#WentzOrthodontics Summer Smiles

Your experience at Wentz Orthodontics matters to us. We are blessed to be a part of an amazing community. Thank you to all of our incredible patients whose smiles and lives we get to be a part of. Here are just a few of our awesome patients smiles this summer!

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Thursday smiles!! 😃 #WentzOrthodontics

A post shared by Wentz Orthodontics (@wentz_orthodontics) on Jul 25, 2019 at 8:23am PDT

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Time to smile! #HappyMonday #WentzOrthodontics

A post shared by Wentz Orthodontics (@wentz_orthodontics) on Jul 29, 2019 at 8:03am PDT

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Thumbs up for this awesome smile! #SummerSmiles #WentzOrthodontics

A post shared by Wentz Orthodontics (@wentz_orthodontics) on Jul 16, 2019 at 6:00am PDT

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These smiles are summer ready! ☀😃👍 #WentzOrthodontics

A post shared by Wentz Orthodontics (@wentz_orthodontics) on Jul 10, 2019 at 6:30am PDT

National Nutrition Month

March is National Nutrition Month and this month we are sharing 3 foods that help your smile shine by keeping your teeth healthy and white. Nutrition plays a key role in the health of your smile, and often an easy adjustment to make that can have positive effects.

1. Dairy:

Dairy can have health benefits for your teeth. Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy foods most often.

2. Fruits and Vegetables:

It's not secret these foods can keep you healthy overall, but fruits and vegetables can aid you in keeping your smile healthy. Your mouth, teeth, and gums are more than just tools for eating. They’re essential for chewing and swallowing—the first steps in the digestion process. Fruits and vegetables are good choices for a healthy smile since they are high in water and fiber, which balance the sugars they contain and help to clean the teeth.

3. Nuts: 

Foods containing calcium — such as cheese, almonds and leafy greens — and foods high in phosphorous — such as meat, eggs and fish — can help keep tooth enamel strong and healthy, according to the American Dental Association.

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.

Orthodontist and Dentists? What’s the Difference?

Photo: American Association of Orthodontists

At Wentz Orthodontics, we are a family committed to providing patients with high quality orthodontic care in a fun-filled family environment.

You may be asking, what is the difference between an Orthodontist and a Dentist? An Orthodontist specializes in orthodontic treatment beyond the basic dental health care. The most common being, specialists in straightening teeth. Dr. Wentz is a board certified orthodontist and Dr. Reeves is a dual-degreed orthodontist and pediatric dentistry. We are committed to continually educating our team members so we can provide the latest, and most up to date orthodontic therapy. We consider our team the best, because that is what our patients deserve. We are committed to our patients, providing the best in orthodontic healthcare.

The Process Of Clear Smiles

Whether you’re considering Invisalign treatment for yourself or someone else, knowing more about the entire process can help you be more confident in your decision to choose Invisalign.

During your initial consultation, you and Dr. Wentz will discuss your concerns in detail to determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign. We will take x-rays, pictures and impressions of your teeth, which will be used to create a digital 3-D image. From these images, Dr. Wentz will map out a precise treatment plan, including the exact movements of your teeth and tell you the approximate length of treatment. While every case is unique to each patient, treatment typically takes approximately 12 to 18 months.

Based on your individual treatment plan, a series of custom-made, clear aligners is then created specifically for you. These aligners are made of a smooth, comfortable, BPA-free plastic that won't
irritate your cheeks and gums like traditional metal braces often do. Simply wear your aligners throughout the day and remove them when you eat or brush and floss your teeth. As you wear each set of aligners, your teeth gently and gradually begin to shift into place.

Approximately every two weeks, you will begin wearing a new set of aligners, advancing you to the next stage of your treatment. To monitor your progress, you will also have occasional checkups with our office, usually only every six weeks or so. For best results and a timely outcome, you should wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, throughout your entire treatment.

Wentz Orthodontics is an Elite Top 1% Provider for Invisalign.  This means that Wentz Orthodontics is part of the top 1% of all North American Invisalign providers and are among the most experienced. We have worked hard to provide our patients with the best Invisalign care for adults and teens, allowing us to become the only office in the south plains region to have the Top 1% provider designation. If you have any questions regarding the Invisalign process please contact our office today.

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.

Tips For Back To School With Braces

Caring for braces especially for students in school can be quiet hectic due to the restrictive devotions to maintain the braces and for this reason, Wentz Orthodontics has decided to put up an article which will make caring for orthodontic braces easy in school. As a student who just had an orthodontic treatment, you should be rest assured that it is the best that can happen to give you the perfect smile again but the care for your teeth and gums help make it very effective. Take a look at your new braces, you can notice a lot of nooks and crannies that can trap food and plaque and that means a great risk of tooth decay is imminent if not properly cared for, therefore you need to pay special attention to cleaning your teeth. This might look hectic but right here the team of Wentz Orthodontics has few great tips to keep your braces in top condition.

