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!

August Recipe

Here is everything you need to know to make your own rainbow smoothie! Enjoy!

Ingredients

RED LAYER

• 1 frozen banana
• 1/2 cup greek yogurt, vanilla or plain
• 1/2 cup frozen raspberries
• 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
• water or liquid for blending

ORANGE LAYER

• 1 frozen banana
• 1/2 cup greek yogurt, vanilla or plain
• 1/2 cup frozen peaches
• 1 small orange
• 1/4 cup frozen mango
• water or liquid for blending

YELLOW LAYER

• 2 frozen bananas
• 1/2 cup greek yogurt, vanilla or plain
• 1 cup frozen pineapple
• water or liquid for blending

GREEN LAYER

• 2 frozen bananas
• 1/2 cup greek yogurt, vanilla or plain
• 1 handful (or more) spinach
• 1 cup frozen pineapple
• water or liquid for blending

BLUE LAYER

• 2 frozen bananas
• 1/2 cup greek yogurt, vanilla or plain
• 1 cup frozen pineapple
• small amount of blue food coloring
• water or liquid for blending

PURPLE LAYER

• 1 frozen banana
• 1/2 cup greek yogurt, vanilla or plain
• 1 cup frozen mixed berries
• water or liquid for blending

MAGENTA LAYER

• 1 frozen banana
• 1/2 cup greek yogurt, vanilla or plain
• 1/2 cup sliced beets
• 1 cup frozen strawberries or raspberries

FOR EACH SMOOTHIE
Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Add more liquid to help it blend if it's too thick.
Transfer the smoothie to a bowl or container, rinse the blender and prep the next smoothie.

TO ASSEMBLE THE RAINBOW SMOOTHIE
Carefully layer each color smoothie in glasses in rainbow order. If desired, blend the smoothie using a straw or stir stick. Top each smoothie with a toothpick filled with leftover fruit.

Is There An Age Limit For Braces?

Braces do the job of straightening teeth, regardless of age. More common than ever these days, you see adults wearing braces, and when you do, one question instantly pops into your head - do braces work for adults? The answer is YES. In fact, adults aged 20 to 40 years represent at least 40 percent of the population of people wearing braces. The reason why so many current adults skipped wearing braces during their youth is that they often feared of being bullied and teased because back in the 80's and 90's, braces we not as aesthetically pleasing as they are now. Trust us, braces have evolved since then now more than ever adults are wearing braces or aligners to get a picture perfect smile.

Nowadays, wearing braces has become more socially acceptable, affordable, and routine for our adult patients. We even have patients with close to straight teeth that want to try out braces just too perfect minor flaws. Adults can skip the traditional metal braces and opt for Invisalign clear aligners, ceramic braces, or other less obvious orthodontic treatment when being seen at Wentz Orthodontics.

For more information about braces for adults, you can always contact Wentz Orthodontics located in Lubbock, TX.

Does My Child Need Orthodontic Treatment?

It is usually difficult for you as the parent 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 Wentz Orthodontics is your best resource since orthodontics is all we do.

Early intervention can make a dramatic impact on establishing the proper occlusal foundation. The American Association of Orthodontists, and Dr. Wentz, recommends that all children have a check-up with an orthodontist by the time they reach age 7, for early detection of any potential problems.

By the age 7, some of the permanent teeth have erupted, so that most children have a mix of adult and baby teeth. At this stage of mixed dentition, we can spot potential orthodontic problems related to jaw growth and eruption of adult teeth. Some growth-related orthodontic problems are easier to correct when they are identified early…while the facial bones are still growing.

An early exam allows us to determine how and when a child's particular jaw and/or dental problems should be corrected for the optimal results. Early treatment, or phase one therapy, may be needed to create a better environment to idealize the occlusion for the patient or possibly create an environment to elevate treatment forever. An early orthodontic examination does not always result in immediate treatment. After evaluating your child, we may simply want to monitor your child periodically while the permanent teeth erupt and the jaws and face continue to develop.

Our initial exam is comprehensive and informative, and we would be more than happy to see your child and make any recommendations necessary. Contact Wentz Orthodontics to schedule your child's first visit and let us help them get the smile they deserve. 

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Don't Do It Yourself

Do-It-Yourself videos and websites are popular among today’s culture, and while so many great ideas come from several of these outlets, there are some things that you just shouldn’t do yourself! Straightening your teeth or attempting to move your teeth as a “DIY” project is definitely one of the things you should not be doing.

