Most people require braces to obtain perfectly straight teeth. Unfortunately, there is not a pill to make the teeth straighten overnight. People often need specific orthodontic care to get their best smile and bite.
However, sometimes wearing braces can affect the way you eat. Eating might feel difficult when you first get braces. It’s important to be aware of the kind of food you are eating, not just for your health but also because certain foods can also dislodge the brackets. Don’t worry! The summer doesn’t have to be lacking in fun and tasty treats for those who are trying to get a great smile.
That’s why we created a list of great recipes that are perfect for people who are wearing braces.
Peppermint Lemonade
Summer is the perfect time for lemonade. If you have been out in the sun playing sports or just enjoying the beautiful weather, lemonade is the perfect way to cool off and feel refreshed. For a refreshing lemonade, try this recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 fresh lemon
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves
- 1 ¼ cups white sugar
- 1 (12 ounces) can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
Directions
The first step to refreshment with this delicious lemonade recipe is to pour the lemonade concentrate into a cooler or a pitcher. Use enough water for a gallon of lemonade. Grade the lemon to create some zest and add it into the pitcher. Then simply squeeze the lemon juice into the pitcher or cooler. Once you’re done with that, crush the mint leaves by using a wooden spoon or muddler and add it to the sugar. Then add the sugar and crushed mint into the pitcher to cool for several hours. Once it has been chilled, strain the leaves and zest prior to serving.
You can garnish this refreshment with a sprig of mint over ice for the perfect summer recipe.
Pasta Fredda
Pasta Fredda is perfect for vegetable lovers and pasta lovers alike. With olives, basil, and tomatoes, you’ll be getting a great dose of nutrition alongside a tasty meal.
Ingredients
- 1 (8 ounces) package farfalle (bow tie) pasta
- 7 ounces bocconcini (small balls of fresh mozzarella cheese)
- 20 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 ½ teaspoon fresh oregano leaves
- 6 fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¾ cup black olives
Directions
Bring a large pot to a boil after adding salt. Cook the pasta at a boil while occasionally stirring to keep it from sticking to the pot. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, after about twelve minutes in the boiling water. Drain it and let it cool to room temperature.
Combine the basil, oregano, olives, bocconcini, tomatoes, and olive oil in a large bowl and toss it to allow the herbs to evenly coat the vegetables. Add the pasta and toss the entire bowl. Enjoy!
Chicken Enchiladas
Chicken enchiladas are a perfect way to spice up your routine over the summer, especially for those who are wearing braces.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups cubed cooked chicken breast meat
- 6 (12 inch) flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup milk
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a baking sheet lightly. While the oven is warming, use a medium saucepan, with the added butter, over medium heat to saute the onion until it is tender. Add the garlic powder and stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Add the green chiles. Mix well and keep ¾ of the sauce for the side. Use the remaining sauce to add to the chicken and cheddar cheese.
Fill the flour tortillas with the mixture of chicken and roll them up. Spoon the sauce over the tortillas and top with the remaining half cup of cheese. Bake in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes.
When you’re going in for an orthodontic consultation for your braces, you might have a lot of questions. That’s actually a good thing. The more you know, the more likely it is that you’ll feel confident about your braces and what you should do when you’re at home and the orthodontist isn’t there. Getting to know your orthodontist and the tricks of maintaining your mouth when you have braces are some of the goals of an orthodontic consultation, so here are a few things that you should consider asking during your orthodontic consultation appointment.
How Long Will I Be in the Office?
Everyone’s mouths are different, and different sets of teeth require different treatments. Correcting one very crooked tooth might be different than a whole set of teeth that are just slightly out of alignment. As a result, the length of each appointment can vary, and the length of time that you’ll need braces can vary between patients. Plan for approximately one hour for your first visit with Dr. Creed.
Is Brushing and Flossing With Braces Difficult?
