Online orthodontic services have been causing a lot of buzz lately, thanks in no small part to their large advertising budgets. They pitch a simple and time-saving treatment. All you have to do is make an impression of your teeth, or take a picture or scan and send it in. Before you know it, a package with alignment devices is mailed to your front door. After a few months of use, you have perfectly straight teeth. What could be easier?
There are a few things to consider before signing up with one of these services, however. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recently released a flier with a list of questions to ask and factors to consider. The main drawback with direct-to-consumer orthodontic companies is the lack of an in-person evaluation before treatment and supervision during treatment. These are very important because a beautiful smile involves more than just the visible parts of your teeth.
Irreversible damage is possible with orthodontic treatment when not properly done. Some consumers have reported tooth loss, gum erosion and changed bites among other issues.
If you are looking into getting your orthodontic treatment online, here’s a list of questions you should ask according to the AAO.
Ask Questions, Get Answers
As part of your treatment, are comprehensive diagnostic records like x-rays taken before your treatment?
YES
- Does the treatment and fee include x-rays of your teeth and jaws?
- Does the treatment and fee include a clinical examination of your jaw alignment, teeth, bite, and the relationship of your teeth to the skeletal structures?
- Does the treatment and fee include taking photographs of your face, facial profile, mouth, and teeth?
- Does the treatment and fee include taking digital scans or other impressions of your teeth?
NO – are you comfortable starting orthodontic treatment without comprehensive diagnostic records? If you still want comprehensive diagnostic records taken, are you all right going to another dental professional to take them? If yes, what will that cost?
As part of your treatment fee, do you receive any in-person visits to a dentist’s or orthodontist’s office during your treatment?
YES
- How many?
- What occurs during these in-person visits?
- Is there a licensed dentist or orthodontist in the office to supervise the visits?
NO – are you comfortable with orthodontic treatment that does not involve any in-person visits with a dentist or orthodontist?
If a dentist or orthodontist is involved with your treatment, do you know the name of the dentist or orthodontist who will be specifically involved with your case (for example, is it available on the company’s website or elsewhere)?
YES
- What are his or her education and credentials?
- In what state is he or she licensed?
- In what state does he or she practice?
- What do other patients being treated by him or her have to say?
NO – are you comfortable not being able to research your dentist’s or orthodontist’s background, credentials, patient reviews, etc. before you begin treatment?
Is only one treatment type offered (such as invisible aligners or a certain appliance)?YES – how do you know that is the best treatment option for you, given your unique situation and oral condition, compared to other treatment models (such as braces)?
NO – how is the decision being made for the best treatment model for you, and who is making that decision?
How do you know if your teeth and gums are healthy enough for orthodontic treatment?
- Who is making that decision and how is it being determined?
- If the decision maker is a dentist or orthodontist not associated with your treatment, who pays for that assessment?
What are the possible risks (financial, health, etc.) associated with your orthodontic treatment?
Who can you speak with at the online orthodontic company about your orthodontic treatment?
- What is his or her education, background, qualifications and/or experience with orthodontics?
Who is responsible for detecting any issues that may occur during your orthodontic treatment?
- Is it you?
- If it is a doctor not associated with your treatment, who pays for those check-ups?
If an issue arises during your treatment, how will it be handled and who will be responsible for handling it?
If a doctor is involved with your orthodontic treatment, how can you contact him or her over the course of your treatment? How can you contact him or her if an emergency arises?
If an emergency arises, does the company have a dentist or orthodontist in your area that you can see in-person? If not, who would cover the costs associated with seeing a dentist or orthodontist in your area?
If you are injured or have another dispute involving your orthodontic treatment, how is it handled (litigation, arbitration, etc.)? State dental boards have their own complaint processes for patients who have had issues with orthodontic treatment. Contact information for your state dental board can be found at https://www.aaoinfo.org/aao/state-dental-board-info.
If you are injured or have a dispute involving your orthodontic treatment, what rights do you have against the person or company involved with your orthodontic treatment?
- Are you asked to sign any forms that seek to release them from liability?
Does the treatment model comply with the dental laws in your state?
