Braces Friendly Foods on Superbowl Sunday

A big holiday is upon us! It is the unofficial holiday all over the United States, The Super Bowl! Which team are you rooting for? If you just received braces any holiday, especially The Super Bowl could be tough, finding which foods you can and can not eat.

First thing’s first, which foods are off limits? Stay off and avoid these types of foods.

• Hard nuts, candies, hard fruits (like apples and pears)
• Hard vegetables (like carrots and corn on the cob)
• Chips
• Taco shells
• Pizza crust
• Pretzels
• Sticky stuff like taffy, gum and caramels
• Foods high in acidity that could cause discoloration like lemons, limes and sodas.

Superbowl Friendly Foods:

• Burger Sliders
• Mashed Potatoes 
• Guacamole
• Meatballs 
• Smooth potato salad
• Cole slaw
• Soft Tacos
• Ice cream
• Cupcakes
• Creampies
• Soft pastries
• Soups
• Pasta

New Year, New Smiles at Wentz Orthodontics

Happy New Year! We are so excited to start the new year at Wentz Orthodontics. We are so eager to see all the amazing smiles transformed in our office and all those who will begin treatment. Check out a few of our new smiles this month.

To schedule an appointment with us or learn more about our services, contact us at (806) 79-BRACE. Learn more about what makes Wentz Orthodontics unique.

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What a fantastic smile! 😀 Thank you Lesley for sharing these great photos. #WentzOrthodontics #Smiles

A post shared by Wentz Orthodontics (@wentz_orthodontics) on Jan 8, 2019 at 6:30am PST

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New experiences at Wentz Orthodontics! How adorable. Thank you Andi for sharing this adorable photo. 😀 #WentzOrthodontics

A post shared by Wentz Orthodontics (@wentz_orthodontics) on Jan 9, 2019 at 8:30am PST

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Even babies and Batman love #WentzOrthodontics....and we ❤ them!

A post shared by Wentz Orthodontics (@wentz_orthodontics) on Jan 17, 2019 at 8:02am PST

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Thumbs up to an amazing smile! 😀 #WentzOrthodontics

A post shared by Wentz Orthodontics (@wentz_orthodontics) on Jan 21, 2019 at 7:00am PST

Have Braces? Avoid these Christmas Treats!

The Holidays are here and that means Christmas time, spending time with family, endless sweets and of course no school for kids. The holidays are the perfect time to celebrate with family and also a time where we can slip up on certain foods to avoid, especially if we have braces. From sugar, to cookies to gingerbread houses, there is no end in the sweet treats. Here are three foods to avoid this holiday season.

1. Candy Canes: 
These beautiful perfect treats are one to avoid this season if you have braces. The hard candy could damage your braces and the stickiness of the peppermint candy can get stuck in between your orthodontic appliances.

2. Popcorn:
If you string popcorn around your tree, you know this how involves eating the popcorn as well. Popcorn is a great treat, however you may want to stay away from it this year. Popcorn is notorious for getting stuck in between teeth and your braces.

3. Caramel Sweets
Who doesn’t love the sweet caramel treats this time of year. From caramel apple to caramel drizzled on your popcorn to your Starbucks drink, seems like caramel is everywhere this time of year. Be sure to stay away from this sticky treat, because it can be damaging to your teeth and braces.

To schedule an appointment with us or learn more about our services, contact us at (806) 79-BRACE. Learn more about what makes Wentz Orthodontics unique.

Common Questions to Orthodontics

The overall dental health of each patient is our primary concern at Wentz Orthodontics. We approach your health care by working closely with each patient's family dentist as well as other specialists when treatment calls for interdisciplinary care. We will work together to remove the barriers that are preventing you from having the smile you deserve! With that said, you might have a few questions about orthodontics if you’re considering orthodontic treatment. Here are a few of our common questions we get asked.

What is an Orthodontist? 
An Orthodontist is much different from a dentist. While all orthodontist are dentist, not all dentist are orthodontist! An orthodontist is a dental specialist in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontists must successfully complete an additional two to three-year residency program of advanced dental education in orthodontics.

What age should my child see an orthodontist? 
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that your child be evaluated by age seven. This allows orthodontist to detect and evaluate problems that exist, advise if treatment will be necessary, and determine the best time for the treatment. Early detection of any orthodontic problems is important in order to take early corrective action and avoid more difficult treatment later.

How long does orthodontic treatment last? 
Every patient varies on how long orthodontic treatment will last, it depends on the orthodontic treatment plan and patient. However, braces may be on between 6 to 30 months or, in rare instances, longer. This depends on the development of the dentition, the severity of the problem, patient cooperation, and the degree of tooth movement required.

Does it hurt? 
Thanks to technology and our expertise, orthodontic treatment has improved dramatically. As a rule, braces make your teeth tender and sore for a few days, but it is not painful. Today’s braces are more comfortable and use technology that reduces the discomfort

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Cynthia got off her braces today! Woohoo! Gorgeous smile! 😀#WentzOrthodontics

A post shared by Wentz Orthodontics (@wentz_orthodontics) on Sep 10, 2018 at 11:04am PDT

Summer Smiles #WentzOrthodontics

Summer is officially here! Summers in Texas are HOT! But they also mean BBQ’s, spending time with friends and family, family vacations and tons of fun for everyone. With all the adventurous excitement of summer, it might be easy to forget a few of our regular simple tips that keep your smile healthy.