Moving and straightening teeth is a medical procedure that needs to be supervised by an orthodontist. It’s important for you all to be wary of any videos or websites that advise you to use objects such as rubber bands, dental floss, or anything else in order to get straight teeth. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, “Moving teeth without a thorough examination of the overall health of the teeth and gums could result in the permanent loss of teeth, which may result in expensive and lifelong dental problems.”

Wentz Orthodontics and the American Association of Orthodontists have a prompt announcement for consumers about “DIY” orthodontic treatment. It is with great urgency that we emphasize to you all to be cautious about the trending “DIY” orthodontic treatment because straightening your teeth on your own can lead to lifelong dental problems.

If you have any further questions regarding “DIY” orthodontics, or are curious about straightening your teeth, please contact us at (806) 79-BRACE.

Avoid Bad Breath With Braces

Bad breath is nothing any of us want to deal with, right? When you have braces, the chances of having bad breath are even worse because there are so many other places for bacteria to hide. If you are worried about how your breath smells, take these simple steps every day to ensure that you are not causing people to back up when you talk.

Eat Right
Sugar is not good for your diet in the first place, but it is horrible for your dental health. If you have braces, sugar can hide in some of the tightest areas of your mouth. This means that when you do brush and floss, you probably are not getting all of it. The longer the sugar is able to sit on your teeth, the more damage it does.

As it joins with the bacteria in your mouth, it begins to form an acid that eats away at your enamel and causes bad breath. So instead of worrying about garlic and onions ruining your breath, stay away from foods high in sugar content to keep your breath smelling pleasant.

Drink Water

Water is essential for overall health and to fight bad breath. When your mouth is short on saliva, the bacteria thrives. That means that you will likely suffer from bad breath.

Brush and Floss

With or without braces, you should be brushing twice a day and flossing at least once, but this becomes even more important when you have braces. In fact, you should be brushing after every time that you eat, but if you cannot, you should at least rinse your mouth out with water to remove as much debris as possible from your braces. It is imperative that you never forget to floss when you have braces, as this could be the number one reason that you have bad breath. Floss is the only way to get the food that is stuck in between your brackets out from between them. If you have trouble flossing with braces, ask our staff for help.

Bad breath and braces do not have go hand in hand as long as you take care of your mouth. If you have a problem with bad breath with your braces, please contact us today so that we can help you!

Are You Having An Orthodontic Emergency?

Broken or disturbed appliances are likely to occur from time to time during your orthodontic care. If there is any disturbance, such as loose bands, broken or poking wires, call our office as soon as possible so we can evaluate the urgency of the problem and schedule you to be seen accordingly.

The following are helpful hints to remedy some of the problems you may encounter until you can be seen in our office.

• If a tie wire is irritating your mouth, cover it with orthodontic wax or tuck it under the archwire using a blunt object like a pencil eraser or a Q-Tip.
• A loose band or bracket can generally be left in place until seen in our office. Call the office as soon as you notice a loose band or bracket so we can schedule you to be seen to reattach the loose appliance.
• A broken archwire, or one that is irritating the gum or cheek tissue, needs to be seen as soon as possible for replacement or adjustment.
• A bent headgear facebow, or removable appliance that is not fitting well, is not to be worn until it can be properly adjusted in our office. Call the office as soon as possible to schedule an appointment to have the facebow or removable appliance adjusted.
• Several days of soreness and sensitivity are common following an office visit. If you are experiencing abnormal pain or discomfort please contact our Wentz Orthodontics.

DIY Summer Treat

Wentz Orthodontics wants to help you keep your snack choices healthy this summer with braces-friendly healthy summer snack recipes.  By avoiding sticky sweets and sugary beverages, we will provide you with snack choices that are fit for orthodontic patients and promote overall wellness and health! All summer long, check here for healthy new summer snack recipes! 

STRAWBERRY-KIWI FRUIT POPSICLES

Ingredients:

• Popsicle Molds
• 8 strawberries , cut into thin slices
• 2 kiwis , cut into thin slices
• Strawberry-Kiwi Juice

Instructions:

1. Arrange sliced strawberries and sliced kiwis inside the popsicle molds.
2. Pour just enough strawberry-kiwi juice into each mold to cover the fruit.
3. Insert popsicle sticks and freeze until frozen solid; about 1 to 2 hours.
4. Serve.

