Wednesday, September 16, 2015

What can I eat when I have braces??? Check this out.....


We often get told by our patient's that eating with braces is sometimes a little tricky............

We wanted to highlight some foods that are packed with good nutrition and easy to eat with a "full mouth". 

There are a ton of resources out there to help find orthodontic friendly foods but lets simplify it for you. 


Don't worry, you'll be eating popcorn and snacking on potato chips again in no time! However, before you can start enjoying some of the treats you love, you will need to take special care to avoid any foods that could damage your new appliances.

Foods to avoid with braces:

  • Chewy foods — bagels, licorice
  • Crunchy foods — popcorn, chips, ice
  • Sticky foods — caramel candies, chewing gum
  • Hard foods — nuts, hard candies
  • Foods that require biting into — corn on the cob, apples, carrots

Foods you CAN eat with braces:

  • Dairy — soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks
  • Breads — soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins without nuts
  • Grains — pasta, soft cooked rice
  • Meats/poultry — soft cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats
  • Seafood — tuna, salmon, crab cakes
  • Vegetables — mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans
  • Fruits — applesauce, bananas, fruit juice
  • Treats — ice cream without nuts, milkshakes, Jell-O, soft cake
Don't get discouraged... it's only a short period of your life with some restrictions... many of our patient's say it was worth avoiding these foods to have that lasting gorgeous forever smile!!
Lastly, We want to showcase a few of our favorite recipes for you!!

We found this recipe on Deenbros.com- They are amazing!!!
This recipe is "Bobby's lighter tastes like lasagna soup"

Bobby’s Lighter Tastes Like Lasagna Soup
404 less calories
28 g less fat 

Ingredients

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 pound Italian turkey sausage, casings removed
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (32-ounce) container chicken broth
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
4 ounces broken whole-wheat lasagna noodles (about 4 noodles)
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup reduced-fat shredded mozzarella cheese
8 Whole-wheat breadsticks or grissini (optional) 

Directions

Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large nonstick saucepot or Dutch oven. Add the sausage, onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is crumbled and browned, 8 – 10 minutes.

Add the broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, salt, and crushed red pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the flavors are blended, about 20 minutes. Add the noodles; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens slightly and the noodles are tender, 10 – 12 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in mozzarella, basil, and the Parmesan. Serve with the breadsticks, if using. (whole-wheat lasagna noodles take a little longer to cook.)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Per Serving (1 cup) 225 Cal (27% from Fat, 42% from Protein, 31% from Carb); 23 g Protein; 7 g Tot Fat; 2 g Sat Fat; 2 g Mono Fat; 17 g Carb; 2 g Fiber; 4 g Sugar; 108 mg Calcium; 3 mg Iron; 826 mg Sodium; 53 mg Cholesterol
Original Recipe by Paula Deen: Tastes Like Lasagna Soup
Take It Lighter recipe courtesy of Bobby and Jamie Deen, and the Paula Deen Test Kitchen
Servings: 8 cups
Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy


And for desert from Baker Bettie.......

Soft and Fluffy Blueberry Lemon Cookies
Pillowy soft and fluffy blueberry and lemon cookies. So unique and delicious!
Author: 
Serves: About 4 dozen small cookies
Ingredients
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Zest of one lemon
  • Juice of one lemon
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • 3¼ cups cake flour
  • 1½ cups blueberries
Instructions
  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Add the eggs one at a time, and beat after each addition. Add the vanilla, lemon zest and lemon juice and beat to incorporate.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients.
  4. With the mixer on slow speed, slowly add the dry ingredients into the batter. Scrape down the bowl as needed and mix until incorporated.
  5. Fold in the blueberries gently as to now break them.
  6. Allow the dough to cool in the refrigerator for at least an hour and up to overnight.
  7. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  8. Use a small scoop (about 1 tbsp size) and place rounded mounds of dough on a cookie sheet lined with parchment or foil.
  9. Bake for 11-14 minutes until the bottoms look slightly browned (the edges should not brown).


We hope that these tips and amazing recipes have brightened your day!!!



We  now have a Linkedin page.. be sure to visit us at: goo.gl/nEYRG1

Thursday, June 11, 2015

We need your help!!

