Stay Flossy

Wentz Orthodontics understands it may be difficult to figure out how to floss when you have braces. With those wires, brackets, bands, and appliances getting in the way, going from no braces, to a mouth full of appliances can be a little overwhelming. It is important that you don’t neglect flossing in order to keep your gums and teeth healthy. Flossing is extremely important while you’re a patient at Wentz Orthodontics being treated for braces because it can be easy for food particles to become trapped in your teeth. Trapped food particles can lead to cavities and gum disease; something we definitely want you to avoid. Flossing regularly while wearing braces will keep your mouth healthy and your smile will look amazing when your braces are removed.

If you are new to flossing with braces we’ve gathered some tips and tricks you can use to help you conquer this task. 

• Carefully Thread the Floss: You should thread the floss under the wire before passing it between your teeth with a floss threader. 
• Use a Proxy Brush: There is a special type of brush you can use called a proxy brush that can assist you trapped food particles. The bristles on this brush are great for getting under the wire and between your teeth. 
• Use a Water Flosser: Another great tool for flossing with braces is a water flosser. These flossers can be fixed with a special orthodontic tip on them that is designed to remove food particles and bacteria from your braces and between your teeth. Using a water flosser is much easier than threading the floss between each bracket. 
• Use Waxed Floss: Waxed flosses are less likely to get caught in your braces or tear when they come into contact with the metal braces. 

If you are a difficult time flossing with your braces, or if you would like more tips on how to successfully care for your teeth, our friendly team at Wentz Orthodontics is happy to help.

Are you aware of the health benefits of braces?

It’s no secret that a majority of those interested in orthodontic treatment are striving for a straighter smile that will make them more confident. Of course, the doctors and staff at Wentz Orthodontics delivers straight beautiful smiles to all of our patients, but we want to inform those who are looking into orthodontic treatment that there are greater benefits to wearing braces. Are you aware of the health benefits of braces?

Braces can do more than just give you an attractive smile. Check out the following oral health problems that can be assisted when being treated by an orthodontist.

• Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
• Digestion
• Difficulties with Speech
• Bone Erosion

Dr. Wentz and Dr. Reeves and the Wentz Orthodontics staff are happy to explain more to you if you have further questions about the benefits of braces. Visit us for braces in Lubbock, Snyder, Plainview, Denver City, or Levelland, Texas.

Types of Braces at Wentz Orthodontics

The advancements in the field of orthodontics now offer many options if you want to achieve a perfect smile. Included in the different options are the various treatment costs where you can choose amongst several price ranges to determine the best option for your budget. Nowadays, there are no more limitations when you want to achieve a healthy and beautiful smile that will last for many years especially when teeth are properly cared for.

At Wentz Orthodontics, we allow our patients to choose their look. From traditional silver braces to ceramic, lingual, and Invisalign; patients need not look further for an orthodontist once they visit Wentz Orthodontics.

What is Traditional Silver?

Typically made of high-grade stainless steel, traditional metal braces remain by far the most common type of fixed orthodontic appliances. They consist of metal bands that wrap around the molars in back, and smaller metal brackets that are cemented to the front surfaces of the other teeth. A thin, springy metal wire, running through the brackets, gently guides the teeth into a proper position. This archwire may be fixed to the brackets by flexible elastics, metal ties, or other types of clasps.

What is Ceramic?

Ceramic braces are a new variation on the traditional system that provides a far less noticeable method of treatment. They use the same components as traditional braces — except that the brackets on the front side of the teeth are made of a translucent ceramic material that blends in with the tooth's natural color. This system has become a favorite for adults (including some well-known celebrities) because, unless you look closely, it's hard to notice they're there.

What is Lingual?

While ceramic braces certainly offer a less conspicuous look, there is still another system that allows fixed braces to be truly invisible. In some situations, special appliances called lingual braces can be placed on the tongue side of the teeth. They work the same way other metal braces do — but even though they're made of metal, they can't be seen, because they're hidden behind the teeth themselves!

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign uses a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners that no one can tell you’re wearing. So you can smile during treatment as well as after. Invisalign is made with 3-D computer imaging technology and been proven effective.

Try This Braces Friendly Recipe: Tater Tot Breakfast Pizza

At Wentz Orthodontics, our Doctors and our staff know that eating with braces can be tricky. You want to avoid damaging the bands, brackets, and wires, since any damage can delay the progress of your treatment. After adjustments, your mouth may also feel sore, which will make eating more of a chore than a pleasure.

The good news is you do not have to avoid all of your favorite foods; there are ways you can still enjoy them. Try out this recipe for breakfast this weekend it's sure to satisfy your belly and your braces.

Tater Tot Breakfast Pizza

Ingredients:

• 30 oz bag tater tot crowns
• ½ tbsp vegetable oil
• 6 eggs
• Salt
• Pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ¾ cup cooked, crumbled bacon
• ¾ cup cooked, crumbled sausage

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. Line the bottom of a greased cast iron skillet with tater tot crowns and then line the sides of the pan.
3. Bake for 15 minutes.
4. While baking, heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Whisk together the eggs and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Cook the eggs until just set (they will cook more in the oven).
5. Remove the tater tots from the oven and top with one cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Add the scrambled eggs, sausage crumbles and another cup of shredded cheese, making sure the cheese reaches the tater tots on the sides of the pans.
7. Use a spatula to press down on top and sides of the pizza to smash the tater tots a bit.
8. Sprinkle with the crumbled bacon and bake for an additional 10 minutes.