healthy. 

What are the tips on using hydrogen peroxide to keep the mouth clean and healthy? 

Here are some tips on how you can use hydrogen peroxide for oral care – 

Tip 1 – treatment of gum diseases 

The plaque that forms on the teeth over a period of time contains a slimy film which is made up of bacteria. Hydrogen peroxide releases oxygen which can kill these bacteria. Hydrogen peroxide can help treat gum diseases owing to its antibacterial properties. Gargling with hydrogen peroxide can clean the hard-to-reach spots that are missed by the floss. Studies have shown that using hydrogen peroxide can lead to fewer gum diseases. 

Tip 2 – Treating mouth sores or canker sores 

Did you know hydrogen peroxide has antiseptic properties too? When you gargle with hydrogen peroxide it bubbles or foams over the sores removing the dead cells and cleaning the area. It also reduced the bacteria in the mouth if used regularly which helps in the mouth sores healing faster. 

Tip 3 – Ease the pain during a toothache 

It is not always possible to get a dentist’s appointment so a lot of us end up facing that toothache all by ourselves. This is untrue for Ensure Dental Care, though we offer Emergency dental care and also entertain walk ins. If, however, you are unable to get to us we advise you to hold a little hydrogen peroxide in your mouth for 10 minutes or so before spitting all the liquid out (do not ingest the liquid). Repeat the process again and again till you get some pain relief or you are able to walk in to our dental clinic at Saginaw, Tx. This is a temporary pain relief measure and should be used only for that. It does not replace a dental visit. 

Tip 4 – as a toothpaste substitute 

There are times when one may forget carrying the toothpaste like while travelling or camping. In such situations having hydrogen peroxide can come in handy. You can mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 3 parts baking soda and make a temporary toothpaste (to be used immediately, cannot be stored).  

Usage of hydrogen peroxide during covid 

Besides these as per ADA gargling or rinsing your mouth with 1.5% hydrogen peroxide solution twice a day can help reduce the microbe load in the mouth and this essentially helped reduce the transfer of microbes during the pandemic of covid.  

Is it safe to use hydrogen peroxide? What are the risks associated with it? 

While using hydrogen peroxide is generally safe in low concentrations, we will still suggest that you check for any allergies before using it. Avoid making your own concoctions. Never swallow it. Swallowing high concentration hydrogen peroxide can lead to gastrointestinal problems and inhaling the fumes of the liquid can also cause irritation to the lungs. This liquid can also irritate the eyes. So please make sure you check with your doctor and dentist before using it for any medicinal purposes. 

Conclusion 

Whether you’re aiming to get healthy gums or a set of whiter and brighter teeth, hydrogen peroxide is a very useful ingredient that can help you keep your mouth clean and healthy. You may already be using hydrogen peroxide in some over the counter products or it is possible that your dentist has used them on you beforehand. Either way do speak to them before using this product. 

Did you learn something new today? If you enjoyed reading the blog, then don’t forget to recommend and share it with your family and friends who may also benefit from this information.  

Ensure Dental Care is a family dentist near you. Ensure Dental Care is the one of the best family dental clinics located in Saginaw Texas. We also get patients from Fort Worth. We accept all major insurance providers. We have an in-house payment plan and accept care credit too. We have a very experienced and professional team of dental practitioners and we look forward to serving you to the best of our abilities. Ensure Dental Care offers emergency dental services. Irrespective of the problem we offer same day emergency treatments. We also offer comprehensive dental exam in Saginaw Tx. We entertain walk ins as well. If you wish to know more about this subject or you want to avail any of our services, please call Ensure Dental Care on 682-213-4114 for an appointment today.  

We would love to hear from you. If you want to interact with us or give feedback and suggestions about our website, content or services on social media you can follow us on instagram. Our instagram handle is @ensuredentalcaresaginawtx. Look out for exciting offers, deals and more fun stuff on our social media handles. We look forward to interacting with you on instagram and Facebook soon.  

We have all enjoyed cool lemonades in hot summers or warm lemon water first thing in the morning in our common quest of weight loss. Lemon is refreshing and tasty and pundits extol virtues of consuming a lemon and it is true also. It is a rich source of Vitamin C. It is very nutritious and contains calcium, potassium and the pectin fibre.  Lemon if had with warm water is said to promote weight loss and detoxify one’s digestive system. All in all, lemon juice is a beloved of many. But have you ever wondered if it is good for your teeth? 

pH of lemon juice 

Lemon juice is acidic in nature and it’s pH is around 2. To understand this better let us understand the pH of pure drinking water. The pH of pure drinking water is 7. Anything that has a pH over 7 (on a scale of 0-14 in a pH scale) is considered alkaline in nature and anything lower than 7 is considered acidic. This will give you an idea as to how acidic lemon juice can be. 