- To check your state’s dental laws, click https://www.aaoinfo.org/state-laws-and-regulations
- Information for your state dental board can be found at https://www.aaoinfo.org/aao/state-dental-board-info.
Valentine’s Day can be lots of fun regardless of your age. Many people remember giving and receiving little cards and candy at school as a child on Valentine’s Day. For some people, it’s a tradition that lasts for many years. To some degree, it’s expected that you’ll enjoy the sweet treats that will likely be in abundance during this time of the year. While it’s fine in moderation, you’ll also have to take preventative measures to ensure your indulgence does not negatively affect your teeth.
There are tools you can use and practices you can incorporate to enjoy Valentine’s Day, which are especially important for children that have clear aligners, braces or other types of orthodontic devices. Why? Because it’s possible to cause damage that can end up delaying orthodontic treatment. The information below will help you understand what you should avoid, what you can eat and what you should do on Valentine’s Day so that your gums and teeth are protected.
Steer Clear of Sticky and Hard Candy
If you enjoy sticky and hard candy, you should definitely eat them in moderation because they are a common cause of cavities. This includes gum, caramels and lollipops that tend to damage your teeth more than other types of sweet treats. In fact, it can impact your teeth and your overall health if it isn’t eaten in moderation. There are different ways in which this type of candy causes a problem. For starters, hard candy can actually crack your teeth and this is an issue that can seriously delay orthodontia treatment. Sticky candy can get stuck in between your teeth and produce acids that lead to decay.
You can still enjoy candy on Valentine’s Day, especially chocolates that melt when you put them in your mouth. In fact, dark chocolate with 70% cocoa is beneficial to your overall health. Instead of hard and sticky candy, a box of dark chocolates would be a great gift for someone you care about on Valentine’s Day because it’s less likely to cause damage to their teeth. It’s best if you choose chocolates that don’t have caramel in the center.
Don’t’ Drink Sugary Beverages
If you are enjoying a meal for Valentine’s Day, stick with healthy drinks, such as milk, tea or water. You’ll want to avoid beverages that have a lot of caffeine or sugar. Some beverages can destroy the enamel that’s on your teeth and even result in discoloration. When wearing braces, this is all the more important.
Brush Your Teeth Regularly
You probably know that you’re supposed to brush your teeth at least twice and day and floss at least once a day. On Valentine’s Day, you’ll need to increase the number of times you brush your teeth if you end up consuming a lot of candy. You should also use a mouthwash to make sure any hard to reach particles are loosened. After the holiday has passed, you can return to your regular frequency of brushing and flossing your teeth.
Benefits of Braces
There are a lot of issues that braces can resolve, such as overcrowding, jaw misalignment, teeth gaps, an underbite and an overbite. Cypress area Orthodontist, Dr. Benjamin Creed will know by the time your child is about seven years of age whether or not they need braces. If you think you or your child needs braces, a consultation with Creed Orthodontics can provide clarification on what’s required to enhance your smile.
When considering braces, it’s common for questions to arise. Getting braces at Creed Orthodontics in Cypress, TX can be exciting, especially when you consider the possibility of having a more vibrant smile. Below you’ll find answers to the most commonly asked questions concerning orthodontia.
1. Do I actually need braces?
When it comes to the issue of whether or not you need braces, it really depends on your situation. Generally, orthodontic treatments are elective and serve the purpose of resolving minor to moderate problems. There are some people that can benefit from braces because it will boost the level of confidence they have. However, there are some people that actually need braces because they have a severe underbite or overbite.
2. When should I schedule a consultation with an orthodontist?
It’s been recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists that every child visit an orthodontist to get an evaluation by age 7. By the age of 7, there are a variety of problems that can arise and should be resolved. There’s a chance that an orthodontist evaluation will result in no treatments because it isn’t necessary. When it comes to adults, you can visit an orthodontist at any point to optimize your oral health.
3. Are shots involved in the process?
If you’re someone that’s afraid of getting shots, there’s no need to worry because you don’t typically need to get shots during orthodontic treatments. There are other related treatments that might end up requiring shots, such as surgical procedures.