It’s common for people to get food in their braces, but it’s also essential to the overall health of your mouth that you remove the food. While brushing and flossing with braces is more challenging, it’s still entirely possible to have a clean mouth throughout the time that you have braces. There are many techniques that you might have to adjust to maintain optimal cleanliness. For instance, you might find that adding a water pick into your regime is beneficial. Ask Dr. Creed to show you some effective techniques.
Is There Anything That I Shouldn’t Eat?
There are some foods that you might enjoy that are more difficult to eat when you have braces. A certain type of food might get stuck in your braces, and some things might be more difficult to bite. Your teeth might also hurt while right after an adjustment, so you might simply enjoy certain foods less at certain times during your treatment. The staff at Creed Orthodontics can go over a list of foods that you’re better off avoiding until your braces are ready to come off.
Do Braces Ever Break?
It’s possible for some parts of your braces to break, especially if you’re regularly eating foods that are harder on them. But, also, accidents just sometimes happen. A snapped wire or broken bracket won’t derail the entire treatment, but both of these pieces will need to be fixed if they break. It’s always nice knowing ahead of time what you need to do if you have a problem, so ask Dr. Creed what you should do in the case of an emergency. You can also ask them what activities you should avoid so that you can minimize the risk of having a problem with your braces.
We’re Here to Help
If you ever have a question, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We can offer your questions, or you can schedule a complimentary orthodontic consultation to find out what’s best for your teeth.
For teenagers, making the decision to wear braces is usually not an easy one because of the effect it could have on their social lives. Today’s active teenagers have hectic and packed schedules with activities ranging from playing in the band, participating in the cheerleading team, playing a sport to even hanging out with friends.
Consequently, not only is their social image important, but it also plays into their confidence levels. Therefore, it is evident that most of them are not excited at the idea of wearing visible metal braces. Not only do these braces affect teenagers’ outward appearance, but they also force them to make many trips to the orthodontist’s office. Fortunately, Invisalign Teen treatment is now available in Cypress Texas!
Invisalign Teen
Invisalign Teen is a modified version of the standard adult Invisalign treatment designed to cater to teenagers’ unique needs. This treatment is customized for teenagers using not only a series of clear but also removable aligners. However, this is not the only benefit of Invisalign Teen. Others include:
Boosting Self-confidence
In the past, teenagers were limited to treatment methods making use of regular metal bands, wires, and brackets. With Invisalign Teen, they can now steer clear of these. Additionally, they can now avoid the embarrassment and name calling associated with wearing braces. As you can imagine, this has a positive effect on how they view themselves while boosting their self-confidence since they easily fit into the rest of the crowd.
Given Invisalign Teen aligners are almost invisible, teenagers can now take photos for their yearbook or prom without worrying about how braces will look in their photos. Consequently, they can now go through school without worrying about losing out on good school memories since they were being bullied, teased, or ridiculed at school.
Increased Convenience
Unlike teens who wear metal braces, those who opt for Invisalign Teen are not saddled with restrictions concerning their diet. These aligners are designed to be removed during meals allowing teens to enjoy any meal.
Also, these teenagers do not have to spend a lot of time cleaning their teeth since they can also remove their aligners while cleaning their teeth.
Additionally, given metal braces are fixed to the teeth for the duration of the treatment process, they have to be continuously adjusted. This means teenagers have to make frequent trips to the orthodontist to have them tightened. With Invisalign Teen, this is not a concern. As such, teenagers have more free time in their hands to engage in whatever they have to do.
Fewer Limitations
With metal braces, it could be a problem to engage in certain activities such as some sports or even playing in a band.
In sports, teenagers and their parents always worry about them hurting the inside of their mouths or cutting their lips due to brackets and wires associated with braces. They also have to factor in the cost of getting specially designed mouth guards used when one has braces on. With Invisalign Teen, these concerns are thrown out of the window since the teenager can remove them at any time.
With braces, it can be challenging to play some instruments such as those from the brass or woodwind family. However, Invisalign Teen aligners allow such teenagers to pursue their musical talent without the additional learning that comes with wearing braces.
