Summer Smiles!

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Well here we are…finally enjoying a little taste of warmer weather. 

Summer vacation is the best time of year for most kids. Slumber parties, staying up late, playing video games, visiting the orthodontist. Yes, you read that right…we did say visiting the orthodontist.  

Healthy teeth do more than provide your child with an opportunity to show off their smile. Healthy teeth enable your child to be more confident, allow for easier social development and help to promote over-all good health. 

Most orthodontic problems are inherited, and therefore cannot be prevented. However, early diagnosis and treatment by Dr. Lenz can often guide facial development and tooth eruption, and thereby prevent more serious problems from occurring. While your child’s teeth may appear to be straight, there could be a problem that only an orthodontist can detect.  

The upcoming school year is like a clean slate just waiting to be filled with good memories and opportunities for growth and adventure. So…embrace the summer months and give your child a happy, healthy smile!

 

Just the Facts:

According to surveys taken by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

• 9 out of 10 Americans agree that an attractive smile is an important social asset.

• 3 out of 4 Americans agree that an unattractive smile can hurt a person's chances for career success.

• 1 out of 2 Americans are satisfied with their smile.

Mamma Mia

Mother's Day is just 3 days away! Have you decided how you are going to pay tribute to the woman that means the most to you in this world? Flowers and candy are nice...but why not show Mom exactly what she means to you by making her something from the heart? We've said it before...the best gifts (especially for Mom) are handmade.

We have a few great ideas for Mom that she will be able display year round...and every time she catches a glimpse of these special gifts out of the corner of her eye, she will think of you and know just how much you care.

Black and White Photo Collage

Photo Provided by bhg.com

Mom loves pictures...especially when they are pictures of her family. Make Mom this special photo collage that she can hang and admire for years. Make black and white photo copies of pictures you know Mom will just die for and glue them to a large wooden block letter...maybe M for Mom or the first letter of her last name. And presto...you have a special Mother's Day gift unlike any other.

Eye Chart Printable

Photo Provided by domestically-speaking

Now this one is darling...Mom is sure to love it. You can make it in a snap and say just about anything you want to say. Think of something meaningful and type it out using the template of every optometrist's eye chart on the planet. You know...one really big letter first, then shrink the size of the letters down for each line that follows. Get any frame that is large enough to fit your special statement...best Mother's Day gift ever!

Mother's Day Jewelry Box

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This gift might take you a little bit more time to make, but we think its well worth it. You just need a hinged wooden box (which can be found at any local craft or hobby store), some Mod Podge, paint and really pretty paper. You know your mom the best, so be sure to create a jewelry box using colors and patterns Mom will love. This custom, handmade jewelry box is the perfect place for Mom can keep all of her favorite things...you know she'll just love it.

Now get to work and show Mom just how much she means to you this Mother's Day!

Yuck Mouth

Photo provided by reverbnation

You just got your braces on and you have been keeping your regularly scheduled orthodontic appointments, so why oh why would you still need to visit your Dentist?

Orthodontists and dentists specialize in different things, but work as a team for you and your oral health. Your orthodontist is not in charge of cleaning your teeth or checking for cavities, tooth decay and gum disease. And because it is much more difficult to keep your mouth clean while appliances and wires are in place…you still need to see your dentist at least twice a year. 

Having braces provides additional nooks and crannies where food particles and bacteria can hide. Plaque and tartar can form around your brackets and bands which can lead to cavities. Having your teeth professionally cleaned can help ensure that plaque and tartar are removed. 

Visiting your dentist regularly will also help protect your teeth from decalcification. Decalcification is a condition in which white spots form on your tooth surfaces and decalcification is irreversible.

So without regular dental examinations and necessary treatment, it is possible to end up with straight teeth and good bite, but with decayed teeth and unhealthy gums. And who wants that?

Remember…You can still get cavities when you are wearing braces so always brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and to floss daily. 

Regular dental exams will keep your mouth healthy for life.

Animal Crackers in My Soup

Yes, yes...Easter is right around the corner. 

But did you know that today is actually National Animal Cracker Day?!

Photo Provided by homebakedmemories.com

As we are sure you are all aware...Animal Crackers are a type of small cookie baked in the shape of circus or zoo animals, such as a lions, tigers, bears and elephants. 