4. Are braces painful?
Generally, there isn’t a lot of pain involved when getting braces, especially because of the new technologies that exist. However, you will probably feel soreness right after getting braces and for a few days following the procedure. Pain medication is usually prescribed. There is also the issue of your braces rubbing against your cheeks, lips and tongue. This friction can cause you to feel irritation. Orthodontic wax is often used to prevent pain.
5. Does my dentist have to provide a referral to an orthodontist?
While there is no requirement to have a referral from a dentist to see an orthodontist, you will need to check with your insurance to see if there are any limitations.
6. How many orthodontic appointments are necessary?
The initial process of getting braces will usually take several appointments. After that process, you will have appointments every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on your unique situation. Sometimes the orthodontist will want to closely monitor your teeth and schedule more frequent appointments.
7. Can I eat any type of food when wearing braces?
While you can eat just about any type of food when wearing braces, there are some foods that should be eaten in moderation or avoided altogether. This includes anything that’s hard. The goal is to avoid foods that could break a tooth or your braces.
8. Will my teeth straighten over time without braces?
If you do not get braces, there isn’t much of a chance that your teeth will straighten out by themselves as time progresses. However, there is a chance that the spaces that exist between teeth with get smaller as time passes.
9. Can I get braces on just the top or bottom?
While there is a chance that you can get braces on only the top or bottom, it is sometimes problematic because it can result in a malocclusion, which is a bad bite that can cause damage to your tissues, teeth and jaw joints.
10. What is the purpose of elastics?
The purpose of elastics (rubber bans) is to correct problems with your bite. They are easy to install and you’ll receive instructions after getting braces.
Unsure of how best to care for your Invisalign® product during the holiday season?
If you need braces but don’t want to deal with all the wires and metal of traditional solutions, then Invisalign® is the right choice for you. Invisalign® aligners are transparent, simple to remove, easier to put back in, and far less noticeable than any other option out there. In this coming holiday season, there are a lot of activities out there that can damage or wear down your aligners if you aren’t careful. To help make sure that doesn’t happen, here are five quick and easy tips on how to make sure your Invisalign® aligners stay in pristine condition.
1. Clean Your Teeth and Invisalign® Every Morning
Right off the bat, you want to make sure you remove and clean your trays every single morning before you brush your teeth. It may be tempting to let a night or two pass without brushing, but you’re just giving bacteria an opportunity to build up and threaten your dental health and that’s not even considering the nasty smell that can assault you and everyone you talk to.
2. Rinse Your Aligners Every Time You Take Them Out
Whenever you take your aligners out, make sure you use cold water to get rid of pesky dry saliva. Whenever you’re having a meal, make sure to take them out to prevent any small food particles from getting lodged between your teeth and the tray. Not only can food get stuck in there, but it can also wear on your aligners and stain them, counteracting the most useful benefit of Invisalign®.
3. Always Clean Your Teeth Before Putting the Trays In
Make sure you always brush and floss before putting your Invisalign® in. A failure to do so can lead to significant plaque and the eventual possibility of cavities.
4. Soak Your Trays Every Day
Soaking and rinsing your aligners every day is a critical step in ensuring oral health and the continued effectiveness of your Invisalign®. Furthermore, make sure you aren’t leaving your aligners exposed to open air for prolonged periods. Keep them in their case whenever not in use, else they might become covered in bacteria and becomes serious health risks for your mouth.
Try to keep an extra set when traveling so that you don’t get caught by surprise in the event that your primary set gets lost or damaged. A failure to continue treatment can lead to a loss of progress, necessitating more treatment when you get back to your orthodontist.
5. Don’t Clean or Soak Your Aligners in Mouthwash Solution or Hot Water
Never clean your aligners with hot water or a mouthwash solution, both of which can cause extensive damage to your aligners. They can melt and deform the unique plastic used in Invisalign®, making them useless in the best case or counterproductive in the worst case. Make sure you always use cold water for all your soaking and cleaning needs. Also, avoid using toothpaste to clean your Invisalign® trays because it can discolor them and make them stand out more.
