3 Ways You Can Get Creative with Holiday Stockings

Have you ever wondered, “Why do we hang up Christmas stockings”

Via whyzz.com

"The tradition of hanging up a stocking on Christmas and having it filled with presents goes back to the story of a generous man named Saint Nicholas, a real-life man who lived about 1,700 years ago and is the inspiration for Santa Claus! Saint Nicholas liked to do good things, especially for those in need. It’s said that in one of his most famous good deeds, Saint Nicholas left gold coins in the stockings of three poor sisters whose family did not have enough money to pay for their marriages. 

Today, many people who celebrate Christmas hang up stockings to be magically filled with gifts, just like the stockings of the three girls! Some kids even find an orange in their stocking every year as a reminder of the gold coins that started it all!"

Hanging up Christmas stockings during the holidays is a tradition that many households enjoy however, plain old right and white stocks are rather boring. This year it’s time to change things up and give your mantle a whole new look and give stocking stuffing a whole new feel. This can be done in 3 easy DIY steps.

Create a Custom Stocking Hanger

decoratingyoursmallspace.com

Get Creative with Stocking Designs

chickenscratchny.com

Fun Stuffer Gifts

popsugar.com

All year long here at Dr. Poser's office give the gift of beautiful smiles and this holiday season were giving out something extra, visit our Facebook and find out how you can win a $50.00 movie gift card!

All It Takes is 2 Minutes 2 Times a Day

Seeking orthodontic treatment one way for you to make sure your oral health is in good shape. However, there are various factors that affect the health status of your teeth, such as: brushing, flossing and eating habits. When treating your teeth we want to be sure we are working with healthy teeth. Developing healthy habits start at a young age, so parents we must work together to teach children proper oral hygiene habits. 

For example, the 20 baby teeth that will appear in the first 3 years of your baby’s life are already there at birth, in your baby’s jawbones. Baby teeth are key for chewing, speaking and appearance. They also hold space in the jaws for upcoming adult teeth. Even though they fall out, your child’s baby teeth are important, and you need to take good care of them.

The Ad Council, a non-profit organization that helps promote public service campaigns, has started the 2min2x Children's Oral Health Campaign. 2min2x.org states: 

The Children’s Oral Health campaign encourages parents to reduce their children’s risk of oral disease by making sure they're brushing for two minutes, twice a day.

The PSAs (Public Service Advertisements) aim to show that if parents spend just 2 minutes, twice a day making sure they brush, it can help save their children from a lifetime of tooth pain. The campaign demonstrates what a short amount of time 2 minutes is to accomplish such an important piece of parenting. We do this by showing parents trying to squeeze other parenting moments into just 2 minutes - and struggling in such a short period of time.

This website is a great tool for parents to refer to when looking for more information about taking care of their kids’ teeth, and it also has fun, entertaining 2 minute videos that kids can watch while brushing their teeth.

Here a PSA video for the campaign

Here at Dr. Poser's Office we care about your overall oral health of all of our patients. If you have any questions about oral health contact us to today or try visiting 2min2x.org to find out more on how to teach children about the importance of oral health.

7 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes

It’s that time of the year again where we gather around with our beloved friends and family to give thanks. At the core of this gathering is a Thanksgiving feast. Whether one person is cooking or your having a potluck style dinner, each dish is important to a complete Thanksgiving meal. However, side dishes might outshine entrees on this day.

With all the hassle that comes along with cooking on Thanksgiving we want to help you lighten your load. Here’s a list of 7 side dishes you can make BEFORE Thanksgiving Day!

1. Mash Potatoes

Recipe

2. Gravy

Recipe

3. Green Bean Casserole

Recipe

4. Dinner Rolls 

Recipe

5. Cranberry Sauce

Recipe

6. Cauliflower Gratin

Recipe

7. Roasted Butternut Squash Casserole with a Sweet and Crunchy Pecan Topping

Recipe

All photos and recipes provided by noshon.it

Thanksgiving is the ultimate foodie holiday, but we want all of our patient under orthodontic treatment to please review Dr. Posers “Foodsto Avoid” list.

The Clear Choice for Braces

Contrary to belief traditional metal braces are only one of multiple choices, and we want to let you know about the clear choice.

Traditional metal braces include metal brackets attached to the teeth and connected by metal wires, which is the most common treatment option to date. However, as dentistry has progressed with the times we now have invisible and less visible options. Deciding to undergo orthodontic treatment to improve your smile not only affects your appearance, but it affects your lifestyle as well. Largely for adults, the stigma of traditional metal braces may deter many from seeking treatment. Clear are discreet and comfortable, and you’re choosing the clear option we recommend is Damon Braces.