Orthodontic treatment can take up a considerable portion of a teenager’s life. With the availability of Invisalign Teen in Cypress Texas, teenagers and their parents no longer have to worry about the constraints associated with regular braces. Feel free to book an appointment for your teenager to help them navigate this phase of life with a big smile on.
Please visit Dr. Creed’s Orthodontic practice in Cypress, Texas, where initial consultations are always complimentary.
6 Facts Parents Should Know About Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment
A child does not have to have all of their permanent teeth for Dr. Benjamin Creed, to know that they will eventually need some sort of orthodontic treatment. There are a lot of problems that can go wrong with a child’s mouth, and depending on those problems, two-phase treatment might be recommended. What does two-phase treatment mean? All this means is that the child’s treatment will be done at two different times. Usually, this is recommended to allow for physical and development growth between phases. If an orthodontist is recommending two-phase treatment for your child, here are six facts that you should be aware of.
1. Two-phase orthodontic treatment is meant for kids, but that does not mean it is the solution for all kids.
Even though there are a few exceptions, there are many orthodontic issues that only need one phase treatment from a comprehensive orthodontist.
2. What can two-phase orthodontic treatments be used for?
This type of treatment is designed to help the child’s jaw develop in a way that will ensure adequate space for their permanent teeth to come in, especially canine teeth. Here are some more specific issues it can treat:
- Used to tuck in a child’s upper teeth that stick out to prevent them from being knocked out or broken off.
- Used to help normalize the relationship between the lower and upper jaw, and it is extremely useful when the child has an underbite.
- It can help reduce the need of pulling permanent teeth, later on.
- It can assist if a child has abnormal swallowing or has had a prolong sucking habit.
- It can help to correct any damaging pressure that could cause them to move in the wrong direction or that might cause an actual change in the bone shape that is meant to support the teeth.
- It can be an option for children that needed prolonged treatment through growth, but they could need corrective surgery if the treatment is not done until after their growth ends.
3. Baby teeth that move is not a thing that should be done for the sake of their appearance.
During Phase One of orthodontic treatment, it is possible that baby teeth will move. This is to help make plenty of space for their permanent teeth to come in.
4. Phase One in a two-phase treatment plan could occur while the child still has some of their baby teeth.
During phase one, the use of a fixed appliance like braces or some sort of removable appliance could be used, but the type that is used varies between children. At times, baby teeth might need to be removed prematurely to ensure that there is a clear path for the permanent teeth to come in properly.
5. There is always a resting period between the orthodontic treatment phases.
Usually, there is a small time between the two phases of the treatment, which allows the orthodontist to proceed to the second phase with the best option.
6. Usually, phase two of an orthodontic treatment will not begin until the child has most of their permanent teeth.
Phase two of orthodontic treatment is designed to help ensure that teeth are in the right place that promotes a healthy bite, pleasing appearance, and good function.
To allow your child to have the best change at a beautiful and healthy smile, it is important to follow the recommendations of the American Association of Orthodontists’ (AAO). They recommend that all children meet with an orthodontist by the age of 7, because by this point, the orthodontist should be able to recognize if a problem is there. This will give them time to develop the best treatment and monitor their growth for the best option.
Please visit Dr. Creed’s Orthodontic practice in Cypress, Texas, where initial consultations are always complimentary.
If you, like many others, are on a quest for getting straight teeth, you know how important it can be to find the right orthodontist in Cypress, Texas. Some of the biggest decisions you will make when it comes to getting straight teeth is who should straighten them, how you will pay for it, and what sort of braces you should choose from, though these are just scratching the surface. While orthodontists used to be the only option for getting straighter teeth, dentists are now starting to offer these services in addition to their other specialties, which can make that ultimate decision even more difficult. There are a few things you should consider before you make your final decision. Here is what you need to know.
