Wash Up

Photo provided by listerine.co.uk

Mouthwash is an essential part of your oral hygiene routine, especially when being treated by an orthodontist.  The process of using mouthwash seems pretty simple...right? Swig, swish, gargle, spit.  But, what most people don’t know is not all mouthwash is created equal. 

The next time you’re ready to buy mouthwash make sure you know your mouthwash and the differences between cosmetic mouthwashes and therapeutic mouthwashes.  Just like toothpastes, there are different types of mouthwashes to do different things for your mouth. This is why it’s important to know the key differences between cosmetic & therapeutic mouthwashes.  

  

Cosmetic Mouthwashes act as a mask for bad breath or help whiten teeth.  Similar to a mint, cosmetic mouthwashes will merely cover your bad breath and give you a more agreeable taste in your mouth.  Aside from that, there are also some cosmetic mouthwashes that help give you a brighter whiter smile.   

Therapeutic Mouthwashes have clinical purposes for oral hygiene that go beyond masking the smell of your breath.  Therapeutic mouthwashes serve to fight plaque, attack bacteria, and strengthen teeth with fluoride making them a better choice for our patients at Lenz Orthodontics. 

Photo provided by workouttrends.com

When buying therapeutic mouthwash, be sure to look for the American Dental Association “Seal of Acceptance” logo on the bottle.  All products that feature this logo have been evaluated by experts and approved to meet the safety and standards of effectiveness. Also, be sure to read the instructions very thoroughly and choose the best one for your specific needs.  

Fluoride-based Mouthwash: Fluoride exists in most toothpaste and in some tap water. For this reason, it is usually an unnecessary ingredient. Nevertheless, it protects against cavities and strengthens enamel.  

Alcohol–based Mouthwash: Alcohol kills bacteria and viruses harshly. It dries out the mouth, aggravates cuts or burns, and exacerbates inflammation. Anyone with sensitivities should avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes and seek natural ingredients like aloe.  

Antibacterial Mouthwash: Without alcohol or with a smaller quantity, antibacterial mouthwash fights infections and minimizes the risk of gum disease. Some patients will receive a prescription for such rinses after surgery. 

Making sure you gargle and rinse with mouthwash as an additional part of your oral hygiene routine is an essential step to getting the smile of your dreams. If you are uncertain what therapeutic mouthwash applies to your needs, ask Dr. Lenz and his staff for help at your next appointment. 

Tell Me About It

Lenz Orthodontics

The team at Lenz Orthodontics works hard each day to make our patients feel that their experience with our office is amazing, we always appreciate the occasions when our patients take the time to tell us that they recognize the special level of care and treatment they receive. If you love being a patient at Lenz Orthodontics as much as we love having you as a patient, then please take just a moment to tell us about your experience by leaving a review. 

Leave a Google Review 

Write a Review on Google

Leaving a review on Google is easy. Simply type “Lenz Orthodontics” in the Google search tab and under the maps option click “write a review” to leave your comments and rate us. Google makes it a fast and easy process. It is so easy you can leave a review using your computer, smartphone or tablet. 

Leave a Website Testimonial 

Write a Review on Our Website

 

Have you visited our website yet? Not only can you get more information about Dr. Lenz, the staff and information on treatment, but you can also leave a review. Just go to the "About Us" tab and click "Testimonials."  Before reading all the wonderful reviews, click "Click Here To Leave A Testimonial" and you will be prompted to give your testimony.  

 

 

Leave a FaceBook Review 

Write a Review on FaceBook

Are you connected with Lenz Orthodontics on Facebook? LIKE our page and leave a review and rating. It’s fast, easy and you can share it with all of your Facebook friends. 

 

We appreciate all reviews and look forward to seeing the positive things you have to say about Lenz Orthodontics. We thank you for placing your trust in Dr. Lenz and the Lenz Orthodontics team!

A St. Patrick's Day Throw Back For Thursday

It's St. Patrick's Day and if you're like most people, you are probably trying to come up with an interesting food item to bring to a party or potluck. 

Green food...not the easiest thing to think of. And yes, food coloring can pretty much turn anything you make green. But will what you make still look appetizing once you have turned it the color of the leprechaun? 