Esthetics are the number one reason for choosing to go clear, and Damon Braces are designed to be discreet, comfortable and easy to keep clean. Damon brackets have an advantage over traditional brackets in that they do not require Elastic ties. Having braces used to mean a mouthful of wires with elastic ties and uncomfortable orthodontic adjustments. Instead of using elastic ties to hold the wire to the bracket, Damon brackets utilize a passive, self-litigating system. This means the wires are held in place by a sliding mechanism. This sliding mechanism allows for more freedom of movement and eliminates the need for tightening by the orthodontist.

In addition to avoiding uncomfortable adjustment appointments, eliminating the use of elastic ties also allows for a more attractive final result. Even with proper brushing and flossing, plaque tends to gather around elastic ties leading to erosion of the enamel around the bracket, which can mean permanent marks on your teeth when the brackets are removed. Damon brackets are easier to keep clean, making dental hygiene easy during treatment.

More adult orthodontic patients are seeking orthodontic treatment, and it's not hard to figure out why. Appliances that are barely noticeable have been developed to give adults more discreet choices when it comes to orthodontic treatment. Straightening teeth can be an important part of that confidence-boosting makeover process.

Dr. Poser's office is your number one choice from Clear Braces in Germantown and Wauwatosa, contact us today to schedule an appointment 

Turkey Arts & Crafts

Photo provided by Parents.com

If you didn't notice we have now entered November, we are just one month away from Christmas and two months away from New Years. However, this month everyone is focused  on Thanksgiving.  Thanksgiving is an annual national holiday marked by religious observances and a traditional meal including turkey. Many recognize Thanksgiving as a holiday where you get together with family and friends to grub and give thanks. Being that this foodie holiday isn't until the end of the month there’s a few arts and crafts turkey creation activities the whole family can get into.

Click the names of each crafts for directions on how to make

Hand Painted Turkey

Balloon Turkey

Dancing Turkey

Paper Plate Turkey

Paper Roll Turkey

Although these turkeys aren't the real deal, the creation process can be a fun time for everyone. Once you can your craft turkeys you can place them around the house as decoration. You could even use the craft creations are center pieces on the big day. Be sure to take pictures of your finalized art and post them on our Facebook page for us to share. 

Top 10 Family-Friendly Halloween Movies

Photo Provided by Homemovieclub.wordpress.com

Everyone is excited about Halloween from young kids to grown adults; we are all in the Halloween spirit. Halloween is just two days what a better way to get ready than a Halloween themed movie night. Now, we know some Halloween movies can be extremely scary and have so you shaking in your boots, so we compiled a list of our favorite family friendly movies.

Here are 10 Halloween movies you whole family can enjoy

Hocus Pocus

It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

BeetleJuice

Casper

Twitches

The Nightmare before Christmas

Monster House

Paranorman

ET

Ghostbusters

 So before you had out to roam your neighborhood for candy, grab some popcorn, your blankets and gather in the living room for a fun-filled movie night. Parents and kids alike are sure to enjoy each film equally.  We hope you all have a fun and safe Halloween and remember if you’re under orthodontic treatment visit our food avoids list to protect your teeth. 

Safety First on Halloween

Photo provided by Bostonmagazine.com

Halloween is a week away and we know everyone is ready to dress up and head out. Here at Poser Orthodontics we care about not only your teeth, but your physical safety. There are a few tips from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Photo provided by walmart,com

Costume Safety:

• Costumes should short and not drag in order to prevent tripping or falling
• If you wear a mask make sure it is secure
• Costume accessories should be soft and flexible for safety
• Make sure you have a flashlight
• Make sure your goodies bag is secure

Door to Door Safety:

Photo provided by Drafthouse.com

• Trick or Treat in groups
• Young children should be accompanied by adults
• Let children know to always stay on the sidewalk
• Beware if passing cars
• Always use crosswalk when crossing the street
• Children should only go to homes where the lights are on outside
• Never enter a home, unless accompanied by an adult

Treat Safety:

• Make sure children know all treats need to be inspected by adults before eating 

Remember there’s going to be candy everywhere  and we want to make sure that our patients are enjoy the Halloween spirit, but are also protecting their oral health. We want to remind our patients who are under orthodontic treatment certain foods like caramel, taffy and hard-candies are off-limits. You've worked hard along with Dr. Poser to achieve the smile you've dreamed of, don’t let Halloween threaten your progress. 

Think Pink in October

Photo Provided by LaurenConrad.com

This month we are taking the time out to shed light on the importance of Orthodontic Health, but we also have to take to time to support a very special cause this month. October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Photo Provided by Eurweb.com

Pink ribbons and accessories are appearing everywhere as support is shown nationwide for breast cancer. Breast Cancer Awareness month happens annually every October to increase awareness of the disease and raise funds for research into its cause, prevention diagnosis, treatment and cure. The goal of Breast Cancer Awareness is to offer information and support to those affected by breast cancer, whether it is a survivor or family members who have lost someone close due to breast cancer.