The Training
Orthodontists, though many people do not know it, are also dentists in training. Before they can complete their orthodontic training, they must go through dental school. The orthodontist residency that they are required to complete usually takes about two or three years along with a full-time work schedule of 40 hours each week. While dentists are trained in family dentistry, they are often not fully qualified for straightening teeth since they never went through the orthodontic residency program. You wouldn’t want an untrained lawyer pleading your case in court right? You shouldn’t want an untrained dental professional to straightening your teeth either.
Specialized Skills
When you start considering getting your teeth straightened, it is nothing to take lightly. You are going to be paying quite a bit of money to get a straighter smile, and you should be willing to look into the skills of the one doing the straightening before getting started. Just, for example, you wouldn’t trust your family doctor to perform brain surgery on you because they are not qualified nor do they have the special skills needed to do it correctly. The same can be said about the decision between dentists and orthodontists.
Find an Expert
Orthodontists have just the expertise that they need to straighten your teeth properly. They know of both the most recent technologies and techniques to create a customized treatment plan for your unique set of teeth. Some orthodontists will offer you Invisalign, which is a clean tooth straightening option, but others will require those traditional metal braces. A dental office might be able to give you straight teeth, but they do not have the expertise needed to get the job done in a more customized way. For example, they might give a patient Invisalign, but that might not be the best option for their teeth.
Orthodontists are also highly skilled in jaw alignment. Many people have issues with their jaws being out of line, which causes underbites, overbites, and crooked teeth. Orthodontists can evaluate your teeth and your jaws, ensuring that there are no other issues to deal with before moving forward with braces. This is just another part of the customized care that all orthodontists are qualified for. Since you are investing a good bit of time and money into this treatment, you want to be certain that it is getting done properly.
When searching for a great place to get your teeth straightened, you should consider visiting the Cypress Orthodontics office of Dr. Benjamin Creed. We are here to give you the smile you’ve always wanted.
At Creed Orthodontics in Cypress Texas, we come across many patients who have bite problems. This post will address some of the common problems and suggested treatments. A malocclusion is an abnormal bite and is one of the most common oral health problems people face. A malocclusion is the misalignment of the teeth on the upper and lower jaw when the jaw is closed. An occlusion is a normal bite where the molars of the upper jaw fit into the ridges and crevasses of the molars in the lower jaw. When this doesn’t happen, it could lead to a number conditions like speech problems and premature wear of the teeth and tooth enamel. It can also lead to an increased chance of an injury to the teeth and the joints of the jaw.
In most cases, bite problems are hereditary and have nothing to do with failures in oral hygiene. Some hereditary causes of bite problems include birth defects like cleft palates or lips, the size difference between the upper and lower jaw, the size difference between the teeth, and irregularly shaped teeth. Some non-hereditary causes of bite problems include an injury to the jaw, improper dental treatments, and childhood habits like thumb sucking, tongue thrusting. To correct an abnormal bite, orthodontic treatments may be necessary.
There are several types of abnormal bite issues. An orthodontist will provide a thorough examination to determine the best type of treatment for an abnormal bite. The different types of abnormal bites include overbite, underbite, crossbite, upper front teeth protrusion, crowding, spacing, open bite, and non-matching teeth midlines. These abnormal bites can cause facial asymmetry, excessive wear on the teeth, dental decay, and improper jaw functioning.
Braces are a common treatment for different types of abnormal bites, but they are not the type of treatment. Removing teeth, reshaping or capping the teeth, and surgery is other ways abnormal bites can be fixed. Most people have some form of an abnormal bite that is minor and does not need treatment. When these issues are present and treated in the early stages, treatment can be quicker and less expensive.
If you suffer from any of the following bite problems, please make an appointment to come see us. Our orthodontic consultations are always complimentary.
The New Year is the perfect time to set goals and resolutions to help you look and feel your best. While you might be thinking about starting a new diet or possibly even beginning a new fitness routine, there is one area that you may not have thought about when it comes to your overall health and appearance. That area is your dental health! Here are a few great reasons to see an orthodontist to start your new year off right!
