2 Healthy Habits to Encourage

Happy New Year! It is another fantastic start to a new year and we are so excited for all the smiles that will be transformed at Wentz Orthodontics. With the new year it is exciting to adopt new healthy habits and keep your smile in check. Here are 2 of our favorite habits we are encouraging our patients to adopt in 2019.

#1) Switch Toothbrush: Switching your toothbrush is a big step, most people disregard. Replacing your toothbrush can have a valuable impact. The Academy of Dental Association, recommends switching out your toothbrush every 3-4 months for health reasons and because the bristles can become too stiff, which can be too hard for your teeth and enamel. This simple step will keep your mouth and teeth feeling healthy.

#2) Pledge to Floss: Your smile is what makes you, YOU! This year, pledge to floss more. It’s never too late to begin flossing. Flossing not only helps you get rid of food debris, it also helps your overall healthy by removing plaque buildup and fighting against cavities.

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.

2018 Wentz Smiles

What an exciting year 2018 has been. We have been creating smiles in an atmosphere that is easy for parents and fun for kids for over 25 years. We want our patients to live life smiling! Check out a few of our patients and their smiles this past year.

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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Smiles all around at our Plainview office! 😄 #WentzOrthodontics

A post shared by Wentz Orthodontics (@wentz_orthodontics) on Nov 7, 2018 at 9:11am PST

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This smile will melt your heart!!! #WentzOrthodontics had the privilege of sponsoring The Buddy Walk. Brax was the star of the show!! 😄💙

A post shared by Wentz Orthodontics (@wentz_orthodontics) on Oct 16, 2018 at 6:00am PDT

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Our Wednesday mood is always thumbs up and smiles! #WentzOrthodontics

A post shared by Wentz Orthodontics (@wentz_orthodontics) on Sep 19, 2018 at 10:16am PDT

3 Benefits of Orthodontics

Your thinking about getting braces or invisalign? Congratulations! Did you know there are other benefits to orthodontics, other than a straight smile? No doubt, you will feel confident and smile every chance you get, after treatment. Here are three benefits to orthodontics.

1. Gum Disease: 
Out gums are the essential foundation to our teeth. Our gums are also connected to the overall health of our body. Having straight teeth, allows our teeth to be spaced out evenly and prevent tooth decay and cavities by making it easier to brush out teeth, floss and avoid plaque buildup.

2. Improved Speech:
Disproportionately teeth have an impact on our speech and the way we sound out words. Teeth that are not straightened make it harder for someone to pronounce particular sounds, which could cause an effect on our personal or professional life. And just like with the health and aesthetic aspect of having braces, having straightened teeth significantly improves the way you sound out words.

3. Improving Bad Bites:
A bad bite can cause problems with eating, chewing and even speech. All because your teeth do not fit properly together. This also make your jaw tired, which eventually leads to tooth loss. Thanks to orthodontic treatment, it will help to realign these upper and lower parts of your mouth to properly fix any bad bite's you may have.


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.

Halloween Candy Spectacular

Halloween is here!

Pumpkins, ghost, costumes and candy all make up this fantastic holiday. The endless amount of free sugar will sure make you extremely happy, however for your teeth, that is another story. These sugary treats can affect your teeth in different ways, especially when it comes to orthodontic treatment and the overall health of your teeth.

Halloween is about having fun, dressing up and eating candy. It’s important to stick to your routines and be sure to brush your teeth, floss and wear your retainer. Here is a rundown to all the types of Halloween candy and their impact on your teeth. Wentz Orthodontics is also having a Candy Buy Back. Stop by either of our Lubbock locations on Thursday 11/1 to sell us your candy! 3:30-5:30.

Sticky Gummy Candies: 
Sticky, gummy type candies are the worst type of candy for your teeth. It is harder to remove and stay longer on your teeth. This is especially bad for those who just received orthodontic treatment such as braces.

Hard Candies:
You want to watch out for hard candies on Halloween and beyond. These can break your teeth and can be damaging if you have braces. On top of that, hard candies can cause the sugar to wash all over your teeth. This is due to having the hard candy for longer periods in your mouth.

Sour Candy: 
It’s no secret how important the enamel on your tooth is. Acidic foods are harmful to your enamel and can cause it to erode, exposing your tooth to being more vulnerable to cavities. You can pass on sour candy because of the acidity.