Breast Cancer is the most common cancer among women in the US, 1 in 8 women are be diagnosed

Photo Provided by Avonwalk.com

with breast cancer each year. However, breast cancer isn’t exclusive to women. Men are also affected by this life altering disease. Many of us know of someone who has been diagnosed with or has a family member that has been affected by breast cancer. It is important that we encourage those affected by raising awareness and show support for finding a cure. There are more than 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in the US and we want to work to increase that number.

There are various ways you can help this cause

Donate

Join/Start a Fundraiser

Partner with a nationally recognized charity

And/Or Volunteer

Ortho-Friendly Treats

Orthodontic Health Month is about creating awareness about the importance of orthodontic health to patients and our surrounding community. We want our patients to understand the health and lifestyle benefits of orthodontics.

In honor of Orthodontic Health Month the American Association of Orthodontist, the official sponsors, have partnered with prominent Chef, restaurateur, TV personality and author John Besh. Chef Besh has provided recipes for ortho-friendly treats. These foods are easy to prepare and delicious alternatives to the sugary treats available this time of year.

(click the name of the dish for recipes)

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Photo provided by Foodnetwork.com

This dish only takes 30 mins to make and can serve up to 8 people.

Yogurt Fruit Pops 

These Popsicle treats will please any sweet tooth.

Drew’s Cake

This blueberry cake will have your taste buds thanking you.

There’s going to be candy everywhere this month and we want to make sure that our patients are enjoy the Halloween spirit, but also protecting their oral health. We want to remind our patient who are under orthodontic treatment certain foods like caramel, taffy and hard-candies are off-limits. You've worked hard along with Dr. Poser to achieve the smile you've dreamed of, don’t let Halloween threaten your progress. 

Know Your Ortho Terms: Bonding

Bonding is the process of attaching  brackets onto your teeth. This is done by special safe adhesive.

After consultation and the initial examination and you and your orthodontist decide that braces treatment is the appropriate option for you, once this is done you move on to the first step to getting your new smile.

Photo provided by byufan.net

The first step of apply braces in bonding the dental brackets to you r teeth. Before applying the brackets a cheek retractor is used to keep the teeth visible and dry during the procedure. To make sure

the brackets bond to your teeth correctly, the teeth are properly polished. To future prepare, a conditioner is used on the surface of the teeth.

Once the teeth are cleaned off and air-dried, an adhesive primer is placed on the teeth to enhance the bonding process. Finally, cement is applied on the back of the brackets which are applied to position predetermined by the doctor. Once the brackets are in excess cement is removed and brackets are hardened with high-intensity light. The cheek retractor is then removed and you move onto the next step, which is placing arch wire into place.

To learn more about braces treatments and the steps required, schedule a consultation appointment at our office. Visit our website or call us today!

Tis' the Season of Pumpkin Spice

Photo provided by Budgetbytes.com

We have entered the fall season. With this shift into autumn certain foods and ingredients are now in season. One of the most popular fall ingredients is pumpkin, specifically pumpkin spice.

This time of the year pumpkins are everywhere, as decorative and food dishes. Pumpkin pie spice is a blend of warm spices. Warm spices include cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, clove and allspice.

Food and beverage makers are in the spirit as well, overloading the market with pumpkin spice products. From drinks to treats pumpkin spice flavors are available. Americans have bought into the pumpkin spice craze. It reported that in 2013 Americans spent $308 million pumpkin-flavored products.

Here’s a list of the most popular pumpkin spice products:

Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte: It is reported that over 200 million lattes have been purchased since the seasonal drink debuted in 2003.

Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin Spice Oreos

Pumpkin Spice M&M’s

There are tons of pumpkin spice recipes. Do you have any? Let us know how you use pumpkin spice during the holidays.

Safe Smiles

The kids are settled back into school and that means it’s time for extracurricular activities. When involved in extracurricular activities that are physical kids need to protect themselves, especially their teeth.

Photo provided by usafootball.com

Sports-related dental injuries are reported to be the cause of over 600,000 emergency rooms visits per year. We advise taking extra pre-caution to protect your teeth, during orthodontic treatment (ie, braces). You can take pre-caution by wearing a mouth guard to protect your teeth. A mouth guard is a device that is used to protect your mouth from injury when you are participating in sporting activity. The use of a mouth guard is especially important to orthodontic patients.

Types of dental injuries that can occur without a mouth guard:

Fracture: Broken tooth or chipped tooth.

Avulsion: Entire tooth knocked out from the root.

Luxation: tooth mispositioned in socket.

A mouth guard can help prevent injury to the teeth, mouth and even jaw. Mouth guards are made of flexible material that is fitted to protect your upper and lower teeth. You can buy a standard mouth guard or get a custom guard made. The right fit mouth guard will act as cushions protecting your mouth from hits and preventing serious injury. Not matter the type of mouth you must wear one to protect your teeth.

Photo provided by Kartemart.com

Without a mouth guard injury can result in permanent damage. While involved with any physical activity under orthodontic treatment consultwith us for the choosing the best mouth guard for you.