1. WATCH YOUR DIET
As an orthodontic patient with braces, it is very important for you to select your diet with caution. We know that there are several foods in school which tastes great but don't look great in your braces. Certain foods can either break a bracket or some foods are sugary and can have negative effects on the natural ability to brush behind the bracket. Be sure to make decisions on foods based on what is healthy, tasty, and won't harm your brackets.

Food to avoid: As an orthodontic patient we would advise that you desist from:

• Sticky or gooey foods 
• Hard foods 
• Sugary foods 
• Acidic drinks 

2. WEAR A MOUTHGUARD
With braces on your teeth, you might be wondering if you should desist from sports or retire from being the captain of your favorite sports team, but the truth is orthodontics does not affect your ability to play sports. You can keep on with your braces and sports if and only if you have your mouth guard on. Mouth guards are safety measures that can mean the difference between just a bruised, fat lips and thousands spent in orthodontics repair work. While you are in any kind of physical activity (including gym classes), it is advisable that you wear a mouth guard which can protect your teeth and braces from flying sports balls, swinging elbows or an accidental fall or hit.

3. BRUSH AND FLOSS REGULARLY
Braces can easily trap food, and this trapped food can lead to other inimical dental problems. Because of this, it is very important to brush your teeth after every meal and to floss at least once a day.

4. DON'T CHEW ON PENCILS
Pencils, pen, and rulers are all hard objects and most times when you get bored, anxious or plainly destructive you are tempted to chew on them in class. Obviously, this can be destructive in the moment and can be grossly inimical over time. It is important that you don't practice these habits while wearing braces.

We know that maintaining braces in school is can be tough. That is why we ensure to give you the best plans of action to help you out.

For more questions and inquiries that you may have, we are always at your service. You can always contact Wentz Orthodontics.

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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Another Way To Protect Your Teeth

Our team at Wentz Orthodontics knows that there are several ways you can protect your smile throughout your orthodontic treatment. If you follow the rule of thumb and brush your teeth twice a day, floss often, and protect your appliances from damage, your treatment should be very successful.

One thing we’d like to add, is did you know there is another way to keep your teeth healthy and bright during your treatment with braces?

How is this possible? One word: fluoride. Fluoride is the mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay. This mineral also helps keep your teeth strong. Fluoride comes in two varieties: topical and systemic. Depending on your oral health or the recommendation of Dr. Wentz or Dr. Reeves, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six, or 12 months.

If you have any other questions about fluoride or your orthodontic treatment, please don’t hesitate to give Wentz Orthodontics a call!

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.

A Few Things To Remember During The Years Of Retainer Wear

Our goal at Wentz Orthodontics is to help your smile stay beautiful and healthy for a lifetime. Your cooperation is essential in order to achieve this goal.

Here Are A Few Things To Remember During The Years Of Retainer Wear

1. Wear your retainers as prescribed by Dr. Wentz.

2. The safest place for your retainer is in your mouth. When retainers are not in your mouth, ALWAYS keep them in your retainer case.

3. Do not wrap retainers in a paper towel or napkin, this is the easiest way to lose them.

4. Do not place loose retainers in your pocket, this is the easiest way to break them.

5. Keep retainers away from pets — dogs LOVE them.

6. Clean your retainers by brushing them with toothpaste and water or with antibacterial soap. NEVER soak your retainers, this causes them to rust and/or break. Be sure to brush your teeth without your retainers in. Do not boil your retainer or put it in hot water. 

7. Do not place retainers in the dishwasher, microwave or in boiling water — they will melt or warp.

8. Your lower retainer may be a fixed retainer bonded onto your teeth. It is not considered permanent and can be broken or detached from your teeth, if you are not careful with it.

9. Bring your retainers to your check-up appointment. If anything happens to your retainers (i.e. it doesn't fit, it's broken, or it's lost) please call us ASAP. If your lower bonded retainer wire comes out, keep it and bring it in at your next appointment for rebonding.

10. The first set of retainers is included in your treatment fee. Any repair, replacement of your retainer, or rebonding of your lower retainer will be additional and charged to your account.

The benefits of orthodontic treatment will last a lifetime if you keep these important patient responsibilities in mind. If you have any further questions regarding retention contact Wentz Orthodontics at your earliest convenience.  

Can My Pre-Teen Wear Invisalign?