As most of you already know…. we are very active in our community to support our schools and local businesses that need help. It is time for us to reach out to ALL of you and ask for your help!!! We will be running this AMAZING drive throughout the summer.

We have a colleague that owns her own catering business… It’s called “Our Kitchen To Yours”- her name is Donna Fanning. Donna works closely with the homeless every month and provides them meals that they can count on. During her last meal service she discovered that they are in DESPERATE need of backpacks and simple hygiene items. The kind of hygiene items that we take for granted every day.

Many of these people do not have much but what they do have they place in backpacks. The backpacks are in short supply and would REALLY be a great benefit to them. We are asking for your USED backpacks and hope that we can collect as many as possible to distribute to these people who just need someone to care and help!!


Thank you for taking a moment to dig through your closets and pull out what you have to spare!! 


We are also partnering up with Donna to provide hygiene items such as: 

Toothbrushes/ Toothpaste
Soap
Shampoo/Conditioner
Razors
Washcloths
Hand sanitizer
Body cleansing wipes
                                                    

As a thank you for your GENEROUS donations we will be giving away bonus reward points which help you get the gift cards of your choice!!! 

****Please bring in any of these items to either one of our office locations.





Tuesday, April 21, 2015

We are different... here is why!

Why are we different?


Have you ever wondered "how do I choose an orthodontist"?? There are so many choices and my dentist says he can do my braces... so why go anywhere else?

Well,  let's start with why a general dentist may not be the best option.  Dr. Blue had 2 additional years of training that were dedicated to orthodontics entirely. Sometimes a general dentist will take a couple of courses on orthodontic treatment then feel qualified to start performing comprehensive orthodontic care.  Comprehensive orthodontic care can be very complex at times and does require a significant amount of knowledge which a general dentist may not have. Unfortunately, in this situation it is the patient that suffers and ultimately can be in treatment longer than needed and can cause future problems with the overall stability of the teeth and supporting bone.

So let's meet Dr. Blue...

Originally from Dallas, TX, Phoenix, AZ, has been my home for the last 13 years. My wife Ann is a Periodontist and we have three children, as well as a dog. Our family life keeps me busy, and being with Ann and the children is always my highest priority, especially when we take trips together. Personally, I enjoy off-roading, camping, and hunting, and playing my guitar.

My Education and Commitment to Continuing Education

  • Doctorate of Dental Surgery, Baylor College of Dentistry
  • Orthodontic Certificate, University of Nevada
  • Prosthodontic Certificate, Baylor College of Dentistry
  • Master of Science, Baylor College of Dentistry
Throughout the year I attend orthodontic and oral healthcare meetings, seminars, and lectures, learning from the leaders in the field. By staying abreast of the latest developments in techniques and technology, I am able to ensure my patients have access to the highest level of care available.
As a member of the American Association of Orthodontists and the American Dental Association, I have access to the latest research and findings, through their respective publications and journals. This, too, ensures the best care for my patients.

You may not be aware of this but Dr. Blue is a Prosthodontist and an Orthodontist!! What is a Prosthodontist??? Well....Wikipedia defines it as.....
"Prosthodontics, also known as dental prosthetics or prosthetic dentistry, is the area of dentistry that focuses on dental prostheses. It is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA), Royal College of Dentists of Canada, and Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons. The ADA defines it as "the dental specialty pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues using biocompatible substitutes."[1]"


So just think... with that additional training for Prosthodontics and Orthodontics, Dr. Blue is pretty exceptional!! We know that but challenge you to come and see why we are different!!

Now, as far as how to choose an orthodontist, there are many factors that go into that decision. Location, insurance coverage, price and reputation. What sets us apart is that we have 2 convenient locations which are easily accessible from most parts of the valley, we accept multiple insurance plans, we have a very competitive price for treatment and are able to offer easy and painless in house financing and because we provide outstanding results the answer is simple!!!! Choose us and we will not let you down! You can see many of our success stories and pictures on our website.

We would love the opportunity for you to meet our exceptional team and see our state of the art offices to show you the "how" of our amazing results!!