You Can Improve Your Appearance
How do you feel when you look in the mirror and see your teeth? Do you hate your smile or even avoid smiling for pictures or in front of people? Have you ever wanted to straighten your teeth? If so, the orthodontist can help you get a smile that you will love when you look in the mirror or see yourself in photos. Braces can truly change your appearance no matter how old you are. Braces aren’t just for kids anymore! You can have a gorgeous new appearance for a new year!
You Can Gain Confidence
It is no secret that you can’t feel self-confident if you hate your teeth. Not only can braces change the way your teeth look, but they can also change the way you feel about yourself. Imagine just how much confidence you will gain when you know your teeth look good! You will feel positive about your appearance and feel confident about how others see you as well. Gaining confidence at the beginning of the new year will set the stage for the rest of the year!
If you are worried about how braces will make you look, you should know that there are options available other than metal braces. For example, have you heard of Invisalign? Invisalign is virtually invisible, so no one will be able to tell that you are even wearing braces. You can straighten your teeth without others knowing! This means that you won’t have to feel self-conscious while you wear braces and get the smile you have always wanted!
You Can Improve Your Dental Health
While you are setting goals for the new year and making resolutions, make your dental health a priority as well. This means that you should focus on brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Furthermore, when you schedule an appointment with an orthodontist, you are working to improve the overall health of your teeth. If you see the orthodontist at the beginning of the year to get braces, you are one step ahead of everyone else. In fact, you can set your appointments before your calendar starts to get hectic and choose times that fit into your schedule. You can easily get the time slots you need to take the hassle out of scheduling your visits.
You Deserve a New You
January is the start of a brand new year. This month symbolizes change and rejuvenation. You also deserve a positive change in your life. Seeing your Cypress TX orthodontist can bring about great changes in your life as you work hard to improve your dental health, make positive changes to your smile and improve your confidence levels. You deserve to be the best you that you can be. A beautiful smile can be the change you both need and deserve!
Make a resolution to improve your smile today and get benefits that will last a lifetime. A gorgeous smile may open doors for you that you never even considered. This could be the best new year yet.
Many individuals who are about to undergo orthodontic treatment in Cypress, TX wonder whether getting braces hurts. In reality, the process of getting braces installed on teeth by an orthodontist is completely painless and relatively quick.
Before installing orthodontic brackets, the orthodontist will have already carefully put together a treatment plan and studied models to determine where to place each bracket. Your Cypress Orthodontist, Dr. Creed will create a template that is placed on the teeth, so that each bracket can be cemented at the exact position it’s supposed to go. Precise placement of braces is the key to a successful orthodontic treatment.
The entire process of cementing brackets and placing orthodontic wire will take around two hours. However, the procedure is completely painless and non invasive, so patient’s have to worry about experiencing any discomfort. The orthodontist will apply cement to the surface of each tooth, place the bracket and then cure the cement. The wire that will help the teeth move to their right position will then be installed. During the initial appointment, a light gauge of wire will be used, which allows the teeth, gums and bone to adjust over time.
As the teeth begin to move to their right position, some patients report experiencing some light pressure. However, this shouldn’t cause any noticeable pain or discomfort. Orthodontic treatments and their related technology has progressed significantly in the last decade, reducing possible inflammation caused by tooth movement.
During the first week of wearing braces, some patients will experience minor discomfort. This may feel like your cheeks and lips feel somewhat tender. However, Dr. Creed will supply you with a special wax that helps prevent this tenderness.
You may have to make some changes to the kinds of foods you eat, especially if you’re used to chewy and sticky foods. Your orthodontist will give you information on what kind of foods you should avoid during your treatment. You will also be given advice on how to take care of your braces, as well as how to brush and floss the right way. By following these instructions, you will help prevent any possible complications and ensure that your treatment will be successful.
Once you’ve been wearing your braces for around a week, you’ll forget that they’re there. If you have any questions about your treatment or are experiencing any discomfort, don’t hesitate to ask our office, as our goal is to help you get a healthy and beautiful smile.