Popcorn Balls:
These are often a big hit on Halloween night. You may find a couple of these in your child’s Halloween bucket. Have some floss on hand after enjoying these treats. Please be aware, if you have braces, these are probably not an ideal treat.

World Smile Day

"Smile, it is the key that fits the lock of everybody's heart."

Today is #WorldSmileDay and we love that our job is to create beautiful smiles and share them with everyone. Here are a few of our fantastic smiles this month, perfectly fitting for World Smile Day. 

#WentzOrthodontics Smiles

We love what we do at Wentz Orthodontics. Here you’re treated like family and we want our patients to live life smiling!

For some people, life is compartmentalized into neat, little boxes; one for work, one for faith, one for family, and so on. For us work is a natural extension of our families’ lives, our faith in God and a pretty good measure of fun. We approach everything we do with one goal in mind - to make a positive difference in people's lives and to honor God in the process. We have been blessed with a great team that shares our single-minded goal, and we couldn’t be more thankful!

From the beginning of your orthodontic treatment to the moment where you see your completed smile, we love that we get to be there every step of the way. Check out a few of our amazing patients and their smiles.

We LOVE seeing these smiles! Finishing orthodontic treatment rocks!!! 👍 😊 👍 😊 👍 😊 #WentzOrthodontics

A post shared by Wentz Orthodontics (@wentz_orthodontics) on Aug 13, 2018 at 11:04am PDT

Nothing better than finishing Orthodontic treatment!😀 #WentzOrthodontics

A post shared by Wentz Orthodontics (@wentz_orthodontics) on Aug 14, 2018 at 9:39am PDT

A beautiful summer smile! #WentzOrthodontics #Lubbock #FridayFeeling

A post shared by Wentz Orthodontics (@wentz_orthodontics) on Aug 17, 2018 at 8:50am PDT

We love what we do! We also love seeing awesome smiles like these! Thanks for sharing @kristilowe 😃 #repost #wentzorthodontics

A post shared by Wentz Orthodontics (@wentz_orthodontics) on Aug 23, 2018 at 8:18am PDT

Your Questions Answered: Wentz Orthodontics

What Is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. The technical term for these problems is “malocclusion,” which means bad bite. The practice of orthodontics requires professional skill in the design, application, and control of corrective appliances, such as braces, to bring teeth, lips and jaws into proper alignment to achieve facial balance.

What Causes Orthodontic Problems?

Most malocclusions are inherited, and some are acquired. Inherited problems include crowding of teeth, too much space between teeth, extra teeth, congenitally missing teeth, and a wide range of discrepancies of the jaws, teeth, and face. Acquired problems can be caused by trauma, thumb or finger sucking, airway obstruction by tonsils and adenoids, dental diseases, and premature loss of baby or adult teeth. Many of these problems affect not only the alignment of teeth but also facial development and appearance as well.

How Do I Know If My Child Needs Orthodontic Treatment?

It is usually difficult for you to determine if treatment is necessary because there are many problems that can occur even though the front teeth look straight. Also, there are some problems that look intimidating and complex which will resolve on their own. Asking your general dentist is a good reference, but we are your best resource since orthodontics is all we do. Our initial exam is comprehensive and informative, and we would be more than happy to see your child and make any recommendations necessary.

At What Age Should My Child See An Orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that your child be evaluated by age seven. An orthodontic screening no later than age seven enables the 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.

Happy #NationalSmileDay! Over the years, we have seen countless smiles come through our office! 😁#NationalSmileDay #WentzOrthodontics

A post shared by Wentz Orthodontics (@wentz_orthodontics) on May 31, 2018 at 10:48am PDT

A Healthy Foundation: Inflamed Gums

Before you visit an orthodontist, there are several health factors you need to have checked out. If you have swollen, inflamed gums, you know they can lead to serious discomfort. The most common cause of inflammation is gum disease, but improper brushing or flossing, tobacco use, chemotherapy, hormone changes, and irritation from dental hardware can also play a role.

With more than 50 percent of American adults experiencing early gum disease, inflamed gums are a common ailment. Depending on the severity of inflamed gums, you may be suffering from one of two types of gum disease.

Which Type of Floss is Best?

If you’ve visited the dental care aisle recently, the sheer number of options available can be overwhelming. We often have patients ask us which floss is the “best” type of floss. In essence, all of the options on the market today do the same thing, and at the end of the day it comes down to personal preference. We’ve listed a few of the options below.  