So, let's meet the team:

doctor and staff
doctor and staff
alex

Alex

Alex is originally from Chino Valley and has been in the dental field for over 10 years. When she isn't at the front desk Alex loves cooking for her family and friends, especially her two grown sons.
courtney

Courtney

Courtney was born in Tucson, but raised here in The Valley. She loves watching our Phoenix Coyotes play, and spending time with her energetic chocolate lab.
linda

Linda

I am originally from Denver, CO, but moved to Arizona in 1979; it's been long enough that I think I should be considered a “semi-native.” I'm married to my best friend, with one grown daughter and two fun grandsons. I enjoy spending time with extended family and friends. I've been in orthodontics for 30 years!
madison

Madison

I am a Scottsdale native, and enjoy all the activities the area offers. If it's exciting, scenic, and adventurous, count me in! On the occasional rainy days, I delve into the arts and crafts world. I really enjoy orthodontics, and love being part of the team at Blue Orthodontics.
melissa

Melissa

I have lived in Arizona my entire life and LOVE every minute of it!! I am married to the most amazing man who just so happens to be my very best friend and we have an incredible son! I have been in dentistry for 15 years and worked in multiple specialties. My role on the Blue orthodontics team is community relations coordinator. I get to spend my time at school events, community events, PTA meetings and getting know the awesome people within our community! I love my job and am very passionate about dentistry as a whole!!!!
stacy

Stacy

I am a native Arizonan, and have lived in the West Valley most of my life. I have worked in orthodontics for over nine years, and I love this field. I love cooking for friends and family, hiking, racquetball, and spending as much time as possible with my wonderful husband and kids.

Here is the BEST part... As a courtesy to you we provide complimentary consultations! Your first visit in our office will include a comprehensive exam, x-rays and pictures. And yes, ALL of that is complimentary!!




Thursday, February 26, 2015

Who will be the LUCKY patient?


Look what you can win at Blue Orthodontics!!!

We recently launched an amazing incentive program for sending your friends and family to Blue Orthodontics.......Why???? Because we would be honored to serve YOUR loved ones!

We truly love getting to know our patient's and welcoming new members to the Blue Orthodontics family.
One of the greatest compliments we can receive is to have a family member or friend of our patient's sitting in our chair!!! 

Here are the details:

**Whoever refers the most people to us that start treatment wins FLOOR SEATS to see Taylor Swift!!

**The contest will end on August 3, 2015..... So you should get busy! ;-)

**You should also tell your friends and family that the consultation, x-rays, exam and pictures are all COMPLIMENTARY!!! So even if they are unsure its not going cost them anything to come visit us and get a definitive answer!!



Here is a map of where the seats are....Section CCC  Row 3, Seats 5and 6
                                                            Section CCC, Row 5, Seats 9 and 10




JUST LOOK AT HOW CLOSE YOU WILL BE TO THE STAGE!!! WHOA!!!!




Thursday, January 15, 2015

Look whats new at Blue Orthodontics......


Happy New Year to all of you!!! We hope that your 2015 is off to a great start!

Our new year has been exciting so far….. we are so pleased to share with you that we have brought on some amazing state of the art technology that will make your experiences with our office even more pleasant. 

We would like to welcome the Itero Scanner to our office! Your probably thinking, what is that? 

Well……. Its an amazing piece of equipment that ELIMINATES impressions! (the goopy stuff that makes people gag)



These images show you what we can do with this amazing scanner!

The wand that we use to scan your mouth.





Images that we receive from the scan of your mouth.


We strive to give our patient’s an incredible experience at our office and we truly believe that when you see how easy and painless this is that you will be as excited as we are!!!! 

So if you hate impressions (the goop) and want start transforming your smile..... this new technique is for you!!! 

Please feel free to call our office with any questions or to discuss how this can help you.

***We look forward to changing your life with that AMAZING smile you deserve!!  :-)










Monday, November 17, 2014

What does November mean to you?




To me it represents the REAL beginning of fall (partially because in Phoenix it's the only time it’s not hot ;-)), the cooler weather and one of the most amazing holidays. 