There is no “yes-or-no” answer. The decision, ultimately, will be made by the patient’s parents and their orthodontist. As long as your pre-teen has a fully developed set of teeth, Invisalign can be used in treatment. Invisalign clear aligners are generally safe for developing pre-teens, and the resulting tooth placement lasts a very long time. A consultation with Dr. Wentz and the team at Wentz Orthodontics can help you determine the best course of orthodontic treatment for your child in or surrounding Lubbock, Texas.

Imagine being treated with a set of braces that are virtually undetectable.
That’s the beauty of Invisalign clear aligners. Invisalign costs around the same as treatment with traditional braces, but is more discreet, more comfortable, and more easily worn than metal braces. Being treated with Invisalign in Lubbock, TX by Dr. Wentz of Wentz Orthodontics can correct a patient’s orthodontic issues without anyone ever noticing that they are wearing braces.

Invisalign instead of metal braces.
Image and self-esteem are critical personal issues for developing children, teens, and adults with a less-than-perfect smile. Dr. Wentz says that the real appeal of Invisalign clear aligners is the freedom to eat and drink whatever you want without worrying about damaging your dental work. Invisalign clear aligners are removable by the wearer, making cleaning, eating, and active pursuits more comfortable.

Follow the instructions.
Pre-teens being treated with Invisalign risk interrupting the progress of their treatment by forgetting to wear the appliance. An Invisalign patient is afforded the opportunity to remove the trays before eating, and a pre-teen patient may forget to replace them in their mouth afterwards.

Assuming your pre-teen is qualified for treatment with Invisalign, make sure too that they understand how to wear, clean, and store the Invisalign trays. For some pre-teens, it is easy to follow instructions at home, but in school your child may forget some of the responsibilities that come with being treated with Invisalign. With conscientious care and application, your pre-teen’s treatment with Invisalign will ensure a great set of healthy, straight teeth that will serve them well for a lifetime.

Invisalign works well for adults and teens, but only a professional like Wentz Orthodontics can help decide if Invisalign treatment in Lubbock, Texas is the correct course of action to take in regard to your child’s orthodontic care. To learn more about treatment with Invisalign, or to schedule an appointment with Wentz Orthodontics call us at: (806)79-BRACE.

Mother's Day Contest At Wentz Orthodontics

Our Mother's Day contest starts NOW! This is an online only contest that requires you to email Tamara your answers. Send your emails to Tamara@wentzmail.com with 3 reasons why your mom is so special to be entered to win $100 to The WoodHouse Day Spa! 

We will be drawing a winner on May 6th, that's 2 days before Mother's Day! Just in time for you to pick up and gift to your mother!

Why You Should Wear Mouth Guards & Helmets

Since April is National Facial Protection Month, we at Wentz Orthodontics have decided to share some important statistics to keep in mind as spring sports season begins. It’s important for parents and coaches to remind athletes and recreational sports players to wear mouth guards to protect their teeth and jaw, and helmets to protect their faces and heads. These 2 simple pieces of equipment are far too often overlooked, as most are unaware that they are essential athletic gear that can help prevent serious, painful injuries that affect the face and mouth. 

Keep reading to learn a few statistics to remember this spring sports season.

3: Types of mouth guards: Custom-fitted mouth guards are made by your dentist for you personally. Stock mouth guards come pre-formed and may offer a bulky fit. Boil and bite mouth guards are softened in boiling water and then inserted and allowed to adapt to the shape of your mouth.

5: The number of top dental associations that encourage athletes and recreational sports players to wear mouth guards to keep their teeth and smiles intact.

7 to 11: The ages during which children are most vulnerable to sports-related mouth injuries.

60: The number of times that athletes are more likely to suffer harm to the teeth if they're not wearing a mouth guard.

All: How many sports during which you should wear a mouth guard. Collision and contact sports may be high-risk for the mouth, but you can still experience a dental injury from other sports such as gymnastics or skating.

We hope you have found these tips to be helpful. Be sure to use them to prevent injuries that can be costly to your health and your wallet.

Introducing iTero

It’s time to say goodbye to those messy molds associated with beginning orthodontic treatment, and say hello to the iTero Intraoral Scanner. The iTero Intraoral Scanner is a more comfortable procedure that can capture an extremely accurate digital impression of teeth within minutes. Once complete, we can use this model to start your orthodontic treatment and help you get the smile you’ve always wanted. Also, the 3D digital impression can be used with all Invisalign related services.

If you’re interested in beginning orthodontic treatment, contact Wentz Orthodontics today at (806)79-BRACE.

