Easy Potato Skins | Super Bowl Snack

What to buy: Look for potatoes in 5-pound bags, as they tend to be smaller in size than loose potatoes. Avoid green-spotted or sprouted potatoes—they contain the bitter toxin solanine.

Game plan: Use the leftover scooped potatoes for mashed potato cakes or potato soup.

INGREDIENTS

• 8 (3-inch-long) russet potatoes (about 2 1/4 pounds), scrubbed and thoroughly dried
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/4 stick), melted
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces)
• 5 to 6 slices cooked, crumbled bacon
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat the oven to 400°F and arrange a rack in the middle.
2. Pierce each potato several times with a fork or sharp knife. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake until the skins are crisp and a knife easily pierces the potatoes, about 50 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack until cool enough to handle, about 10 minutes. Set the oven to broil.
3. Slice each potato in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out the flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch intact; reserve the flesh for another use. Brush the insides of the potatoes with the melted butter and season with salt and pepper. Flip the potatoes over, brush the skin sides with butter, and season with salt and pepper. Evenly space the potato halves skin-side up on a baking sheet and broil until the butter foams and the skins start to crisp, about 2 to 3 minutes (keep a close watch so they don’t burn). Flip the potato halves over and broil until the top edges just start to brown, about 2 to 3 minutes more.
4. Evenly fill each skin with cheese and crumbled bacon. Place in the broiler and broil until the cheese is melted and bubbling, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from the broiler and top each with 1 teaspoon of the sour cream and a sprinkling of the chives. Serve immediately.

Do You Know What Sets Us Apart?

Everyone on our team understands that your goals in seeking orthodontic care, in addition to your clinical needs, are different from anyone else’s. Instead of a cookie-cutter approach to treatment, we’ll spend time talking with you about your goals in considering orthodontia and reviewing the results of your complimentary evaluation.

Then we’ll create a treatment plan and present it to you, and explain the different steps and options available to develop your new smile. We’ll encourage you to be part of the decision-making process; this is your smile, after all!

Our Commitment to You

As a family-friendly and patient-focused practice, Poser Orthdontics promises to:

• Provide a welcoming, comfortable environment
• Treat you with respect and courtesy at all times
• Be responsive to your questions, and provide you with the answers you need
• Be ethical and honest in all treatment recommendations
• Encourage you to be an educated advocate for your oral health
• Ensure any concerns you might have are listened to and immediately addressed

Give us a call to get started with your orthodontic treatment. Call 262-255-6255 for our Germantown office, or 414-476-2244 for our Wauwatosa office. 

Very Berry 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.

Here is a new recipe for you to try out this weekend! Enjoy!

Very Berry Smoothie
Loaded with antioxidants, this smoothie is a yummy breakfast option for your kid.

You Will Need:
1 cup fresh or frozen berries – strawberries, raspberries, blueberries
1 cup low fat yogurt
2 small bananas
1/2 cup crushed ice

How To:
Blend the berries, yogurt, sliced bananas, and ice for a minute, or until you get the desired consistency.
Serve fresh.

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes
Servings: 4
Nutritional Value: calories – 151.2, carbohydrates – 31.3g, protein – 5g, fat – 1.7g, cholesterol – 3.7mg

Merry Christmas!

Take some time this holiday season to be appreciative of those who work when they should be with family and friends, those who are away from those they love, and those who sacrifice for our needs.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. May this Christmas find you surrounded by those you love, filled with a lot of fun and cheer, and the New Year bring happiness, health, and prosperity.

Questions About Finances?

When you consider the cost of orthodontic treatment, also consider the lifelong benefits of a beautiful, healthy smile. The cost of orthodontic treatment will depend on many factors, including the severity of the problem, its complexity and length of treatment.

For your convenience, we do offer different methods of payment, including interest-free monthly payment plans and credit card payments. We will discuss these payment options and assist in determining the best plan for you.

Our office will assist those who have orthodontic insurance by submitting the necessary information. Insurance companies vary greatly in the type and extent of coverage available. 

