Happy Holidays From Lenz Orthodontics

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.

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.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from your friends at Lenz Orthodontics! 

This Red Velvet Tastes Bananas

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Do you enjoy making holiday treats for loved ones or neighbors? 

Then you need to try this Red Velvet Banana Bread recipe we've found! It’s like banana bread and red velvet cake all at the same time. Add some character to it by drizzling with white chocolate and Christmas colored sprinkles!

Red Velvet Banana Bread is easy to make, and this recipe makes 5 loaves, perfect for a holiday gift! 

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Ingredients
2 red velvet cake mixes (I used 2 (16.5 oz) Duncan Hines red velvet cake mixes)

6 eggs

2/3 cup vegetable oil

6 very ripe bananas, mashed

1 (12 oz.) package semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup chopped walnuts

8 ounces white candy melts

Sprinkles

Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 5 (8" x 3 3/4" x 2 1/2") loaf pans with parchment paper. Spray with cooking spray. Set aside.

Place first 4 ingredients in a large bowl. With an electric mixer, beat on low for 20 seconds, then turn up speed to medium and mix for 2 minutes. Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts. Pour batter into loaf pans. Bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let cool.

Place candy melts in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until completely melted. Stir until smooth. Pour into a clear plastic pastry bag. Cut the tip off and drizzle melted candy over the cooled bread. Let the candy melts set (about 20-30 minutes).

For a gift, wrap in clear plastic wrap. Tie a bow around it and add gift tag. Store at room temperature for 24 hours or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Happy Holiday's from Lenz Orthodontics!

 

Holiday Foods To Avoid With Braces

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The holiday season will be here and before you know it...holiday parties and family gatherings will soon be upon us! 

With winter holidays come the favorite treats we eagerly await year after year. Before you reach for that candy cane or toffee this year, Lenz Orthodontics wants you to stop and think about your braces. 

Just because the holiday season is here, doesn’t mean you should indulge in treats that are harmful to your braces. This Christmas, please remember to review the foods that can damage your braces and do your best to avoid them.  

To ensure you don’t have to make an emergency visit to Lenz Orthodontics, please avoid:

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• Crunchy foods – Crusty breads, pretzels, ice and chips can all cause wires and brackets to break.  
• Hard foods – Avoid things like nuts, popcorn, hard candies, etc. that can break or bend the brackets or wires.  
• Sticky, chewy foods – Caramel, licorice, taffy, toffee, etc. can all pull on your brackets and cause damage.

Feeling a little down about missing out on some of your favorite holiday foods? We have good news; there are still plenty of treats and holiday foods that you can enjoy. 

Soft foods such as puddings, ice cream, pies, and cakes as well as mashed potatoes and dinner rolls, are just a few holiday favorites that are A-OK! 

Slight damage to braces can happen to the best of us, but it’s important to get them repaired in a timely manner. Your braces can’t efficiently move your teeth if they’re broken, so take note of Lenz Orthodontics holiday hours this season too. And be sure to give us a call if you have any questions regarding your braces and how to care for them this holiday season.