Lemon juice is bad for your teeth 

Because of its acidic nature lemon juice is not a great friend of your teeth. Acids cause erosion of the teeth’s upper most layer the enamel. Once enamel is lost, we can never get it back. Enamel is also one of the hardest things in the body and it protects the roots of our teeth. Once lost our teeth become vulnerable to sensitivity and can also decay or get diseased easily. Lemon juice can severely harm a person’s teeth if consumed regularly.  

Does this mean one should never have a lemon or lemon juice? 

No way, lemon as we mentioned earlier is very nutritious and is essential for proper growth and repair of the tissues in our body. So no, one must not stop having lemons or lemon juice because they harm the teeth. Instead, we will give you tips on how to consume it safely so that your teeth are not harmed or at least the damage can be minimized as much as is possible. 

1. It is better to have lemon juice than the lemon itself because lemon juice is diluted with water thereby reducing its acidity to some extent while eating a lemon directly can be harmful for your teeth. 

2. If you have to enjoy that lemon juice, try to use a straw while drinking the same. This way the juice flows directly into your throat with minimum contact with the teeth. If you drink lemon juice from glass or a bottle directly the lemon juice is going to be swirled around in the mouth and traces of the acid will linger on the teeth surfaces even after you have gulped down the sip. 

3. If you don’t get a straw and happen to drink lemon juice as is make sure you rinse your mouth with normal water as soon as you finish drinking it so that any residue in the mouth or teeth can be washed away. You can also use a mouth wash but do not brush your teeth at this point. To know more about mouthwash benefits and risks read our blog – ‘Advantages and Disadvantages of Mouthwash’. 

4. Brushing your teeth immediately after consuming lemon juice is not a good idea because the juice would have weakened the enamel of your teeth and brushing them can damage them more easily so better to wait for 30 minutes or so before you brush your teeth. 

5. Last but not the least limit your intake of lemon juices and lemon waters if possible. 

What are the signs that the lemon juice has harmed my teeth? 

In case you are not sure if the lemon juice you have been having all these days has caused any harm here are a few things to look out for – 

1. Do your teeth look a little yellow or discolored? Enamel wearing off exposes the dentin of teeth which is yellowish in colour. 

2. Is the outer covering of the teeth looking transparent? Transparency here can mean that the enamel has become weak. 

3. Have your teeth suddenly become sensitive? If yes and you are feeling the hot and cold sensations more strongly than usual when drinking or eating something hot and cold respectively then there is a possibility that your teeth enamel is damaged. 

To just put it out there, enamel erosion can happen not just from lemon juice but other acidic juices and sugary drinks like sodas. Read our blogs – ‘Soda vs Teeth’ and ‘How does sugar affect teeth’ to know how soda and sugar impacts dental health. If you have to choose between lemon juice and plain water then we suggest you pick plain water for your dental health. Also don’t forget to visit your dentist regularly for your checkups. 

Did you learn something new today? If you enjoyed reading the blog, then don’t forget to recommend and share it with your family and friends who may also benefit from this information.  

Ensure Dental Care is a family dentist near you. Ensure Dental Care is the one of the best family dental clinics located in Saginaw Texas. We also get patients from Fortworth. We accept all major insurance providers. We have an in-house payment plan and accept care credit too. We have a very experienced and professional team of dental practitioners and we look forward to serving you to the best of our abilities. Ensure Dental Care offers emergency dental services. Irrespective of the problem we offer same day emergency treatments. We also offer comprehensive dental exam in Saginaw Tx. We entertain walk ins as well. If you wish to know more about this subject or you want to avail any of our services, please call Ensure Dental Care on 682-213-4114 for an appointment today.  

We would love to hear from you. If you want to interact with us or give feedback and suggestions about our website, content or services on social media you can follow us on instagram. Our instagram handle is @ensuredentalcaresaginawtx. Look out for exciting offers, deals and more fun stuff on our social media handles. We look forward to interacting with you on instagram and Facebook soon.  

Are you due for a dental visit? Well, we encourage you to read this blog to know what all happens when you make that visit to the dentist twice a year. You may wonder why you need to read about it when you know that your dentist examines your teeth and cleans them and that is it. You could not be more wrong here. There are many things that a dentist does during that dental visit that are critical for your oral health and you may not be even aware of them. Intrigued? Read on. 