Frosted green cupcakes aside...when planning for a St. Paddy's Day event, keep the theme of the day in mind and go green! 

Guacamole Cups 

Photo Provided by gimmesomeoven.com

These Guacamole Cups are sure to be a hit. Now, this recipe we found has you making your own guacamole and baking your own wonton cups...but we are all about speed and convenience this late in the game. The same success can be achieved by using a "scoop" type chip and store bought guacamole. 

 Irish Cream Push Pops 

Photo Provided by hoosierhomemade.com

Oh...come on...how cute are these? And super easy to make. Basically all you need to do is make a tray of brownies, mix green food coloring into some Cool Whip, layer and you are done. Huge wow factor in no time at all. 

All Green Fruit Skewers 

Photo Provided by tipjunkie.com

Who says healthy food can't be fun food that tastes good?  Not us. Use Kiwi, Green Grapes and Green Apple to create these All Green Fruit Skewers. You can even go the veggie route by using Bell Pepper, Zucchini and Broccoli. Get yourself a little veggie dip on the side and you're friends will be calling you Darby O'Gill in no time. 

English Pea Soup Shooters 

Photo Provided by comfysunday.com

This Pea Soup recipe is like 2 ingredients total. But for those of you who don't even want to think about making your own pea soup, we think Campbell's and Progresso probably have a pretty good canned version that you can pawn off as your own. And really...with this idea, it's more about presentation anyways. 

Green Velvet Layer Cake 

Photo Provided by foodnetwork.com

Now if you really want to be the bell of the ball and you have about 2 to 3 hours to kill, this cake is a must! And for dramatic effect...be sure to cut out a nice slice so that everyone can see how gorgeously green this cake is!

So go on...make 'em all green with envy this St. Patrick's Day!

Adult Braces Are Totally Popular

Don't let age stop you from having the smile you have always dreamed of. 

Braces aren't just for kids anymore. 

Photo Provided by townandcountrymag.com

Orthodontic treatment is about a change for the better, no matter what your age. It can provide you with the confidence and pride that comes from a beautiful, healthy smile.

 

Over time our bodies start to wear out, including our teeth. As you age, your teeth break down. Unfortunately, it's one of the most visible signs of aging. As teeth wear, the lower and the upper jaw move closer together. Shortening of your teeth causes your lips to change, creases to form on the sides of your nose and mouth, a deep crease develops between your chin and lower lip and jowls develop on the sides of your jaw. Crooked teeth and a bad bite can also contribute to gum and bone loss, tooth decay and abnormal wear of the tooth enamel. Orthodontic treatment at later stages in life can dramatically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem. 

 

And what you may not know is...numerous technological advances have made braces less noticeable, less painful and even less time-consuming.
 

If you want straighter teeth but are concerned about how you'll look with braces, consider this...many cosmetically minded celebrities are wearing esthetic braces to improve their smiles quickly without compromising their signature look.

 

Check out Dana Wood's story 

"Why Adult Braces Are Becoming More Popular"

A writer's heavy metal reunion proves that injections aren't the only road to looking younger. ​​

 

  

It's So Easy Being Green

St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner! If you're planning a big St. Paddy's Day party or are just looking for a few cute ideas to incorporate a little green into your life, you have come to the right spot!

These days, everywhere we look for inspiration we see a common trend...details, details, details. From food labels, to cupcake party picks, parties these days look like they have been thrown by the most amazing event planner on the planet, when really...as long as you have a computer and a printer you can pull off the most fabulous party with even the tiniest of budgets.

             

          Photo Credit: www.blog.birdsparty.com

We mean really....the most adorable pennant banner ever is simply triangles cut out of different colored green card stock and glued together.

Even a person with zero craftiness can pull that one off. Please...the kids could make that banner for you, and they would probably get a kick out of doing it. 

Even the easiest of appetizers look like tantalizing gourmet menu items when displayed on cute trays with labels to match.

  Photo Credit: tsjphotography.com

So when you're making plans for your next big party. Don't forget...it's all about the details. A little craft paper, glue and scissors will take your party from ordinary to extraordinary! We just know it!