In the late 1800′s that these animal shaped cookies were imported to the United States from England and in 1902 animal crackers officially became known as “Barnum’s Animals” and were sold in that very familiar circus themed box that we all know and love today.  Speaking of that box...did you know that the string was added so that people could hang boxes of animal crackers from their Christmas tree? Really...it's true.

Now...you can make your own animal crackers from scratch...if you want. But why, when the ones from the box taste so amazing? So instead, how about you try this one...

Mini Key Lime Pies with Animal Cracker Crust 

 

Photo Provided by climbinggriermountain.com

Don't these look super good? And they are just the thing to celebrate this completely "Unofficial" National Holiday. Not to mention, you can make a few extra and serve them for dessert at Easter. 

The recipe for these mini delights requires nothing out of the ordinary...and they seem pretty easy to make, with the overall prep time being only 20 minutes. However, we suggest an actual Animal Cracker as a garnish on top of the whipped cream.

Legit or Legend

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So we all know someone who has a friend who has a cousin who knows a guy...so the story must be true. 

Oh those Urban Legends and how we love to believe them all. No...we aren't talking about mixing Pop Rocks candy with Coca-Cola, we're talking about the Urban Legends surrounding the Orthodontic World...you know, the really scary ones. 

There are many legends and myths about orthodontics, some of which have become so commonplace that they are now believed to be legitimate. Well...guess what? Even if you know the guy who has the cousin who has the friend that the story happened to...it's legend.

Legend: Only children and teens need to visit an orthodontist. 

 

Legit: Braces are not just for kids. More and more adults today are seeking the benefits of a beautiful, healthy smile. In our practice 30% of all orthodontic patients are over the age of 21. The oldest patient that Dr. Lenz has treated was 82 years young. Health, happiness and self-esteem are vitally important at any age. 

Legend: Braces interfere with radio signals and electronic devices.

Legit: In theory any metal can act as an antenna, but braces are really bad ones. Radio signals are modulated electro-magnetic waves transmitted through the air. In order for these transmitted signals to travel well in air, they must be sent at high-frequencies. This is achieved through modulation. Even if someone's tooth could receive these frequencies, it would have to be decoded to actually hear real messages.

Legend: Braces are just for cosmetic purposes and aren’t necessary for your overall dental health.



Legit: While braces can definitely help you get that beautiful smile, they aren’t just for cosmetic improvement. Well aligned teeth can facilitate good oral hygiene making it easier to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, resolving certain orthodontic problems with the use of braces can improve your ability to speak, chew, and even breathe.  

Legend: Wearing braces will increase your chances of being struck by lightning?

Legit: The chances of a person getting struck by are the same, with or without braces. In the U.S. in any one year, the chance you will be struck by lighting is 1 in 700,000 no matter what you are wearing.

Legend: If there was a giant magnet overhead, anyone who is wearing braces would get stuck to it.

Legit: Braces are made of materials which are non-magnetic in nature. Therefore getting stuck to a giant magnet is highly unlikely...and really, where is this giant magnet anyways? 

So fear no more...Orthodontic Urban Legends are just that...Legends. 

No matter what your friend's cousin's brother says.

Hippity-Hoppity Easter's on it's Way

So...with Easter being only 15 days away we know you are all looking for fun things to do in preparation for the Easter Bunny. If you're like most families...you probably hard boil and color a dozen or so eggs. And when that is all done, what do you do with the egg cartons?

Repurpose them and create the most adorable candy containers you have ever seen. Baby chicks, bunnies and caterpillars...really, whatever your imagination can dream up.

photo provided by pgeveryday.com

To create these super cute Candy Containers you just need empty egg cartons a little glue, paint, construction paper and any other fun do-dads you have around the house. And when you have them all done, the kids can give them to all of their friends as Easter Gifts!

photo provided by modernparentsmessykids.com

Looking for an idea for the house? 

Why not make some garland out of paint swatch chips? 

This happy Easter Egg garland is not only fun and festive, but cheap as well. A few dozen Paint Swatches from the local Home Supply Store, some string and you are good to go! You can hang this garland on your mantle, front door, or in the trees near the egg hunt!

If you're looking for more fun Easter craft ideas...we found a great website that utilizes things that you have around the house. 

Check out Itty Bitty Greenie and let us know what you think.