Smile More This Summer

If you are considering straightening your teeth with orthodontic work, this summer is a great time to get started on your journey toward a beautiful smile. While you can straighten your teeth at any time, upcoming barbecues, Fourth of July celebrations, and beach parties make the summer months a great time to improve the appearance and function of your teeth. Orthodontics are appropriate for patients of all ages, and there are many reasons that you should finally take the steps to straighten your teeth.

Improve Your Appearance
With the summer months approaching, you may be working on how to improve your physical appearance. Tanning, exercising, and eating right are likely on your agenda for getting a beach-ready body, but don't forget your smile. A straight smile is a beautiful smile, and straightening your teeth can go a long way in improving your appearance. Straighten your teeth over the summer and be prepared to show off a straighter, more beautiful smile during this year's wedding season.

Straight Teeth are Healthy Teeth
If you choose to straighten your smile this summer, you will be left with healthier teeth. Straight teeth are less likely to experience discoloration, fractures, and uneven wear, and they are less likely to develop cavities. The gums that support straight teeth are healthier than those that support crooked teeth, meaning you can chew and eat anything that you want. Straight teeth are less likely to experience cold or heat sensitivity, and they also lower your risk of developing expensive and painful dental problems.

Boost Your Self Confidence
A great smile is usually the first thing that someone new will notice about you. If you have crooked teeth or an improper bite, you may feel self-conscious of your smile and might try to hide it. Studies have shown that the better you feel about your looks, the better you will also feel about yourself as a whole. This improved self-esteem and confidence can benefit your life in a variety of ways, from dating and socialization to greater career opportunities at work, so consider straightening your teeth this summer.

If you are ready to get that straight smile you deserve, call Poser Orthodontics today at
262-255-6255 to make your appointment today!

The Skinny On Eating With Damon Braces

Damon braces are a unique type of self-ligating braces that allow you to eliminate the rubber bands that cause so much trouble for traditional braces wearers. These braces use a steady pattern of pressure to correct your teeth, and they can shift your teeth more rapidly than traditional braces can.

The unique design of Damon braces helps to reduce the buildup of food particles and debris that can tend to get lodged in the brackets of traditional metal braces. Thus, eating with Damon braces can actually be easier because your cleaning job is simpler.

There are several different foods that you might want to focus on during your early days with Damon braces. The most important thing to remember is that you need to focus on soft foods and non-chewy foods immediately after you get your Damon braces. Remember to chew carefully and evenly as you start to adjust to your new braces.

As you become comfortable with the braces, consider gradually re-introducing the crunchier and harder foods that you usually enjoy. Most Damon braces patients are able to eat virtually anything that they usually can, as long as caution is used. However, particularly chewy foods, for example taffy, are something that you might want to avoid in general.

Some patients tell us that they are successful in eating all the same foods they did prior to braces! Overall, you can expect a very smooth transition into wearing braces, and you will be able to enjoy remarkably fast smile correction at the same time.

If you are curious about Damon braces or if you have specific questions about how they can help you, please feel free to contact our Poser Orthodontics Germantown or Wauwatosa, WI office anytime!

Braces Friendly Breakfast Recipe

Whether you're new to wearing braces or have had them for a while, you probably noticed that certain foods are hard to enjoy while being treated for orthodontics. Instead of loading up a list of things you can't eat, we suggest creating a list of new foods and recipes you can eat. This makes wearing braces a pleasurable experience that will leave your smile, and your tummy, very happy!

To help you start this positive orthodontic experience Poser Orthodontics found a new recipe that is braces friendly and taste buds approved! Check it out below.

Apple-Maple French Toast

Ingredients 

• Vegetarian 
• Produce 
• 3 Apples 
• Refrigerated 
• 6 Eggs 

Condiments 

• 1/2 cup Maple syrup 
• Baking & Spices 
• 1 Cinnamon, Ground 
• 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract 
• Bread & Baked Goods -6 slices Bread 

Dairy

• 2 tbsp Butter 
• 1 cup Milk 

Liquids

• 2 tbsp Water 

Directions:
1. Whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of ground cinnamon in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Add the bread in a single layer, turning until all the egg is absorbed.

2. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter, and add apples, stirring to coat until starting to caramelize. Add the water, cooking until water has evaporated and apples are tender, about 4 minutes.

3. Pour in the maple syrup and a dash of ground cinnamon; simmer for a minute to combine.

4. In a large, heated nonstick skillet, melt about 1 tablespoon butter and saute the soaked bread until golden brown on each side, about 4 minutes. Place French toast on a plate and top with apple-maple mixture, plus more butter if you'd like!

Don't "DIY" Orthodontics

Poser 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.

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.”

If you have any further questions regarding “DIY” orthodontics, or are curious about straightening your teeth, please contact us at 262-255-6255.