Stay on Routine: 
Summer screams vacation and fun times for children. It is also the time where it is easy for routines to slip and forget. Don’t forget the nightly and morning routines from simply brushing your teeth to flossing to getting check up from both your dentist and orthodontist, if it falls during the summer.

Resist Sugary Drinks:
Say no to the sugary drinks that have a high volume of sugar. Not only is it bad for your teeth, it is also bad for your health. Instead stay hydrated with water. This summer watch your intake of lemonade, soda and sports drinks - which are summer staples.

Traveling: Brush with Bottled Water:
Summer means family vacations for most families. If you’re traveling outside of the country or are out in the wilderness - brush your teeth with bottled water. It will reduce your chances of getting sick and keep your smile healthy beyond summer.

It was a thumbs-Up kind of day at Wentz Orthodontics 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 #WentzOrthodontics

A post shared by Wentz Orthodontics (@wentz_orthodontics) on May 29, 2018 at 5:32pm PDT

Out With The Old & In With The New

With cold and flu season starting, germs seem to be lurking everywhere! While it’s difficult to avoid catching the office cold or flu bug, you can help keep your number one oral hygiene accessory in great shape by replacing your toothbrush regularly. Toothbrushes help keep your teeth and mouth clean, but how long should you a keep a toothbrush? It is recommended that you switch out that old toothbrush for a fresh new one every 3 to 4 months, and directly after any cold or flu. Replacing your toothbrush is essential since they are constantly being exposed to germs and bacteria. If you notice the bristles of your toothbrush have become worn, that is a clear sign that you need a new toothbrush. People who wear braces will likely need to replace their toothbrushes frequently, as braces break down and fracture bristles which makes the toothbrush lose its effectiveness.

It's helpful to keep a pack of toothbrushes available in the house at all times for easy replacement. You may be thinking "My toothbrush is fine, I have it broken in just the way I like it”. While that could be true, did you know that your old toothbrush could actually be harming your mouth?

3 Reasons to Change Out Your Old Toothbrush

1.     Bacteria - Your toothbrush is a tool for removing bacteria from your teeth…but it doesn’t actually kill bacteria. Some of the bacteria from your teeth stay on your toothbrush after you are done brushing. Now, this isn’t a problem initially, but imagine three to four months of bacteria build up on your toothbrush. That old bacteria ridden toothbrush is in your mouth at least twice a day…yuck.

2.     Bristles - Like any tool, a toothbrush wears down. Worn bristles are tough on your enamel and can wear it away over time. Not only that… an old, worn toothbrush can be up to 95 percent less effective at removing plaque.

3.     Illness - Always change your toothbrush after you’ve been sick, even if it’s not “technically” time to switch out your toothbrush. Germs and bacteria in your mouth require you to brush twice a day, every day.

If you feel like changing your toothbrush every three months is wasteful, we’ve got a solution! Put that old toothbrush to work doing odd jobs around the house. Old toothbrushes are great for cleaning around facet fixtures and tile grout. They can even be used to clean tools, computer keyboards, and tennis shoes! Make sure to mark your calendar as a reminder to replace your toothbrush at least every 3 to 4 months. If you need a few tips on keeping your smile in tip-top shape, make sure to ask at your next appointment at Wentz Orthodontics.

Help Us Reach 10 In A Row!

Best of the West Voting is now live! We're hoping to make it 10 years in a row with your help!  Voting has just begun and will be open until December 15th. 

Click here to vote!

We are so very fortunate to be part of the community here in Lubbock. All of us at Wentz Orthodontics want to thank you for all of your support!

Thinking About Improving Your Smile?

When you first start thinking about going to the orthodontist, it is normal to feel apprehensive. Whether you have been referred by your family dentist or chosen to seek out orthodontic care from us on your own, there are a few things you can do to prepare for your initial consultation at Wentz Orthodontics.

One of the best ways to prepare for an orthodontic consultation is to understand the options available today - orthodontic care is a lot more versatile than in the past. You can start preparing now by seeking out and understanding those options. With a few specific things in mind, you can be totally confident and prepared for your consultation. Our website is a great resource to begin your quest for knowledge! Click here!

Questions To Ask During the Consultation
Don’t be afraid to ask any questions you might have! Our entire team is here to help make this a truly wonderful experience for you. Here are a few things to consider:

• Is there an estimated length of time that I will likely require braces?
• Does it hurt getting braces? Is there anything I can do to prevent or minimize pain?
• How can I keep make sure to keep my teeth clean with braces?
• Are there foods that are off limits when I get braces?
• Do I have to stop playing my favorite sport or musical instrument during my treatment?
• How much will my treatment cost? Are there payment options?
• How often will I need to come in for checkups and other appointments?

Confidence throughout the Process
With answers to your questions, and an orthodontic team on your side, you can be confident about any necessary orthodontic treatment you require. We've proudly served our community for more than 25 years. We're excited to join you on your journey to a beautiful, healthy smile!