Most misunderstandings about insurance can be eliminated if you are familiar with your policy:

• Be sure that you do have orthodontic coverage. Not all dental plans provide orthodontic benefits.
• Inquire if there is an age limitation as some orthodontic plans can expire at age 18.
• Be aware of the percentage which will be paid by your insurance and the amount of lifetime benefits provided by your plan.

What To Eat When You Get Braces

Just get braces? You may notice that your mouth feels a little different after they’re first put on. To make your transition a little smoother, you may want to change your eating habits for the first few days while you get used to your new braces. We at Poser Orthodontics want to make things easier on our new patients, so below you will find some suggestions for the best kinds of foods to eat when you first get braces.

1. Have a smoothie. Smoothies are great option for a delicious meal in a glass, offering a convenient, balanced option. Throw whatever you like in a blender, add protein to make it more filling and even try a handful of spinach— if the smoothie is made right, you won’t even taste it!

2. Think soft. The first day or so of having your new braces on will mean you may not feel like chewing a whole lot. But that’s fine–try something soft but delicious like tender turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy. Soups, chili, pudding, oatmeal and yogurt are all good choices during your first few days with braces.

3. Easy to chew. A steak dinner is not the best thing to have at your “congratulations on getting your braces” dinner. But meat shouldn’t be off the table completely–how about some shaved turkey cold cuts?

4. Try new things. Having to change up what you eat for a few days is the perfect excuse to try some new foods–how about a soft cheese you haven’t had before, like Munster or Brie? How about a new smoothie recipe for breakfast? Baked apples for a snack or dessert? You may end up discovering a new staple for your everyday diet.

5. Stay healthy. Don’t fall into the ice cream trap. Sure, it’s good for a treat, but it won’t give you the nourishment you need to look and feel your best. Eating soft food doesn’t mean eating unhealthy.

Lastly, remember to stay hydrated and drink lots of water throughout the day, avoiding pop and sugary drinks as your teeth are even more susceptible to cavities when you have braces.

Mini Eggnog Cheesecackes | NEW RECIPE ALERT

These Mini Eggnog Cheesecakes are perfect for your holiday party dessert table. Not only are they easy to make and delicious, but they make a beautiful display too.

Cute, creamy, delicious, simple to make, and perfect for your holiday party dessert table.
Ingredients

• 1 cup Graham Cracker Crumbs
• 2 Tbsp Butter, melted
• 12 oz Cream Cheese, softened
• ½ cup Sugar
• ½ cup Eggnog
• 1 Tbsp Flour
• 1 Egg
• ½ tsp Vanilla
• ½ tsp Nutmeg

Instructions:

• Pre-heat oven to 350.
• Place paper liners in 9 cups of muffin pan.
• Combine graham cracker crumbs, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and melted butter. Mix well.
• Divide between the lined cups, pressing gently to flatten.
• Blend the cream cheese and sugar together until creamy.
• Add in the egg, eggnog, flour, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg and vanilla. Mix until blended.
• Divide and spoon into the lined cups to about ¾ full.
• Bake for 20 minutes or until centers are set.
• Allow to cool completely in pan.
• Remove from pan and refrigerate for several hours.
• Top with whipped cream and dust with nutmeg.

Nutrition Information
Serving size: 1 mini cheesecake Calories: 259 Fat: 15g Carbohydrates: 25g Sugar: 16gSodium: 231mg Protein: 5g

Happy Thanksgiving

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

Happy Thanksgiving!

What are Damon Clear Brackets?

Damon® Clear is the passive self-ligating bracket whose beauty is more than skin-deep. Damon® Clear combines the look and comfort image-conscious patients demand with the strength and functionality discriminating clinicians need. Validated by multi-site in vivo studies and third-party university research, Damon® Clear is more than meets the eye.

Contact Poser Orthodontics to learn more about this amazing treatment!

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween from Poser Orthodontics!

Do You Have Sensitive Teeth?

If hot, cold, sweet or very acidic food and drinks, or breathing in cold air, makes your teeth sensitive then you may have sensitive teeth. It is very common and can come and go.

The most common reason for tooth sensitivity is because the root surfaces of our teeth are exposed to stimulants from the environment, and due to this gum recession, it allows the tooth to feel more than usual.

