Tuesday, October 18, 2016

I'm So Thirsty


Photo provided by huffingtonpost.com

When being treated at Lenz Orthodontics, patients are encouraged to make necessary diet modifications to protect their braces and to ensure the health of the tissues in the mouth. 

It is advised by Dr. Lenz to avoid or completely eliminate certain beverages during treatment for this reason. 

Drinks suggestive of causing dental decay by your dentist should be restricted while wearing braces. This includes drinks high in sugar and acid. If high sugary drinks are to be consumed, they should be limited to meal times or once a day. The mouth produces more saliva during meals which, in turn, helps to neutralize acids and rinse food from the mouth.

While these drinks taste great...they're not the best thing for you while in orthodontic treatment. Try your best to steer clear of:

  • Fizzy Soft Drinks – sodas especially cola  
  • Sports Drinks – isotonic and energy drinks  
  • Fruit Juices – lemon juice has citric acid  
  • Sweetened liquids – syrup and honey

What's left to drink on the beverage menu? 
Water from the tap is proven to be the best. It is a natural source and is rich in fluoride. 6-8 glasses of water per day will keep you away from sugary drinks and fatty foods high in sugar. It also helps to wash away food coloring, chemicals and sugars consumed from food. Milk is another alternative, low in sugar and acids, with an added benefit of being high in calcium...keeping your teeth and bones strong and healthy.

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

PSL Breaking News


It's finally Fall! With this new season comes fun festivities and Pumpkin flavored everything! And knowing that Pumpkin is pretty much everyone's obsession this time of year, we decided to search for a new pumpkin flavored recipe that are braces friendly and taste buds approved. 

Photo Provided by anightowlblog.com
  • ¾ cup International Delight Pumpkin Pie Spice Creamer  
  • 1-3.4 oz package pumpkin spice instant pudding
  • 1-8oz package cream cheese, softened  
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar  
  • 2 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed  
  • Graham cracker crumbs for garnish 



Instructions: In a bowl, whisk together the International Delight Pumpkin Pie Spice Creamer with pumpkin spice instant pudding. Set aside for about 5 minutes. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and sugar. Add pudding to cream cheese mixture and beat. Once well combined, fold in the 2 cups of thawed whipped topping and refrigerate. When ready to serve, fill bowl with Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Dip topped with graham cracker crumbs. 

Image Provided by averiecooks.com
  • 1-16.50-ounce box spice cake mix  
  • 1-15-ounce can pumpkin puree
  • 1-large egg  
  • 1/3 cup canola or vegetable oil  
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice  
  • 1-12-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1-12-ounce jar caramel sundae topping


Instructions: Preheat oven to 350F. Line a 9x13-inch pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray; set aside. In a large bowl, add the cake mix, pumpkin puree, egg, oil, pumpkin pie spice and beat with a handheld electric mixer on high until smooth and combined, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary. Bake for about 27 to 30 minutes, or until cake is set in the center, springy to the touch, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no batter. While the cake bakes combine the sweetened condensed milk, caramel sundae topping and whisk to combine; set aside. Remove cake from the oven when it's done and use the blunt end of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake. Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk and caramel mixture over the cake, taking your time to evenly distribute it. Place cake in the fridge for about 15 minutes to cool slightly before adding the whipped topping so it doesn't melt. Remove cake from the fridge, evenly spread 1 - 8 ounce container of whipped topping over the surface, evenly sprinkle with 1/2 cup toffee bits, 1/2 cup chocolate chips and evenly drizzle with 1/3 cup salted caramel sauce. Cover cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is best) before slicing and serving. 

Image Provided by shugarysweets.com
  • 1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree  
  • 1-large banana   
  • 6 to 8 ice cubes  
  • 6 oz vanilla yogurt  
  • 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice  
  • 1 tsp agave nectar (or honey would work too)  
  • 3 Tbsp milk  


Instructions: In a blender combine pumpkin, banana, ice, yogurt, spice, agave nectar and milk. Pulse until smooth! Pour into a glass and top with whipped cream and pinch of nutmeg. 

And Now...Just like the 11 o'clock news, we have made you wait all the way to the end of this blog to find out how you...yes you...can make a PSL at home!

Image Provided by inspiredtaste.net
  • 2 cups milk 
  • 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree 
  • 1 to 3 tablespoons sugar 
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 
  • 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, plus more for serving 
  • 1/2 cup strong hot coffee  




Instructions: Heat the milk, pumpkin, and sugar. Add milk, pumpkin puree, and sugar to a saucepan over medium heat. Heat until hot, but do not boil. Whisk in the vanilla, spices, and coffee. Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and the coffee. Serve the drinks. Divide the mixture between two mugs. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.

ENJOY EVERY BIT OF PUMPKIN YOU CAN THIS SEASON!

Monday, October 3, 2016

National Orthodontic Health Month


For many people, October brings fall, pumpkin spice everything, pumpkin patch visits, and Halloween festivities. These are all great things, but here at Lenz Orthodontics, October means a little more than that. 

Did you know October is actually National Orthodontic Health Month

Image Provided by aaoinfo.org
Throughout October, our team takes the time to recognize October as the month to promote our services and inform our local communities about the importance of orthodontics.  

Orthodontic Health Month was organized to help raise awareness about taking care of your teeth as well as emphasizing the importance of taking care of your teeth when being treated for braces. 

If you have any questions regarding orthodontic treatment, we are here for you!