Flossers: Flossers are small plastic instruments with a single floss strip and a pick on the opposite end. This option can be both effective at cleaning the areas in between your teeth and scraping off plaque. These flossers come in flavored varieties as well. They are a great “on the go” option.

Gentle Dental Floss: Some people will find that regular dental floss is too harsh on their gums. For that reason, several options are available that have soft coatings that are less abrasive on the gums. Typically, gentle floss is just as effective as regular floss and an ideal match for anyone looking for a more sensitive approach to flossing.

Flavored Dental Floss: Flavored dental floss will freshen your breath while you floss! We suggest flavored dental floss if it prompts you to floss your teeth regularly.

Of all of the options, it is difficult to choose the absolute best type of floss. However, our team feels that the type of floss that works best for you, giving you the greatest chance of succeeding at regular flossing, is the ultimately best choice. For more information on floss, or flossing with braces, ask us at your next appointment. There are many ways to make it both easy AND effective.

Bad Breath & Braces

After getting braces, new patients may develop bad breath from not cleaning their teeth properly. Simply doing a quick job brushing your teeth is not enough to keep your teeth in great shape, especially when you wear braces. Bacteria feeds on food particles leftover after you eat, and this sneaky bacterium creates an unpleasant odor.

We certainly understand bad breath can be uncomfortable to talk about, but it happens to most of us. The important thing to do if you’re experiencing bad breath (or know someone who is) is to determine the root of the problem. The most common factor for bad breath our patients is almost typically caused by poor oral hygiene.  It's important to brush immediately after every meal or snack or at least rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash if you aren’t able to brush. Bad breath-causing odors and bacteria can also cling to removable orthodontics (like a retainer or clear aligners), so be sure to remove them before eating, even if you're only having a snack.

If you need a few tips on how to keep your Wentz Orthodontics smile looking it's best, please don't hesitate to ask at your next appointment. We're here to help!

Do You Have a Loose Wire or Bracket?

We know even despite your best efforts, the wires and bands on your braces may come loose. If this happens, please contact Wentz Orthodontics as soon as possible so that we can check and repair your appliance. If any piece of your appliance comes off, be sure to save it and bring it to the office with you.

In an emergency, you can temporarily fix the loose wire by using the back of a spoon or the eraser end of a pencil to carefully and gently push the wire back into place. If the loose wire is causing irritation to your lips or cheeks, put wax or a wet cotton ball over the broken wire to relieve the pain until your appointment.

Don't hesitate to reach out to us immediately if you experience any issue with your braces. 

Eating With Braces

Now that you have your braces, what foods can you still enjoy? While some foods are off limits, don't worry, you'll be eating popcorn and snacking on potato chips again in no time! However, before you can start enjoying some of the treats you love, you will need to take special care to avoid any foods that could damage your new appliances.

Foods to AVOID with braces:

Chewy foods — bagels, licorice

Crunchy foods — popcorn, chips, ice

Sticky foods — caramel candies, chewing gum

Hard foods — nuts, hard candies

Foods that require biting into — corn on the cob, apples, carrots

Foods you CAN eat with braces:

Dairy — soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks

Breads — soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins without nuts

Grains — pasta, soft cooked rice

Meats/poultry — soft cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats

Seafood — tuna, salmon, crab cakes

Vegetables — mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans

Fruits — applesauce, bananas, fruit juice

Treats — ice cream without nuts, milkshakes, Jell-O, soft cake

Crowd Pleasing Braces Friendly Game Day Recipes

If you're still searching for a few more snacks to add to your Super Bowl menu, we've got two that will be sure to score with your friends & family.

Hot Ham & Cheese Party Rolls

1 can refrigerated pizza crust

1 lb. deli ham (thinly sliced, but not shaved)

12 slices Swiss cheese

Glaze:

1/2 cup butter

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Directions:

1.         Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray

2.         Unroll the pizza dough onto a cutting board. Press into an approximately 13x18-inch rectangle. Top with ham and cheese slices. Starting on the longer side of the rectangle, roll up the edge tightly. When you reach the end, pinch the seam together and flip the roll so that the seam is face side down. Cut into 12 slices. Arrange in the prepared baking dish.