Now these root surfaces are more porous than the rest of the tooth which is protected by enamel. So in order to help with the sensitivity, many products in the market try to block up these porosities thereby stopping these teeth from feeling any stimulants. Sensitivity could also be a symptom of decay.

There are many products out that say they help with sensitivity but not all of them work for every person. Often times it’s about testing what is out there and whichever product you find works for you is the one that you should use. For more questions regarding sensitive teeth, contact Poser Orthodontics and we will be happy to assist you.

Signs Your Child Needs Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment

If your child exhibits the following signs, he or she may be a good candidate for two-phase orthodontic treatment:

• Losing baby teeth early, before five years of age
• Problems with biting or chewing
• Sucking the thumb after age five
• Evidence of a crossbite, where the teeth don’t come together when opening or closing of the mouth
• Teeth are crowded at age seven or eight
• Protruding teeth on the top or bottom

Not all children need to have early treatment, but if your child shows any of these signs, you should bring him or her to us for a complimentary initial evaluation at Poser Orthodontics.

What is Simpli5?

Today's orthodontic appliances are designed to be comfortable, discreet, and fit the needs of your unique lifestyle. Invisible aligners have become a popular alternative to traditional orthodontic appliances like metal braces and headgear giving patients the beautiful smiles they've always wanted without ever having to wear braces.

Poser Orthodontics is pleased to offer our patients a "clear" alternative to metal braces with Simpli5 invisible aligners.

What Are The Benefits Of Using Simpli5?

• Quicker treatment times - With Simpli5, you can begin your treatment just three to four weeks after your doctor has taken impressions, and most cases are completed within just five months.
• Comfort - The Simpli5 plastic aligners are custom made to fit your mouth. The aligners are made of a unique plastic material that is smooth and invisible! The aligners fit so well that your family and friends may never even know you're wearing braces.
• Convenience - Each aligner is worn for only three to four weeks, for five to six months. After your treatment is complete, you're left with a beautiful, straight smile in less time than with traditional orthodontic appliances.

Oral Health Benefits of Sesame Oil

Recently a DIY (Do It Yourself) health method has surfaced becoming very popular. This method is used to support oral health and involves the use of sesame oil, which has been found to bring along many health benefits.

Sesame oil is an edible vegetable oil derived from sesame seeds. This popular method using sesame oil is called oil pulling. It’s as simple as rinsing your mouth with oil. Oil pulling is done by swishing a table soon of sesame oil in your mouth for about 10 minutes then spitting it out.

What are the benefits of sesame oil for your oral health:

• Overall strengthening of the teeth and gums and jaws
• Prevention of diseases of the gums and mouth, such as cavities and gingivitis
• Prevention for bad breath
• Potential holistic remedy for bleeding gums
• Prevention of dryness of the lips, mouth and throat
• Possible holistic treatment for TMJ and general soreness in the jaw area

Other possible benefits of sesame oil:

• Migraine headache relief
• Reducing inflammation of arthritis
• May help reduce sinus congestion
• Some people report improved vision
• Reduces the symptoms of allergies

Sesame oil reduces plaque, bacteria to fight gingivitis and it can remineralize tooth enamel. Sesame oil is also used to cook foods like noodles and vegetables.

This method has been discussed for centuries as a way to improve oral health, however you can do your research online to find out if oil pulling is right for you. If you have any questions regarding methods for improving oral health give Dr. Poser’s office a call.

Red, White, & Blue Braces

Are you one of the many people in the Germantown or Wauwatosa area with teeth that just don’t reflect you? Would you like to have perfect teeth in less time than you could imagine? Our new Red, White and Blue clear braces may be right for you! To find out if this revolutionary orthodontic device will help you get the smile you desire, contact Poser Orthodontics today.

Red, White and Blue braces are a fast way to straighten teeth using clear aligners marked with tiny colored dots. Unlike traditional braces, these clear braces get the job done in as little as a few months. Most candidates for these braces need very little movement in order to get their teeth into perfect alignment.

Contact Poser Orthodontics to set up your first appointment and learn more about our orthodontic treatment options.