Thanksgiving to me means delicious food and precious time with family, friends, and loved ones…. Irreplaceable time! Be sure to cherish every minute with those you love and tell them how special they are to you!

I have many fond memories of sitting around the table laughing with family and friends…. It’s a time to catch up on what the year may have been like for you or just reminisce on what has transpired in the past… either way I’m definitely more thankful each and every year!!!

As an orthodontic office we LOVE Thanksgiving because most of the food items are “bracket and appliance” friendly so we encourage you……. EAT UP!!!!


Braces should not hinder the pure deliciousness that is Thanksgiving!!!


***Do you know the history of Thanksgiving???? It’s actually very interesting!


Here is what Wikipedia says about it…..
Thanksgiving, or Thanksgiving Day, is a holiday celebrated in the United States on the fourth Thursday in November. It became an official Federal holiday in 1863, when, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of "Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens", to be celebrated on the last Thursday in November.[1] Also, there are reports that the original Thanksgiving proclamation was signed by George Washington.[2] As a federaland public holiday in the U.S., Thanksgiving is one of the major holidays of the year. Together with Christmas and New Year, Thanksgiving is a part of the broader holiday season.
The event that Americans commonly call the "First Thanksgiving" was celebrated by the Pilgrims after their first harvest in the New World in 1621.[3] This feast lasted three days, and it was attended by 90 Native Americans (as accounted by attendee Edward Winslow)[4] and 53 Pilgrims.[5] The New England colonists were accustomed to regularly celebrating "thanksgivings"—days of prayerthanking God for blessings such as military victory or the end of a drought.[6]

 **We hope that you have an amazing November and enjoy the upcoming holidays, weather and time with your loved ones!!





Monday, October 13, 2014

Guess what October is.....................??????????????


This awesome photo is courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontists!!!


When we think of orthodontic health...... what comes to mind??? Well if your in the dental profession then we think of healthy gums, clean teeth and cavity free teeth with or without braces!!! However...... if you are not in the profession we can only assume that you think of the dreadful process of braces! :-(

Here are some positive and TRUE facts about orthodontics, If you keep your teeth and braces clean, come to every visit you need and follow all of our instructions- not only does it not "hurt" but it doesn't take "forever"!!! 

We explain this to ALL of our patients and the ones that do follow our simple instructions have an INCREDIBLE experience!!!! Yes, its true people can go through braces without hating it!  :-)

Ultimately the goal of National Orthodontic Health month is to not only promote a healthy mouth but a more pleasant approach to orthodontics!!


Did you know that Crooked teeth and misaligned bites can:

*Interfere with proper chewing which in turn can cause digestive issues.
*Make cleaning your teeth more of a challenge, increasing the risk of tooth decay, cavities, and gingivitis.
*Strain the teeth, jaws, and muscles, increasing the risk of breaking a tooth or causing pain in the jaw joint itself.
*Make people feel self-conscious about their appearance and affect their self-esteem which causes them to smile less.

If you are struggling with any of the above concerns, we would LOVE the opportunity to discuss how we can help with you!


Since October is National Orthodontic Health Month we thought we would share a Halloween recipe that you CAN eat with braces on!!!

Frightful finger cookies



Ingredients: 
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 3/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup almond slices
1 tube red decorating gel
1 tube green food coloring

Directions: 
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. 
Beat together butter, sugar, egg, almond extract and vanilla. Slowly beat in the flour, baking powder and salt. Add drops of green 
food coloring to dough until you achieve a nice deep green color. 
Divide the dough into four equal parts, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.. Take one quarter of the dough at a time from the 
refrigerator. Break off one heaping teaspoonful and roll it into a finger shape. Squeeze in around the middle of the finger to 
create a knuckle shape. Then, using a butter knife, make indents in several places to resemble a finger. Repeat with rest of 
dough.
Place cookies on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes - let cool. Then, squeeze red decorating gel onto 
the tip of each finger and gently press an almond sliver on top so the gel oozes out from underneath. 
Remove cookies from baking sheets and let them cool on wire racks. Then serve and enjoy!
***Adapted from "CDKitchen.com's" Marlene C. Mcasias


Here is a list of Orthodontic do's and don'ts on Halloween from the AAO.