If you thought that having Invisalign® would hinder your holiday fun, you can rest easy. As long as you take the proper precautions and maintain your aligners diligently, you can have all the fun you want without anyone knowing you have a dental alignment device in place.
When most people think about dental braces, they imagine teenagers. It’s because there are lots of teens with braces. However, there are many reasons why adults need braces too. Sometimes it’s to correct an issue with their jaw or to align teeth that are slightly crooked. There are times when adults are highly motivated to get braces. In fact, it’s been proven that a great smile is beneficial to professionals and can even result in more job opportunities. Simply put, most people like a nice smile.
If you’re an adult and you’re thinking about getting braces in Cypress Texas, there’s a lot to consider because there are different types of braces from which to choose. Fortunately, you can consult with Dr. Benjamin Creed to determine which option accommodates your specific needs. It will depend on the reason why you need braces and whether there are any issues that would prevent you from getting them.
For starters, there are traditional metal braces that are often worn by teenagers, but can also be worn by adults. Some people choose metal braces because they are usually the cheapest option. If cost is a key consideration, you’ll probably want to go with metal braces. If you have dental insurance or a flexible spending plan, you can probably afford some of the other options.
Adults often choose clear braces because they don’t feel comfortable with the appearance of metal braces. Wearing clear braces means you can have your teeth corrected without anyone even knowing about it. Another benefit of wearing clear braces is not having to deal with some of the issues associated with metal braces. For instance, they can cause issues with your gums for the first two weeks after installation.
You might choose braces that are tooth colored. This is often preferred by adults for the reasons mentioned. Notably, tooth colored braces are slightly larger than metal braces, but they are barely visible because they look like part of your teeth. Even the wires used to connect the braces are clear. In some instances, tooth colored braces can stain. As an adult, you’ll have to follow the instructions provided by Dr. Creed to ensure your braces are not stained by beverages like coffee, tea and wine.
In addition to clear braces, there’s also the option of invisible braces. These are called lingual braces and are perfect for adults that don’t want metal or clear braces. Lingual braces are brackets placed on the back of each tooth, which is why you can’t see them at all. These braces are often chosen because they’re invisible, but sometimes they’re not the most comfortable option. Lingual braces work by molding the brackets to each tooth and then connecting the wires behind your teeth. Some patients with Lingual braces report having small cuts to their tongue and difficulties with speech.
Invisalign aligners are another great option for people that don’t want to wear metal braces. This is often a preferred choice because patients don’t have to worry about their appearance. Invisalign is an option for straightening teeth that allows you to wear removable plastic aligners. The fact that they’re removable means you can properly clean your teeth everyday. Invisalign is also preferred because they’re invisible, so even when you’re wearing them, most people won’t be able to tell.
There are different considerations when trying to choose the right braces. Fortunately, you don’t have to make the decision on your own. You can work with Dr. Creed to choose the best option.
When you are wearing braces, be aware that they do not mix well with sweets. Besides the problem of sticky candy getting caught in your teeth and being very hard to remove, hard candies can damage them. Since most people enjoy eating lots of candy and sweets around the holidays, it is also the time when most braces get broken.
This means that you need to be extra cautious about how much of the sweet stuff you consume during the holidays. Sweets are often frequently seen and enjoyed between Halloween and New Year’s Day. Here are some guidelines that can help you to decide what to eat – and what to avoid.
1. Avoid eating too many sweets. Even though everyone loves sweets, including people wearing braces, you need to be careful to limit how much you eat. The sugar will stick to your teeth and increase your risk of cavities. Keeping your teeth and braces clean and free of sugar is already hard enough.
2. Stay away from sweets that are hard or sticky because they will stick to your braces – no popcorn balls. Apples can easily damage your braces. Only eat them if they are cut into small pieces. Sticky foods will make it more difficult to clean your teeth and you may break a wire while doing so. Hard or crunchy sweets can break your braces or bend the wires. When that happens, it will take time to get to a dentist and it may set your treatment time back.
3. When you do eat sweets, the best and easiest kind to clean from your teeth and braces are soft ones. This includes ones with chocolate, which will quickly melt; but avoid them if they contain caramel. Other candies may be hard, but they will melt if you can avoid biting and chewing on them.