What is Multi-Phase Orthodontics

Are you aware of Multi-Phased Orthodontics? If not, don’t worry you’re not alone. Multi-Phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized process that involves facial and jaw changes along with straightening teeth. This process allows Poser Orthodontics to create a healthy functional smile with results that remain stable after treatment. One benefit of Multi-Phase orthodontics in certain cases, it can prevent adult tooth extractions or major jaw surgery.

How does it work?

Multi-Phase orthodontics starts with interceptive orthodontic care. This is a process where Poser Orthodontics intercepts an oral problem before it continues to get unmanageable. Typically, treatment starts with younger children in order to manipulate teeth and growth before it’s too late. The best age for this is between 7 and 10-year-old. With interceptive orthodontics, treatment is about 4 to 12 months with monitoring of the child after that to discuss is possible second phase treatment.

Once a majority of the adult teeth have erupted, another phase of treatment can begin. The average treatment time of Multi-Phase is about 12 months of braces on the teeth. Retainers are worn after treatment to hold the correct position of the teeth.

If you are interested in learning more about Multi-Phase Orthodontics, contact Poser Orthodontics to discuss it more. We love answering questions and providing a solid foundation of information to those who are interested in treatment for their children or themselves. Call us at our Germantown office 262-255-6255 or our Wauwatosa office 414-476-2244.

Poser Ortho Smiles of the Week

At Poser Orthodontics, we pride ourselves in providing the best care to the best patients in the Wauwatosa and Germantown areas. As we celebrate with our patients who just got braces put on, or just finished their braces and enter into retention, we love capturing every moment throughout the process and all the moments in between if we can!

Check out a few patients who flashed their #PoserOrtho this week at the office.

Do you want to be showcased on our blog? Take a picture at your next appointment at Poser Orthodontics and we will share it on our Facebook page or post it on our blog!

Cool Down With This Recipe

Enjoy the rest of the summer with this tasty homemade snack that's sure to be a hit at any age. You probably have all the ingredients you need already! Skip store-bought popsicles and opt for a DIY version with this delicious BRACES FRIENDLY Greek Yogurt Berry Smoothie Pops!

Ingredients
½ cup Greek yogurt (I use Chobani Vanilla)
½ cup milk
1 cup frozen berries

Instructions
Blend ingredients until smooth.
Pour into 3 oz paper cups.
Let pops set up until almost firm and insert popscicle stick.
Continue freezing until solid.
Gently tear off paper cup and enjoy immediately.
Makes 5 pops.

You Have Braces...So Why Do You Still Need To See Your Dentist?

So you have a mouth full braces, you see your orthodontist for an examination and adjustment every 6-8 weeks and your hygienist has a poke around too….so why do you need to visit the dentist?

When we work on your braces, we are not looking specifically for any cavities and anything we do notice is a by-product of monitoring your oral health from an orthodontic perspective. Even if we did find something suspicious we don’t have the facilities to deal with it.

For this reason, we advise you to maintain your regular dental checkup schedule. Ideally, a visit to your general dentist once every 6 months is good.

The other important thing to remember is that your oral hygiene needs to be flawless. The appliances that are in your mouth are a magnet for plaque buildup, unfortunately. If you are a bit lax with brushing and rinsing out your mouth after eating, you may just find that you have a beautiful straight smile with stained teeth.

While having braces does not increase the risk of cavities, not caring for your teeth and having braces does.

Remember to brush or rinse after eating.  Just swishing water around your mouth if you can’t brush during the day is better than leaving food debris in your braces or appliances. Then, brush thoroughly morning and night the way you were shown at your appointment.

If you can’t remember, ask for a brushing refresher next time you visit and one of our handy mirror clings. Or, you can always visit our website for more information. Click here to view it now.

Summer Tip #1: How to Pack With Braces

If you are wearing braces and are planning a vacation, our team at Poser Orthodontics would suggest that you be prepared. We put together a list of items that will be handy to have with you at all times while you are out of town.

They include:

• Toothpick, flosspick, or other interdental cleaners
• Travel toothbrush
• A water bottle or a mini bottle of mouth rinse
• Orthodontic wax to help with discomfort from protruding wires
• A small mirror for examining any possible issues in your mouth

Putting these items together in a “braces/oral hygiene kit” may be wise. You may even buy pre-made braces kits. Please ask us for more information.