DIY Freezer Smoothie Packs

Ingredients

• 1 cup spinach, packed
• 1/2 banana, cut up into 1-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt, frozen (about 2 frozen cubes)
• 1 cup mixed frozen fruit (mangoes, pineapple, strawberries)
• 1 to 1 & 1/4 cup water OR milk (cow, almond, coconut, whatever kind you like)

Instructions

• In a zip-top sandwich bag, add the spinach, banana pieces, frozen yogurt cubes, and mixed frozen fruit. Squeeze out the air and zip the bag shut. Place in freezer. Repeat for additional packs.

• To prepare: Pour 1 to 1 & ¼ cup water or milk in a blender. Add one frozen smoothie pack and blend until smooth, adding extra water or milk if desired to preferred consistency.

Save The Date | Annual Golf Tournament Info

Get your golf clubs out, it's time for another annual golf tournament. Wentz Orthodontics and the Children's Home of Lubbock presents our Annual Golf Tournament on May 8th to benefit some sweet children that need our help. Join us for a fun time; click here to register. Contact us for registration/sponsor information.

This annual tournament gives local golfers the opportunity to rub shoulders with golf professional Bobby Wilson (Long Drive Hall of Fame and previous Long Drive Champion) and it offers many prize possibilities for teams and individuals. Although Bobby was unable to be with us in 2016, he is making plans to be back with us this year.

Bobby conducts a clinic and offers his drive for team play at a designated hole.

The money raised by The Children's Home of Lubbock's Annual Golf Tournament goes toward the purchase of new vans for transporting children to school, doctor appointments, after-school activities, shopping expeditions and church functions. With an average of eight children in each cottage, you can imagine what a beating our vehicles take each year! This past year, the golf tournament raised over $62,000 for this purpose.

Don't miss this opportunity to help our kids while spending a great day golfing with your friends!

5 Fun Spring Activities

Spring is in the air! As the flower buds are peeking out and birds are starting to chirp, it's time to leave those thoughts of winter behind. Spring can be a wonderful time to explore the outdoors or go for a walk around town. Get your family moving together and establish some healthy habits, away from the electronics indoors. We have 5 fun ideas to get you in the mood for the loveliest season of the year.

1. Dust off the sports gear. Find a kick a ball, throw a Frisbee, shoot hoops, whatever sports activity that you and your family enjoy doing. 
2. Get dirty in the yard. Mow the grass. Pull weeds. Till flower beds. Replant. Cut back. Find the fun in getting sweaty, and teach your kids how to manage the landscaping while you do it.
3. Explore the outdoors. Hike a trail and check out the plants budding out of the ground.
4. Go to a baseball game. The beginning baseball season is one of the annual markers that warm weather is just around the corner. If you don't have it in your budget for pricey pro tickets, look into local league games, college, or even high school games to watch.
5. Make Something. Whether you're experimenting with a new recipe or creating a new craft, making something new will give your kids a sense of satisfaction.

After being cooped up all winter, everyone's ready for some fresh Spring air. We hope you will step into the warm weather with suggestions of fun activities for the entire family.

Nutella Stuffed Pancakes | MARCH RECIPE

When you have pillowy soft, fluffy pancakes that are stuffed with warm, oozy Nutella, you don’t need anything else. Try out this amazing braces friendly breakfast recipe this weekend! These are best eaten warm but still fabulous at room temperature.

Recipe makes 6 to 7 pancakes.

NUTELLA STUFFED PANCAKES

INGREDIENTS

• 10 - 14 tbsp Nutella
• Dry Ingredients
• 1½ cups plain flour
• 3 tsp baking powder
• 4 tbsp sugar
• Pinch of salt
• Wet Ingredients
• 1 egg
• 1 cup + 2 tbsp milk 
• 1 tsp vanilla essence (optional)
• Other
• 1 tsp butter, separated (2 x ½ tsp)
• Sliced strawberries (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Frozen Nutella Disc

• Line a baking tray with baking paper (parchment paper).
• Dollop 1½ to 2 tbsp of Nutella onto the baking tray and spread into a disc around 2½" / 6cm in diameter and ⅕" / ½ cm thick. (Note 1) Repeat to make 7 discs.
• Place the tray in the freezer until firm (around 1 to 1½ hours).
• Peel off the parchment paper. Keep the Nutella discs in the freezer until required (they soften quickly).