Soft foods that will melt rather quickly include a wide variety of sweets. In that group, you will find ice cream, shakes, smoothies, apple cider, root beer floats, Jell-o, peanut butter cups, cake, bananas, pudding, and more.
4. Be careful when consuming acidic foods. Foods that contain acids in them will promote tooth decay and cavities because the acid in them helps erode your tooth enamel. Acidic foods and drinks include orange juice, specialty coffees and teas, citrus juices, wine, and sodas. Not only do they contain acid, but they also have a lot of sugar in them. Rinsing your mouth out with water will help remove the acid.
After eating sweets or acidic foods, it is important to rinse your mouth out with water. Follow this with cleaning your teeth to remove all the sugar and excess food particles. You also need to do this shortly after eating the sweets because the bacteria that cause cavities feed on sugar and carbohydrates.
When you are tempted to eat sweets the next time, think about how beautiful your teeth could look when the orthodontic treatment is completed. You or your parents want you to have great looking teeth, which is why you are wearing the braces in the first place. Having cavities will not make them look good.
Sweets can seriously damage your teeth over the long run because of the sugar in them. Keeping your teeth looking good for when the braces finally do come off is important, and sweets will not help you obtain beautiful teeth. Think also about all the time you have already had to put in to keep your teeth clean.
Getting your teeth straight and looking beautiful takes time but you will be glad when you see the results. Creed Orthodontics in Cypress, Texas can help you get the straight teeth you want for a beautiful smile. Contact us today for a free consultation.
There are many people with a beautiful smile that could be enhanced by having the gap between their two front teeth closed. The gap is usually in the upper row and can vary in size. Some front teeth gaps are barely noticeable and get wider over time, while others start out large. If you’ve been thinking about getting something done about a gap that you have between your front teeth, it’s worth further consideration because it has boosted the confidence of many people.
Sometimes the reason why there is a gap between a person’s teeth is because of what’s called a frenum. The frenum is muscle tissue that’s located between the upper lip and the gums. It’s part of the muscular system and can sometimes become overly developed. When this happens, the frenum grows between two of the front teeth, which is what causes the teeth to be pushed apart. However, it’s always best to visit an orthodontist for a consultation. This will enable an expert to conduct an examination to determine the root of the problem.
It’s possible that the gap in your teeth was caused or exacerbated by other issues, such a sucking your thumb as a child. As an Orthodontic specialist in Cypress, TX, Dr. Creed specializes in tooth alignment and can properly assess the issue to develop a proper plan of care. By visiting Creed Orthodontics, you can ask any questions that you might have, which can help you make a decision about how to move forward. In the event that the space is the result of a large frenum, it’s something that can be resolved in two phases.
When the problem is the frenum, the first phase of the process involves using a procedure to close the gap, such as aligners or braces. There are different types of braces that can be used, especially given the many new technologies that have hit the market over the past couple of decades. After the gap has been closed and the braces removed, there is a surgical procedure for the second phase that will eliminate the extra frenum. This procedure is called a frenectomy.
The reason why the gap is closed first before the excess frenum is removed is because removing the frenum first can result in scar tissue. When this happens, there’s a good chance the gap won’t fully close. There’s also a chance that a surgical procedure can cause the loss of papillae, which is the gum tissue that’s located between the teeth. This can create an unfortunate aesthetic that looks like a small hole in between two teeth.
A frenectomy is a procedure that can be performed by different medical professionals, such as an oral surgeon, a general practice dentist or a periodontist. A periodontist specializes in issues surrounding the gums. Any dental professional that performs the procedure must have the appropriate knowledge and training, which will include prior experience performing surgical procedures.
It can sometimes be daunting to have surgery. However, a frenectomy is a relatively simple procedure that involves the use of a scalpel to make a small incision and the area is later stitched back together. The patient is placed under a local anesthetic. It generally takes approximately a week to heal from the procedure. There isn’t a lot of discomfort involved. It’s worth noting that another option is to have a surgical procedure done that uses laser technology.
Since the first phase involves closing the gap, the entire process can be somewhat lengthy, but it’s worth the time and effort if you want to transform your smile.