These are the 10 things your dentist is doing your dental checkup – 

1. Examining your tongue – Many health issues can manifest themselves on the tongue. A discolored tongue (a bright red can indicate folic acid or vitamin B12 deficiency or a dark tongue can indicate diabetes or bad hygiene) or a sensitive tongue may indicate problems which include bad breath, fungal infections and other issues. 

2. Oral Cancer screening – Dental cancer kills people at an alarming rate in the US. It can be very difficult to treat in later stages and if detected early can make treatment and recovery easier. It is advisable to visit a dentist if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms – 

• A mouth sore that doesn’t heal even after a few weeks. 
• Red or white patches in the mouth. 
• Pain and tenderness along the lips. 
• Unusual difficulty in chewing or swallowing food or speaking. 
• A change in your bite. 
• Sensation of something stuck in the throat. 

3. Examining your gums – Gum diseases in their early stages have little or no symptoms and they are reversible if detected early hence dentists examine the gums during your regular visit so that their trained eye can detect any anomaly at the earliest. Usually, they will look for signs of bleeding, swelling etc. Early detection can lead to faster cures and is also not a strain on the pocket.   

4. Checking your salivary glands – Checking for dry mouth is important and for that the dentist will also have a look at the salivary glands. He/ She will also check if the glands are producing sufficient quantity of saliva. Without enough saliva, bacteria accumulate in your mouth to cause bad breath, cavities, and infection. 

5. Examining the sinuses – Sinus and dental issues usually go hand-and-hand. A nasty sinus infection can cause pain in and around your mouth even toothache. Your dentist can check on the health of your sinuses to determine whether the pain is being caused by a sinus infection or if it is truly a dental issue. 

6. Checking your breath – Bad breath or halitosis can indicate a number of dental problems like dry mouth, mouth sores, tooth decay etc. During your regular dental visit your dentist will not only be examining and cleaning your teeth but also checking up on your breath. 

7. Evaluate your bite – How your upper set and lower set of teeth fit together when the jaw is closed can give your dentist a lot of insights. They can check the alignment of the teeth and know what potential problems you may face because of them which includes not just eating but speech too. They can also suggest suitable orthodontic procedures that you can get done to improve your bite. Read our blog – ‘Various smile correction procedures’ for some of these. 

8. Examining your tonsils – Your dentist will check the back of your throat and your tonsils for any signs of infection. 

9. Checking for any jaw related issues – TMJ or Temporomandibular joint pain is very common. TMJ are the joints that connect your jaw and the skull. Locked jaw and trouble in chewing food are common symptoms of the temporomandibular joint disorder. Uneven teeth and bite issues also lead to TMJ disorder. 

10. Screening each and every tooth – The dentist will use check all the teeth individually with a probe and a mirror going over all the surfaces to check if there are any changes in the same since your last visit. 

So, you are getting more than what you would expect in a every regular dental checkup where your dentist is actually giving you a comprehensive dental exam. Your examination gives your dentist a chance to check the state of your teeth, gums and mouth overall and your dentist can identify potential problems that you may have never noticed.  

Even with the best oral hygiene practice you may never be able to do this kind of a comprehensive dental exam on yourself. Only an experienced dentist can properly perform a complete and thorough examination of teeth and mouth to assess the condition of your overall oral health and recommend future treatments accordingly. 

How did you enjoy reading this blog? If you had fun, then don’t forget to recommend our blog and share it with your family and friends who may also benefit from this information.  

Ensure Dental Care is a family dentist near you. Ensure Dental Care is the one of the best family dental clinics located in Saginaw Texas. We also get patients from Fort Worth. We accept all major insurance providers. We have an in-house payment plan and accept care credit too. We have a very experienced and professional team of dental practitioners and we look forward to serving you to the best of our abilities. Ensure Dental Care offers emergency dental services. Irrespective of the problem we offer same day emergency treatments. We also offer comprehensive dental exam in Saginaw Tx. We entertain walk ins as well. If you wish to know more about this subject or you want to avail any of our services, please call Ensure Dental Care on 682-213-4114 for an appointment today.  

We would love to hear from you. If you want to interact with us or give feedback and suggestions about our website, content or services on social media you can follow us on instagram. Our instagram handle is @ensuredentalcaresaginawtx. Look out for exciting offers, deals and more fun stuff on our social media handles. We look forward to interacting with you on instagram and Facebook soon.  