Thanksgiving dinner is just around the corner, so it is time to get excited about all of your favorite dishes and desserts. Before you sit down to a delicious meal, remember to pick foods that are safe for your braces. Thankfully, most of the Thanksgiving dishes will be perfectly fine for braces and orthodontic appliances.
Turkey
Most Thanksgiving dinners have turkey as the main course. Luckily, you can enjoy your turkey in style. You only have to make a few changes to the turkey to make it work for your braces. Make sure to take the meat off of the bone and cut it into smaller pieces before you eat it. The same method works for ham if you would rather skip out on turkey this year.
Vegetables
The majority of vegetables on your table will be fine for your braces. Remember to be cautious with corn on the cob. Before you eat it, you will need to cut the kernels off of the cob first.
Casseroles
Soft casseroles are a braces-friendly option for your Thanksgiving dinner. Whether you want a green bean casserole or something a little more exciting, a casserole is a safe bet.
Stuffing
Stuffing and dressing are classic staples. In most cases, the stuffing will be perfectly fine to eat with braces. Before you take a huge bite, make sure that it does not contain any crunchy foods or nuts.
Sweet Potatoes and Yam
This is another traditional dish that is a delicious part of Thanksgiving dinner. Thankfully, the smooth texture makes this dish easy for anyone wearing braces.
Mashed Potatoes
Whenever you mash something up, it will generally be safe for braces. Mashed potatoes and gravy are a perfect dish if you wear braces, so make sure to add them to your Thanksgiving dinner.
Dinner Rolls and Muffins
From basic rolls to cornbread muffins, most Thanksgiving dinners include some type of bread dish. Luckily, you can eat as many of these as you want without worrying about your braces.
Pumpkin Pie
In most cases, pumpkin pie will be perfectly fine for your braces. Pumpkins are loaded with minerals and vitamins that are amazing for your dental health. To make sure that the pumpkin pie will not be a problem, stick to softer crusts.
Jello, Mousse and Pudding
If you are dining on pudding or mousse, it should be completely safe for your braces. You should just make sure that there are not any crunchy ingredients or nuts added to the dish. If you recently started wearing braces, a cold pudding can help relieve the irritation and pain.
This Thanksgiving, you have a new reason to be thankful. In most cases, traditional dishes will be perfectly fine for your braces. You can enjoy a delicious dinner with your family while your braces work their magic.
While October’s well-known for trick-or-treating, candy, and carving pumpkins, it’s known as the National Orthodontic Month to orthodontists across the world and in Cypress, TX. Conveying the importance of oral health to both children and adults, focusing primarily on braces. Braces are one of the most feared orthodontic procedures among children and adults, but they’re an important part of maintaining good oral health. They help treat a variety of oral conditions and help many people regain their self-confidence.
Why Braces Are Needed For Certain Oral Conditions
Two conditions that often require braces include an overbite and a underbite, also known as misaligned bites. Misaligned bites wear teeth down and can lead to chipped or cracked teeth, if left untreated. In addition, misaligned teeth are harder to brush and floss efficiently, leaving sufferers vulnerable to tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. More so, without proper oral hygiene practices, bacteria builds up in the mouth and can travel to other parts of the body causing health problems or make current health conditions worse. By getting braces to treat these conditions, patients can avoid a long list of other oral problems in the future and can clean their teeth effectively.
Benefits Of Braces
Aside from correcting problematic oral conditions and preventing further damage, braces offer many other benefits that often go overlooked. One benefit of braces includes an improvement in self-confidence in both adults and children. Having a misaligned bite or crooked teeth can make it hard for anyone to speak or smile in public. Children, often get teased by their peers and adults may find it hard to involve themselves in romantic situations, when their smile’ s less than perfect. While having braces may not offer a boost in confidence, the straight teeth and near perfect alignment that follows, will.
If you or a loved one need braces in Cypress, TX, contact Dr. Benjamin Creed at Creed Orthodontics. Dr. Creed is a Board Certified Orthodontist, and has helped hundreds of people on their journey to a better smile. Make your appointment today!