Pancakes

• Place the Dry Ingredients in a bowl and whisk to combine.
• Make a well in the center and place the wet Ingredients in the well. Whisk until combined and lump free (stop whisking as soon as it is smooth, don't over whisk).
• Melt ½ tsp butter in a non-stick fry pan over medium heat. Once melted, wipe most of the butter off with a paper towel. (Note 2)
• Take 3 Frozen Nutella Discs out of the freezer just before you start cooking. (Note 3)
• Dollop ¼ cup of batter into the fry pan. Working quickly, place 1 Frozen Nutella Disc in the middle of the batter, then top with batter to cover the Nutella disc (Note 4).
• When bubbles start appearing around the edges (around 2 minutes), lift up the edge and make sure the underside is golden. Then flip and cook until the other side is golden.
• Repeat with remaining batter. Melt more butter in the pan after the 3rd or 4th pancake. You should be able to make 7 in total, but sometimes it makes 6 - depends on how much batter you use on top of the Nutella.
• Serve warm with sliced strawberries, if using. 

NOTES
1. Don't make the Nutella discs too thin otherwise they may break when you handle them. But on the other hand, don't be too greedy and make them too big otherwise they will ooze out everywhere when you're making the pancake!

2. Wiping most of the butter off is the secret to getting the first pancake an even golden brown rather than splotchy which is what usually happens!

3. The Nutella discs soften quickly. They need to stay firm in order to handle them.

4. Use a ¼ cup measure and fill it about ⅔ of the way up then dollop that on top of the Nutella. You don't need a full ¼ cup of batter to cover the Nutella, the pancake becomes too big and thick. Use the edge of the cup to spread the batter to cover the Nutella. You have to work quickly because once the Nutella disc is on the batter, it melts quickly and it is almost impossible to spread batter on top of melted Nutella.

5. If you get a pancake that "bursts" and Nutella spills onto the fry pan, scrape the Nutella off before making the next one. Otherwise you'll get burnt bits of Nutella on your next pancake!

Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches | NEW RECIPE

These Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches are prepared with an unbaked egg-free chocolate chip cookie dough. Use your favorite ice cream or make it homemade!Best of all, it's braces friendly & taste buds approved!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 Cup butter
• 1/2 Cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 Cup granulated sugar
• 3 T milk
• 2 t McCormick® Extra Rich Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1/4 t salt
• 1 1/2 Cup all-purpose flour
• 1 Cup mini chocolate chips
• 2 Cups ice cream, softened

DIRECTIONS:

1. Microwave butter and sugars in large microwavable bowl on HIGH 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, stirring after 1 minute. 
2. Stir until mixture is melted and smooth. Stir in milk, vanilla and salt. Add flour; stir until well blended. Stir in chocolate chips. Refrigerate 15 minutes. 
3. Line 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, with ends of paper extending over sides of pan. Press 1/2 of the dough into pan until smooth and even. Place a second layer parchment paper on top on the dough and repeat with remaining dough. Freeze for 30 minutes up to 1 hour.
4. Remove from freezer. Carefully remove the top layer of cookie dough by lifting the top layer of parchment paper.
5. Gently spread the softened ice cream over the bottom layer of cookie dough still in the pan. Peel the parchment paper from the second layer of cookie dough and place it smooth side up on top of the ice cream. Cover with foil or plastic wrap. 
6. Freeze 2 hours or until firm. Cut into 16 bars. Wrap each in plastic wrap. Store in freezer.

Honeydew Melon Cucumber Smoothie | NEW RECIPE

We know some kids can be fussy when it comes to eating healthy foods, especially when they're dealing with a new set of braces. Changing eating habits to better accommodate new braces, and health is not always easy as healthy food choices tend to look less appealing than a slice of pizza or hard shell tacos. If you want to ensure your kids will intake some healthy fruits and vegetables, we suggest making smoothies for them! Smoothies are a wonderful way to make fruits and veggies appeal to kids, and they're healthy as well as braces friendly. 

To help get you started on your smoothie journey, we're sharing a delicious recipe with you below! Try it out this weekend and let us know how you liked it!