The topic for the blog today is Braces and Implants and this topic may appear confusing to some people because braces and implants are generally known to fix different issues. Braces are known to change the alignment of the teeth and to straighten them while dental implants have a totally different purpose and that is to replace any missing tooth or teeth. So why are we trying to compare the two today? We hope you will understand it as you read further. 

Need for braces and or implants 

Gaps in our teeth – All of us have gaps in our teeth. Generally, these gaps are hardly noticeable but, in some cases, they can be big and it can have a number of causes including gum diseases. Hence it is important to go to a dentist to get it fixed. A gap of more than 0.5 mm is known as diastema. Gaps in teeth are very prevalent in young children with milk teeth and these issues get sorted for most when the permanent teeth emerge. The gaps can be between the side and front teeth or around the canines or between front teeth or between lower teeth (called mandibular diastema) or worse, gaps between all the teeth. 

Gaps between teeth may or may not be an aesthetic issue but can cause other problems like improper bite which can further lead to chipping of teeth. This happens because the other surrounding teeth may collapse if the gap is not closed and will change the bite. As we said earlier the reason behind the gaps between the teeth could be an underlying gum disease and one would not want to take a chance of not addressing this issue. These gaps can put a stress on your other teeth and can result in uneven wear and tear of your natural teeth over a period of time. So logically your next question would be as to what treatments options are available to correct diastema? Let us explore the same. 

Treatment options available to you 

While the real feasible treatment plan may vary from case to case the gaps can be minimized or eliminated by – 

1. Braces 

2. Aligners 

3. Veneers 

4. Bonding 

5. Dental bridges 

6. Crowns 

7. Dentures  

8. Implants 

Amongst all the above people prefer either the first or the last one. So, which one should you go for? If you were to ask anyone almost all will say, go for an option that allows you to keep your own natural teeth and why try to get something man made like an implant in your mouth if it can be avoided. And we cannot disagree but there are cases where the gap between the teeth is so large that it cannot be corrected with braces and an implant may just be the better solution. Also let us say someone is missing their upper front tooth then closing such a gap with only braces can lead to a severe asymmetry making the smile totally unattractive but if the same is the case with a tooth at the back of the mouth then it may be possible to use only braces. 

It is difficult to say which option is better however we will still try and make a comparison of the two. 

1. Braces can take much longer to do the job than implants. Braces can take 2 to 3 years while implants can do it in as short as 3 months’ time. 

2. Braces are non-invasive to a large extent while a dental implant will need a surgery. 

3. Braces are generally cheaper than dental implants and can be costly. 

4. Braces move all our natural teeth in a position that corrects our bite, aligns our teeth and perfects our smile where as dental implant only replaces some missing teeth. 

If your dentist feels you need both braces as well as implants then it is best to go for braces before the dental implant. A dental implant is not cannot be moved later like a natural tooth. However, there may be a situation where braces cannot be put unless the missing tooth is replaced first because that tooth is needed to put the required pressure needed to move other teeth. Also, as we age our teeth naturally move in the front and can get overcrowded and in such cases an implant put earlier will look awkward and here again braces will need to be put to move the natural teeth around.  At the end of the day every case is unique and it is difficult to compare braces and dental implants. One must also remember that these two need not be mutually exclusive treatment options available. 

Are you enjoying our blogs? If yes, then don’t forget to recommend our blog and share it with your family and friends who may also benefit from this information.  

Ensure Dental Care is a family dentist near you. Ensure Dental Care is the one of the best family dental clinics located in Saginaw Texas. We also get patients from Fortworth. We accept all major insurance providers. We have an in-house payment plan and accept care credit too. We have a very experienced and professional team of dental practitioners and we look forward to serving you to the best of our abilities. Ensure Dental Care offers emergency dental services. Irrespective of the problem we offer same day emergency treatments. We entertain walk ins as well. If you wish to know more about this subject or you want to avail any of our services, please call Ensure Dental Care on 682-213-4114 for an appointment today.  

We would love to hear from you. If you want to interact with us or give feedback and suggestions about our website, content or services on social media you can follow us on instagram. Our instagram handle is @ensuredentalcaresaginawtx. Look out for exciting offers, deals and more fun stuff on our social media handles. We look forward to interacting with you on instagram and Facebook soon.  

Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you when you meet them for the first time. Your smile can make or break the deal when it comes to first impressions! Your smile is like your business card.  Your smile deserves to be perfect but life is not fair. So, a lot of us are not born with that perfect smile but thanks to modern dentistry we now have a range of options available to us to make our smile the best version of itself. Today we talk about the various smile correction procedures that dentistry offers.  

Cosmetic dentistry is gaining popularity and a dentist can transform your smile in a number of ways. These ways may include changes in  

1. Tooth color 

2. Tooth shape and size 

3. Tooth position 

4. Missing teeth replacement 

Some of these common procedures that do the above are as follows – 

1. Teeth whitening – Teeth can lose their sheen due to staining and discoloration. Teeth whitening is also called teeth bleaching and it can be done at home with over-the-counter products (always look for an American Dental Association’s seal of acceptance before buying such products) or at a dental clinic. While it is the best for people who have healthy teeth there can be some exceptions. Talk to your dentist before trying anything on your own. You can also read our blogs Is teeth whitening safe? and Teeth Whitening with Hydrogen Peroxide to explore the topic further. 

2. Braces, retainers and aligners – Braces can correct misshapen or misaligned teeth in children and adults. Braces apply steady pressure over time to move the teeth into the desired position. While braces are common treatment procedure opted for children, adults can also get braces. In case of not so severe misalignment the objective can be achieved by an aligner. Market now offers invisible aligners too for making the whole process aesthetic and less discomforting. Read our blogs All about Braces, Adult Braces, Pros and cons of braces, Braces and implants, Invisalign vs Six month smiles and many more. 

3. Bridges, dentures and dental implants – A missing teeth can mar any smile. You can get dental bridges which are akin to fixed partial dentures or dentures to replace the missing teeth and restore your smile. Now a days people prefer to go for dental implants which are more permanent and long-lasting solution for lost teeth. The artificial teeth look and function like natural teeth and can boost the confidence of people who have lost their teeth. 

4. Dental crowns – Sometimes a tooth is badly decayed or chipped but the dentist advises the patient to let the tooth be as the root of the teeth is still healthy. In such case dental crowns can be extremely helpful in restoring and correcting the smile. A dental crown is a cap placed over a damaged teeth to improve its look, shape and strength allowing the tooth to function normally. Fillings and bondings can also help restore a tooth and hence a smile. 

5. Veneers – Veneers are thin shells that cover the front of the teeth.  They are used to change tooth color or shape and can be a good solution for discolored, chipped or teeth that have gaps between them. 

6. Enamel shaping – This is a smile correction procedure in which the dentist can reshape your tooth by removing or filing some of the enamel over the tooth. It is a quick and painless procedure to shape natural teeth to improve appearance and correct slight imperfections. This generally precedes dental bonding or veneers and can give almost instantaneous results. 

Besides these smile correction procedures, the cosmetic dentist can also offer what is called a total smile makeover which includes complete transformation of the mouth which includes teeth as well as gums. It is more like a package deal comprising of one or more dental treatment procedures described above along with what is known gum reshaping incase one has a gummy smile.  

While smile correction procedures can help you in getting the smile you want, it is up to you to maintain them by regular brushing and flossing your teeth. And not to forget going to your dentist at least twice a year can do wonders for your smile. Besides checking for cavities and other dental problems the dentist can clean your teeth and also provide options to make your smile brighter and healthier. Always consult your dentist about which of these procedures are best suited for you and keep in mind that some of these procedures may not be covered in dental insurance. Keep smiling and remember “The world always looks brighter from behind a smile” – Unknown. 

Did you like what you read? If yes, then don’t forget to recommend our blog and share it with your family and friends who may also benefit from this information.  

Ensure Dental Care is a family dentist near you. Ensure Dental Care is the one of the best family dental clinics located in Saginaw Texas. We also get patients from Fortworth. We accept all major insurance providers. We have an in-house payment plan and accept care credit too. We have a very experienced and professional team of dental practitioners and we look forward to serving you to the best of our abilities. Ensure Dental Care offers emergency dental services. Irrespective of the problem we offer same day emergency treatments. We entertain walk ins as well. If you wish to know more about this subject or you want to avail any of our services, please call Ensure Dental Care on 682-213-4114 for an appointment today.  

We would love to hear from you. If you want to interact with us or give feedback and suggestions about our website, content or services on social media you can follow us on instagram. Our instagram handle is @ensuredentalcaresaginawtx. Look out for exciting offers, deals and more fun stuff on our social media handles. We look forward to interacting with you on instagram and Facebook soon.  

It’s summer time! 