3.         Next combine the butter, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and poppy seeds in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until the butter is melted and glaze is smooth. Pour evenly over the top of the rolls.

4.         Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until golden brown.

Tip: Make these rolls a day ahead! Refrigerate rolls up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to warm up the glaze so you're able to pour it on top of the rolls!

Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs

1 bag frozen meatballs (any brand)

1 jar chili sauce

1 can jellied cranberry sauce

Directions:

1.         Add chili sauce and cranberry sauce to a medium mixing bowl. Use a whisk to mix ingredients until semi-smooth.

2.         Add half the bag of meatballs to your crockpot. Top with half of the sauce mixture. Repeat with remaining meatballs and sauce.

3.         Cook on low until heated through, typically 3-4 hours.

This crowd-pleasing favorite can easily be adapted for a larger group! Just double the recipe and increase your heating time to 5-6 hours. In a time crunch? Heat meatballs and sauce on your stovetop until warm. Transfer to your crockpot for a quick, delicious addition to your game day party!

Smile Emergency?

At Wentz Orthodontics we know that even with the best of care, braces can cause soreness to your mouth. This soreness is the way your body reacts to your teeth as they begin to move. Your braces play an important part in helping to create a healthy and beautiful smile but you may experience a few side effects while wearing them that are common and can be easily treated.

Canker Sores

Canker sores are a common occurrence when braces rub inside the mouth. There are ointments available to reduce the pain and irritation associated with mouth sores. 

Loose Brackets

If you have a loose bracket you can apply a small amount of orthodontic wax to the bracket temporarily. You might also apply a little between the braces and the soft tissue of your mouth. Please call the office for an appointment.

Loose Bands

The band will need to be reattached. Please call the office for an appointment and remember to bring the band with you.

Broken or Protruding Wires

The eraser end of a pencil can be used to move the wire carefully to a less painful spot. If you are unable to move it, apply orthodontic wax to the tip. If a mouth sore develops, rinse with warm salt water or antiseptic rinse. Please call the office for an appointment to trim or adjust the wire.

Loose Spacers

If a spacer (separator) becomes dislodged it may need to be repositioned and sometimes replaced. Please call the office to see if they need to be replaced.

Remember, braces aren't forever but your smile is!

More Than Just A Beautiful Smile

It’s important to understand that orthodontic health is much more than straight teeth. When Drs. Wentz and Reeves create beautiful smiles for our patients, they place all the elements of the face into their perfect alignment for a healthy as well as beautiful smile. Orthodontic treatment at Wentz Orthodontics also provides many additional health benefits. Here are just a few you might not realize:

Aid Digestive Health: Perfectly aligned teeth help you chew your food more effectively, which helps your digestive health.

Avoid Tooth Decay and Gum Disease: Crowded and misaligned teeth make it difficult to clean your teeth and gums, which can lead to food and bacteria build-up. It's much easier to brush and floss your teeth when they are in healthy alignment.

Prevent TMJ: TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Disorders occur from stress on the jaw joint. Often, people who suffer from TMJ have an incorrect bite pattern or a misalignment of their bite. Orthodontic treatment can align the teeth and bite to remove the stress on the joints that causes TMJ Disorder.

Correct some speech impediments: Sometimes when your teeth and joints are misaligned, this misalignment causes speech impediments. The teeth and tongue are important tools in our speech process, and it is extremely important that these tools be in their perfect alignment to speak our best.

If you have any questions about the health and aesthetic benefits of orthodontic treatment, feel free to contact us today. At Wentz Orthodontics our goal is for our patients to feel that their experience with our office is remarkable, unique, and pleasurable.

New Braces & You

At Wentz Orthodontics we believe you have taken the first step toward a healthier and more beautiful smile! You are probably wondering what comes next. The first week is the biggest period of adjustment, and there is a lot to learn in this short time.  What to eat?  How to brush?  No worries, in a very short time your braces will feel completely natural. Click on the links above to head to our website. It is filled with useful information that can help answer some common questions.

On the first day, your braces will probably feel sort of like a mouthful and it may take time to get used to them. By the second day, you may feel some soreness or discomfort.   If you are going to experience any discomfort, the second and third days are when it will happen. If you do experience discomfort it can be dealt with by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as Tylenol.

If you have any questions or concerns the team of Wentz Orthodontics is here to help you. We're just a phone call away! We strive to make your smile journey a wonderful experience. 

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!