A common concern for those thinking about straightening their smile with braces and those new to braces is whether it will affect their athletics. Orthodontic treatment doesn’t sideline you from any of your favorite sports, including football, soccer, baseball, wrestling, basketball, or hockey. You will however need to ensure that you properly protect your mouth and orthodontic work from harm. This means selecting an appropriate mouthguard.
The Importance Of Mouthguards For Athletes With Braces
Creed Orthodontics knows, if you play sports, you’re likely to be involved in an accident at some point. Without proper protection, these accidents can result in painful injuries.
Just as certain sports require a helmet to protect your head and brain or shin guards to protect your tibia bones, certain sports require a mouthguard to protect your teeth, gums, tongue, jaw, lips, and orthodontic devices.
Certain sports involve very close contact with other players. Some sports add variables like running, jumping, sliding, tackling, grappling, and other physical contact elements. All of these pose the risk for contact injuries and collision injuries with the ground, balls, other players, and objects involved in the field of play.
If you’ve ever had your lips accidentally pushed too hard against your braces, then you know that even minor force can be painful when it comes to tender skin against metal. It hurts. But, with sports, that force is often much greater due to the variables discussed above. And, it’s not just a matter of the pain and physical injury, contact and collision injuries can be damaging to your orthodontic equipment and treatment process.
Your braces are constantly exerting pressure upon certain targeted areas in your mouth to slowly move your teeth into proper alignment. When an outside force hits your braces and mouth, it can throw your treatment off course and extend your treatment time.
Therefore, it’s so crucial to protect your mouth and braces with a mouthguard when playing sports. Even if you’re playing sports recreationally or in a non-competitive capacity, we will likely still recommend an orthodontic mouthguard if there is the possibility of collision or impact injuries.
Is There a Certain Type of Mouthguard Athletes with Braces Should Wear?
Generally, mouthguards fall into two categories: orthodontic mouthguards and standard mouthguards. Let’s look at the difference so you can see why orthodontists commonly suggest an orthodontic mouthguard.
Standard Mouthguards
These can be bought off the shelves of pharmacies and sporting goods stores or ordered online. They come in different sizes, but their design is still a one-size-fits all approach.
While they may offer your braced teeth more protection than having nothing, they’re not designed for braces wearers. In fact, the addition of braces on your teeth can make a standard mouthguard very ill-fitting and uncomfortable.
Even traditional mouthguards that conform to your teeth upon placement aren’t ideal for braces wearers. There are two big reasons for that.
First, after their initial placement, traditional mouthguards don’t adjust. Yet, if you’re wearing braces, your teeth are constantly moving towards that ideal straight smile. So, your traditional mouthguard will eventually not be so conformed.
Second, traditional mouthguards are hard, unyielding plastic designs. This means that the pressure they exert can be counterproductive to your treatment by either exaggerating or counteracting the pressures being applied by your orthodontic devices.
The hardness also leaves some to all of the impact of a collision or contact to transfer onward to your orthodontic appliances, teeth, and jawbone. This leaves you at risk for serious injury and damage to your orthodontic treatment and devices.
Orthodontic Mouthguards
These are specially designed mouthguards for people who wear braces. In a nutshell, they remove all the negatives associated with a braces and traditional mouthguards.
They feature a softer and larger design that’s more comfortable for those undergoing orthodontic treatment with braces. The softer silicone design better enables the mouthpiece to absorb the shock of an impact to the mouth.
Because it’s flexible, it also doesn’t hinder nor exaggerate orthodontic movement of the teeth and is able to transition to a proper fit as your teeth move according to your orthodontic treatment plan.
Do You Need an Orthodontic Mouthguard?
If you play sports wearing braces, you don’t want to risk injury and costly disruptions to your orthodontic treatment. By choosing the right mouthguard, you can feel confident that you’re safely on your way to a straighter smile as you still enjoy all your normal sports and activities. Call Creed Orthodontics in Cypress, Texas today at (281) 256-3838 to schedule your orthodontic consultation and discuss the proper mouthguard for you and your sport.
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.