Summer is here! Summer means ‘Get Outside’ for Americans if you did not know it already. Local parks are hubs of activity with people coming from all over for playing, swimming, picnics or just hanging out with friends. And of course, who can forget the festivals in summer. All across the USA people enjoy merry making at beer festivals, music festivals, food festivals and more. People go for hiking and boating and all kinds of fun activities. 

Many a times all these outdoor activities can adversely impact our oral hygiene and therefore it is very important for us to take care of our teeth and our beautiful smiles during the summer season. And we are here to give you some tips to make sure your smile stays healthy and bright during the summer and even after it is over. 

Tips to keep our summer smiles healthy 

1. Maintain a routine – Make sure no matter where you go whether parks or festivals or hiking stick to your oral care routines. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Floss every day and use a mouthwash. This is especially for the kids in the family also. Don’t let your summer routines change your oral care practices. 

2. Drink plenty of water instead of sodas and sugary drinks– Stay hydrated all the time. Hot summer days means loss of hydration. We need to drink more than usual amount of water to keep our bodies hydrated. And your teeth also will benefit from hydration. Hydration helps form saliva. Less water can mean less saliva leading to dry mouth. Dry mouth can in turn lead to bad breath so keep that at bay and grab a water bottle when you feel thirsty. The normal tendency to cool oneself down during summers is to go for that wine or the soda. Avoid it. Sugary drinks and sodas are bad news for your teeth. Read our blog Soda vs teeth to know more about the subject. Water is a tooth friendly drink and can wash away the food debris in our mouth. If you are a tea or a coffee drinker then make it a point to rinse your mouth with water afterwards to prevent staining of the teeth. 

3. Say no to sugary snacks – We know how harmful sugary snacks can be. Read our blog How does sugar affect teeth to know more in detail. Sugary snacks are tempting and easy to grab while at a beach or at the park but choose your snack wisely. Stock up on healthy snacks. Choose fresh fruits over processed sugar snacks. You can also pack nuts, cheeses etc. to fill your tummy during the hunger pangs. Snack smarter. 

4. Get mouthguards – If you or your children are into contact sports then a mouthguard is a must have in the summers. The more the sports more are the chances of injuries. Sports injuries are the leading cause of chipped teeth, broken and fractured teeth and fractured teeth roots. And all of these can be prevented if one uses a mouthguard. So, make a little investment and buy an appropriate mouthguard at the beginning of the summer season. Our blog Benefits of wearing mouth guards in contact and collision sports will help you understand the importance of mouthguards in contact sports. Do read it.  

5. Get a tooth whitening procedure done – Despite all precautions it is still possible that all the eating and drinking out can lead to staining of teeth so make sure you go to your dentist and undergo a tooth whitening procedure. It is safe, easy and quick. Read our blog Is teeth whitening safe and Teeth whitening with hydrogen peroxide to help you decide if you want one. 

6. Get a dental check done – This is for kids whose schools may demand a back-to-school dental visit. Better to get it done during the summer than wait till the time when the schools are just about to begin. The dental clinics may have a rush during that time making it difficult to visit. 

We hope these tips help you keep you summer smiles healthy. So now you can go to those BBQs or invite family and friends over for a luncheon, you can visit museums of history and science with kids and grown ups or take that road trip and drive somewhere for the long weekends or do something cross country and you can rest assured that your teeth will stay healthy and your smiles beautiful if you only follow the above-mentioned tips. We wish you happy summers and lots of fun!   

Did you enjoy reading this blog and did you learn something new today? If yes then don’t forget to recommend our blog and share it with your family and friends who may also benefit from this information.  

Ensure Dental Care is a family dentist near you. Ensure Dental Care is the one of the best family dental clinics located in Saginaw Texas. We also get patients from Fortworth. We accept all major insurance providers. We have an in-house payment plan and accept care credit too. We have a very experienced and professional team of dental practitioners and we look forward to serving you to the best of our abilities. Ensure Dental Care offers emergency dental services. Irrespective of the problem we offer same day emergency treatments. We entertain walk ins as well. If you wish to know more about this subject or you want to avail any of our services, please call Ensure Dental Care on 682-213-4114 for an appointment today.  

We would love to hear from you. If you want to interact with us or give feedback and suggestions about our website, content or services on social media you can follow us on instagram. Our instagram handle is @ensuredentalcaresaginawtx. Look out for exciting offers, deals and more fun stuff on our social media handles. We look forward to interacting with you on instagram and Facebook soon.