Wentz Orthodontics and The Children's Home of Lubbock Present The 26th Annual Golf Tournament

The Wentz Orthodontics & Children's Home Of Lubbock presents the Annual Golf Tournament. This is your opportunity to come make a difference in the life of a child. The 2016 Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, May 2, 2016 at LakeRidge Country Club -- a fun way for individuals and businesses to give back to the community and help ensure that local children continue to find a safe
place at The Children's Home of Lubbock.

There are TWO shotgun starts--one at 8:00 a.m. and another at 1:30 p.m. Be sure to choose your preferred flight at registration.

Team Entree Fee $500 (Both flights almost full)

Sponsorships:

• Tee Box/Green Sponsor (Does Not Include Team) $300
• Team Sponsor $500
• Grand Sponsor (Includes Team) $1,000
• Drink Cart Sponsor $3,500
• Mulligan Sponsor $3,500
• Bobby Wilson Sponsor (ACQUIRED) $3,500
• Event Sponsor (Includes Team) $5,000
• Premier Sponsor (Includes Team) $10,000
• Door Prizes (Please Call) $50 and Up

We look forward to seeing you on May 2. Click here to register!

National Anthem Day

Today is National Anthem Day! On March 3rd, we celebrate and honor the national anthem of the United States of America, our wonderful anthem known as The Star Spangled Banner. The Star Spangled Banner was written by Fancis Scott Key while serving in the Georgetown Light Field Artillery during the War of 1812. It wasn’t until March 3rd, 1931 that The Star Spangled Banner was officially the national anthem of the USA.

To celebrate our great national anthem, we thought it would be fun to share some videos of different famous artists and people singing the National Anthem!

Watch these videos to see some wonderful performances of The Star Spangled Banner!

Do you know 4 or more verses of the song? As a challenge, take some time to sing the National Anthem today and see how many lines you know! Then, try memorizing all of the lyrics! There is a great honor that comes with knowing the words and singing them wholeheartedly.  Wentz Orthodontics recognizes National Anthem Day & we hope you will too!

It's National Children’s Dental Health Month

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month! This is the perfect opportunity to teach children the importance of oral health habits and proper techniques of taking care of their teeth, gums, and mouth. Did you know in the United States alone 51 million hours of school is missed by American students due to oral health problems? That’s why it’s so important to emphasize the recognition of this specified national month, because every hour of school that is missed creates more problems for children in the classroom. This is why Wentz Orthodontics encourages you to utilize this month to remind your kids about dental health.

Help your children have knowledge in dental health with these creative ways to make it fun.

Special Toothpaste

Most elementary school aged children aren’t concerned with having minty fresh breath, that’s why the ADA has approved so many fun flavored toothpastes. Almost all kids look forward to cleaning their teeth with fun flavors that fit their taste buds a little better. Some popular flavors are watermelon and strawberry, but there is a great variety to choose from!

Fun Toothbrushes

Another way to make dental health more interesting for children is to opt for fun style toothbrush. When replacing their toothbrush, let them pick one in their favorite color or with their favorite character. Also, a new toothbrush option that is growing pretty rapidly is the gaming toothbrush, such as the Grush. The “Grush” takes brushing to another level. This toothbrush is coupled with interactive and instructive mobile games guiding kids’ through proper brushing techniques while they think they are simply playing a game. These brushes also provide tracking for parents to see growth in results.

Create Memories

Show your children that taking care of their dental health is fun and memorable by adding a little flare to it. Brush and floss with them, sing songs, and help them brush while encouraging them to learn the proper skills. Also, there are several fun books and videos designed specifically for children to learn about dental health. Read to them and watch educational videos together. These efforts alone will provide great oral health habits with your children and long lasting memories.


It's never too late to teach your children proper techniques and skills for their dental health.  Also, don't forget you can bring your child in at age 7 for an evaluation and orthodontic treatment.

Wentz Holiday Hours

Wentz Orthodontics would like to inform you of our special holiday office hours.

Christmas Eve & Christmas Day 

Closed 

New Year's Eve & New Year's Day

Closed

We look forward to celebrating the holidays with our families, and apologize for any inconvenience. Our Wentz Orthodontics staff would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

The Reason for the Season

Christmas is officially one week away, and while most are worried about last minute shopping and Christmas parties, we want to remind you the true meaning of Christmas.   As we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, let us open our hearts to the joy that is the reason for the season.  We want to share some of our favorite Christmas bible verses with you as you continue to celebrate and remember the birth of Jesus, the Son of God.

Luke 2:14

Isaiah 9:6

John 3:16

For so many the true meaning of this precious season gets lost in the gift of giving and receiving. We hope these wonderful verses will remind you that Jesus is the reason for the season!

Merry Christmas from Wentz Orthodontics!