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Archive for December, 2008

Now That I Have Braces, What Can I Eat? – Montano Orthodontics of Bakersfield

Thursday, December 25th, 2008

You just got braces and the orthodontist has informed you that over the next several months you will want to avoid eating anything sticky, hard, crunchy, or chewy. What does this leave for you to eat? Lettuce? Nothing?

Luckily, there was someone else wondering the same thing when she first got braces! Brenda Waterman, 13, decided she was going to find a way to have her cake and eat it too, so she created a variety of “braces-friendly” recipes that allow you to enjoy your favorite treats without interfering with your orthodontic care! Her cookbook, “The Braces Cookbook: Recipes you (and your Orthodontist) will Love,” gives patients a variety of delicious recipes, safe to eat with braces; plus additional tips and advice for packing lunches, what to eat at parties, and braces-friendly restaurant dishes! There’s even a section with tips for dealing with the soreness that can occur when your braces or appliance are adjusted. Enjoy the foods you love – even with braces!
Here is a delicious, sneak peek recipe from “The Braces Cookbook:”

Wonderful Waffles

Forget the recipe that came with your waffle iron – this recipe will redefine fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. The secret to delicious waffles is letting the batter “sit” for five minutes before pouring into the waffle iron. Top cooked waffles with syrup, jam, fresh fruit or even whip cream. Makes about 5 servings!

Preheat your waffle iron according to the directions. You may want to lightly spray it with vegetable oil before heating.
• 3 cups flour
• 2 Tbl + 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 Tbl sugar
• 4 cups milk
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
In a large bowl, whisk (or use electric mixer on low) together all ingredients. Let batter sit for about five minutes to activate the baking powder.

When waffle iron is ready, pour about 1/3 cup of batter onto each of the four squares (experiment with your iron – you don’t want the batter overflowing). Gently close the cover and set your timer as the manufacturer suggests. Do not lift the cover while they bake. When done, carefully lift one edge with a flat spatula and pull the waffle away from the iron. Keep waffles warm on a plate under a clean dishtowel while the others bake.

Remember to Visit Your Dentist Too! – Dr. Donald Montano, Bakersfield Orthodontist

Thursday, December 18th, 2008

Are you brushing your teeth twice a day? If yes, that’s great; but, don’t forget that it’s also important to visit the dentist every six months in addition to your regular orthodontic visits. Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Your dentist can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth

During an oral exam the doctor will check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, it’s time for you to schedule an appointment!

An Educational Experience for All

Thursday, December 11th, 2008

It was an event not to be missed! On December 2, 2008 Montano Orthodontics welcomed Dr. Ronald Goldstein, nationally recognized professor and lecturer. Dr. Goldstein’s lecture session covered the “Predictable Treatment of Discolored Teeth,” and how to better serve patients looking for a brighter, whiter smile.

This was a great opportunity for dental and orthodontic practitioners around the area to come and learn how to utilize various bleaching, bonding, laminating, and crowning techniques in order to effectively repair any level of teeth discoloration from mild to severe.

If you missed out on this one-of-a-kind event, don’t worry, you can still download FREE session notes from the lecture. Doctors who were able to attend the event not only took away valuable dental information, but also received 1.75 hours of CERP CE (continuing education) credits.

If you had a chance to attend this event, please leave us a comment to share some insight on what you took away from the lecture. Also, if you have any questions about teeth whitening, teeth whitening products, crowns, filling, braces, general oral hygiene, or would like to share with others a dental product that you have found to be effective, please leave us a comment! We’d love to hear from you.

Orthodontist Donald R. Montano, DDS, MSD | 9330 Stockdale Hwy, Suite 200 | Bakersfield, CA 93311
Phone: (661) 665-7600 | After Hours: (661) 428-7215 | Email: montanosmile@arrival.net