Honeydew Melon Cucumber Smoothie

Our personal favorite, a lean green smoothie your teenager will love.

You Will Need:

• 1 honeydew melon
• 1 cup green grapes, preferably seedless
• 1 cucumber peeled and diced
• 1/4 cup mint leaves

How To:

• Peel the honeydew melon, remove the seeds and dice it.
• Add the melon cubes, green grapes, cucumber pieces and mint leaves to a blender and blend for a minute.
• Serve fresh.

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes
Servings: 4
Nutritional Value: calories – 86, carbohydrates – 21.2g, protein – 1.6g, fat – 0.5g, cholesterol – 0mg

HOLIDAY RECIPE: Red Velvet Banana Bread

Do you enjoy making holiday treats for loved ones or neighbors? Then you need to try this Red Velvet Banana Bread recipe we've found! It’s like banana bread and red velvet cake all at the same time. Add some character to it by drizzling with white chocolate and Christmas colored sprinkles!

Red Velvet Banana Bread is easy to make, and this recipe makes 5 loaves, perfect for a holiday gift! 

Ingredients

• 2 red velvet cake mixes (I used 2 (16.5 oz) Duncan Hines red velvet cake mixes)
• 6 eggs
• 2/3 cup vegetable oil
• 6 very ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 (12 oz.) package semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 8 ounces white candy melts
• Sprinkles

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 5 (8" x 3 3/4" x 2 1/2") loaf pans with parchment paper. Spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Place first 4 ingredients in a large bowl. With an electric mixer, beat on low for 20 seconds, then turn up speed to medium and mix for 2 minutes. Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts. Pour batter into loaf pans. Bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let cool.
3. Place candy melts in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until completely melted. Stir until smooth. Pour into a clear plastic pastry bag. Cut the tip off and drizzle melted candy over the cooled bread. Let the candy melts set (about 20-30 minutes).
4. For a gift, wrap in clear plastic wrap. Tie a bow around it and add gift tag. Store at room temperature for 24 hours or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Happy Holiday's from Wentz Orthodontics!

Happy Thanksgiving

There is always something to be thankful for, and at Wentz Orthodontics we are thankful for you! Thank you to our wonderful patients for letting us work on those gorgeous smiles!

Happy Thanksgiving!

VOTE US Best Orthodontist!

Please don't forget to cast your vote for Wentz Orthodontics in KCBD NewsChannel 11's Best of the West 2017 Health Part 3! We would love your vote for Best Orthodontist!

Just click HERE to VOTE for us now! Also, LIKE& SHARE to help spread the word! #WentzOrthodontics #BestOfTheWest2017

TO VOTE: http://www.kcbd.com/category/319126/best-of-the-west-2017-health-part-3

Manual VS Electric Toothbrush

If you're like most people, you've probably been curious about whether or not you should use an electric toothbrush or a manual one. Don't worry, you're not alone in this common question.  To most surprise, both of these types of toothbruses actually get the job done just fine. Though, there are perks to each one. Remember, it's not the type of toothbrush that keeps your mouth healthy and smile beautiful, it's the habit of brushing and flossing regularly. 

Know the Differences

Manual Toothbrush Benefits: 

• Can help brushers feel they have more control over the brushing process
• Allow brushers to respond to twinges and reduce the pressure applied to sensitive teeth and gums
• Are more convenient for packing when traveling
• Are cheaper and easier to replace than the electric versions

Electric Toothbrush Benefits: 

• Provide power rotation that helps loosen plaque
• Are great for people with physical limitations
• Are popular with kids who think the electric brushes are more fun to use
• Can come with variable speeds to help reduce pressure on sensitive teeth and gums
• Uses timers to ensure you brush evenly across the four quadrants of your mouth and for the optimal two minutes each session

Both types of toothbrushes have their advantages but both types will get the job done as far as removing plaque.

At Wentz Orthodontics, we like to say the best brush is the one you’ll use. So if you prefer manual, go for it. If you prefer electric, turn it on.

Enter Our Pumpkin Decorating Contest By 10/27/16

Join our Pumpkin Decorating Contest by bringing your decorated pumpkin to our Lubbock office no later than Thursday 10/27 @ 6pm! Fill out an entry slip to be entered in our contest for a chance to win 1 of 6 prizes! We will have 2 winners from each of our 3 categories! #WentzOrthodontics

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.