3 Way To Maximize Your Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontics is a big investment both in terms of time and money. Whether you are wearing braces currently, or you will begin orthodontic treatment soon, it's important that you get the most out of your investment. Our Las Vegas and Summerlin, NV orthodontist, Dr. Mark Truman and his team want all our patients to get the best, most efficient treatment experience possible.

With 2014 quickly coming to an end, many of us will be making New Year's resolutions to create some beneficial improvements in our lives for the new year. If you are planning on making a few resolutions for 2015, here are three things you may wish to include that will help you maximize your orthodontic treatment. Even if you're not the type to make resolutions for the new year, these tips will help you get the most out of your orthodontic care.

1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene

It is always important to brush and floss your teeth to keep your smile healthy. Good oral hygiene is even more important when you're wearing braces. Practicing healthy oral care is key to avoiding common dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease. As oral hygiene can be more challenging with braces, people wearing them need to be even more diligent. 

Fortunately, practicing good oral hygiene becomes easier when you use products designed to help you do the best job you can when caring for your teeth. First and foremost, we recommend using an interdental toothbrush, such as Proxabrush, that's specially designed to clean underneath and around your wires and brackets. Another great product for those with braces is Peroxyl, a hydrogen peroxide antiseptic mouth rinse that reduces inflammation to the gums and cheeks and helps to decrease irritation that may develop from your braces.

We understand that flossing takes time and requires patience when wearing braces. However, flossing isn't a chore when you use a special floss threader designed to easily get in and around all those nooks and crannies where food particles and bacteria hide under brackets and wires and along the gumline.

2. Wear Your Extra Appliances as Directed

In addition to maintaining good oral hygiene throughout orthodontic treatment, it's very important for orthodontic patients to wear their extra appliances as directed, including rubber bands (elastics), spacers, turn key palatal expanders, and headgear. The key to success with your treatment depends upon you following the directions we give you. Neglecting to wear your appliances as directed can result in costlier treatment and longer treatment times. Our team will provide you with very detailed instructions regarding how and when to wear your appliances. If you have any questions about your rubber bands, palatal expander, spacers, or headgear, do not hesitate to give our Las Vegas orthodontic office a call.

3. Wear Your Retainer as Directed 

Once your braces are removed, you will enter the final phase of your orthodontic treatment called the retention phase. This is when you'll need to wear a retainer that holds your teeth in their new positions. If you fail to wear your retainer as directed, your teeth may shift back into their original positions, discounting the time and money you put into your treatment. Remember to remove your retainer before brushing and flossing your teeth and to brush and rinse your retainer before putting it back in your mouth.

Learn More About Getting The Most Out of Your Investment

We want all of our patients to get the most out of their orthodontic treatment. If you have any questions regarding your treatment, give us a call at (702) 360-9000 to learn more. Orthodontics is a two-way street, meaning it requires effort from both you and your orthodontist. By following the instructions we provide you with, you should sail through orthodontic treatment without any problems – resulting in a beautiful, straight smile you can enjoy for the rest of your life! 

Braces-Friendly Holiday Recipes

With the holiday season quickly approaching, there are friends to see, parties to attend, and lots of food to eat. With the abundance of treats to enjoy at this time of year, it can be difficult for those with braces to find yummy foods and snacks that will not cause damage to their wires and brackets. Luckily, there are some braces-friendly holiday recipes out there that can be an easy crowd-pleaser for everyone at the party, braces or not. Our Las Vegas orthodontist, Dr. Mark Truman, and our staff put together a few tasty holiday dishes that are soft, and easy to eat.

Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a staple holiday delight that is present at almost every winter dinner party. The best thing about these garlic mashed potatoes is that their creamy consistency gives them a soft, smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture, making them the perfect side dish for people with braces. Enjoy them with your holiday turkey or as a simple snack.

Ingredients:

• 3 ½ pounds russet potatoes
• 16 fluid ounces half-and-half 
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt 
• 6 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
• 6 cloves garlic, crushed

Directions:

1. Peel and dice the potatoes, making sure to chop them into relatively similar-sized chunks.
2. Place the diced potatoes in a large saucepan, add the salt, and cover with water.
3. Bring the potatoes to a boil over medium-high heat and then reduce heat to maintain a rolling boil until the potatoes fall apart when poked with a fork.
4. In a medium sauce pan, heat the half-and-half and the garlic over medium-heat until it’s simmering. Remove the mixture from the heat and set aside.
5. Once potatoes are finished cooking and have been drained of water, mash them together with the garlic-cream mixture and Parmesan. 
6. Let it stand for 5 minutes so that the mixture thickens and then serve.

Apple Spice Muffins

Craving something sweet but all you can find is sticky, chewy toffee? Have no fear because these sweet, crumbly apple spice muffins will satisfy your sweet tooth without impairing your orthodontic progress. Enjoy!

You’ll Need:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• ¼ cup dark brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup plain low-fat yogurt (not Greek yogurt)
• 1 cup all purpose flour, spooned into a measuring cup and leveled 
• 1 cup whole wheat flour, spooned into a measuring cup and leveled
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg 
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 cups peeled, cored, and finely chopped baking apples
• 6 tablespoons dark brown sugar, packed (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 12-cup muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray or butter.
2. In an electric mixer, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy, approximately 1-2 minutes.
3. Add the large egg and mix well, stop to scrape the bowl if necessary.
4. Once mixed, add in the yogurt. Note: the batter will look grainy.
5. Add in the flours, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, cloves, and nutmeg and beat on low speed until just combined.
6. Mix in the chopped apples until just combined. Do not over-mix.
7. Using an ice-cream scooper or large spoon, dive the batter evenly among prepared muffin cups until each cup is full. Sprinkle the brown sugar topping evenly over the tops of the batter.
8. Bake the muffins for 25 to 30 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the muffins to determine if they are ready. If the toothpick does not come out clean, continue baking.
9. After removing the muffins from the oven, let them cool for 5 minutes in the pan, and then turn them out onto a rack to finish cooling completely.
10. Serve warm. 

Contact Our Las Vegas Orthodontic Office

At Truman Orthodontics, our Las Vegas, NV team specializes in orthodontics for all ages, including metal braces, ceramic braces, palatal expanders, and more. If you have any questions about what and what not to eat with braces, contact our office today. To schedule an appointment with us, please fill out our online form or give us a call at (702) 360-9000. We wish you and your family a happy and healthy holiday season!