Friday, February 24, 2017

Leave Us A Review On Google

Reviews on Google provide valuable information about our business to both us and our customers. Business reviews appear next to our listing in Maps and Search, and can help our business stand out on Google.

Leave us a review on Google by clicking here.  You will need a Google account to leave review. If you are not sure how to create a review. Click here to create a Google account, then come back and leave us a review!

Friday, February 17, 2017

One Pan Braces Friendly Breakfast Recipe

Enjoy this cake with any sort of fruit that inspires you! Roasted apricots, fresh plums, or smashed blackberries would be great if you're not a strawberry fan!

Roasted Strawberry Buttermilk Cake


For the Roasted Strawberries:

  • 8-ounces medium strawberries, hulled
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • pinch of salt
  • 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
For the Buttermilk Cake:
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon aluminimum-free baking powder (I use Rumford Baking Powder)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or 1/4 teaspoon pure almond extract
  • Roasted strawberries
  • 3 tablespoons turbinado sugar for topping
To Make the Strawberries:
  1. Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. The strawberries get juicy, so a rimmed baking sheet is important. Set aside.
  3. Cut each strawberry in half and place in a mixing bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, olive oil, and salt. Whisk together until completely incorporated. Drizzle the mixture over the strawberries and toss until each strawberry is coated. Arrange strawberries in a single layer across prepared baking sheet.
  4. Roast strawberries for 40 minutes. The juices will thicken, but remove the strawberries from the oven before the juices begin to burn. Remove the berries and juice from the pan while still warm. Place in a small bowl, stir in balsamic vinegar, and set aside.
To Make the Cake:
  1. Place a rack in the center of the oven and heat oven to 400 degrees F. Butter an 11-inch cast iron skillet. You can also use an 11-inch round tart or quiche pan, or a 9×13-inch pan… although the cake will be more thin and you’ll need to keep a close eye on it in the oven.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and butter. Whisk in the vanilla or almond extract.
  4. Add the buttermilk mixture all at once to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined and no lumps remain. Spoon batter into the prepared pan. Top batter with half of the roasted strawberries and juice. Sprinkle generously with turbinado sugar.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow cake to cool to room temperature before slicing to serve. Serve with the remaining roasted strawberries.
  6. Cake will last, well wrapped in the refrigerator, for up to 3 days.

Thursday, February 9, 2017

Age 7 & Up

Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. Beginning treatment at this time ensures the greatest result and the least amount of time and expense. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age 7. At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but vigilant examination can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment.

What are the benefits of early orthodontic evaluation? 
Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Prudent intervention guides growth and development, preventing serious problems later. When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, an orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal.

Why is age 7 considered the optimal time for screening? 
By the age of 7, the first adult molars erupt, establishing the back bite. During this time, an orthodontist can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. For example, the presence of erupting incisors can indicate possible overbite, open bite, crowding or gummy smiles. Timely screening increases the chances for an incredible smile.

Friday, February 3, 2017

Pepperoni Pizza Sitcks For Super Bowl Sunday


Ingredients

  • 1 tube Pillsbury pizza crust
  • 40 pepperoni slices
  • 10 mozzarella cheese sticks
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried parsley
  • Optional: marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
  2. Spread pizza dough out on a lightly greased baking sheet. Cut the dough into 10 equal size rectangles.
  3. Arrange 4 pepperoni slices on each rectangle and top with a mozzarella cheese stick.
  4. Roll up the pizza dough, enclosing the cheese stick, pinching the seams closed.
  5. Melt the butter and add the garlic powder and dried parsley. Brush the pizza sticks with the butter.
  6. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.
  7. Enjoy warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping if desired.

Thursday, January 26, 2017

The Athletes Guide | Play Sports With Braces

We have great news for athletes! You can still play sports even while undergoing orthodontic treatment! If you do play sports, it's recommended that you wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and your appliance. Let your doctor know if you need help finding the right mouthguard for the best protection.

In case of a sports emergency, be sure to immediately check your mouth and appliance for damage. If you notice any loose teeth or appliance damage, please contact our office right away. You can temporarily relieve the discomfort by applying wax or rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater.

Thursday, January 19, 2017

Need Help With Loose Wires and Bands?

The wires and bands on your braces may come loose. If this happens, please contact Rhode Island Orthodontic Group as soon as possible so that we can check and repair your appliance. If any piece of your appliance comes off, be sure to save it and bring it to the office with you.

You can temporarily fix the loose wire by using the back of a spoon or the eraser end of a pencil to carefully and gently push the wire back into place. If the loose wire is causing irritation to your lips or cheeks, put wax or a wet cotton ball over the broken wire to relieve the pain.

Friday, January 13, 2017

NEW RECIPE ALERT | Spinach & Kale Smoothie

Your kid’s diet should have fruits and veggies for complete nutrition. But when he does not eat them in their solid form, you might want to consider smoothies. Smoothies are great for both kids and adults, and even better for new patients being treated at Rhode Island Orthodontic Group as they are braces friendly. The trick is to make the idea of smoothies exciting – get your children involved in the process. Let them make smoothies with fruits of their choice, on the condition that they will drink it.

To help get you started on your smoothie journey, we're sharing a delicious recipe with you below! Try it out this weekend and let us know how you liked it!

Spinach and Kale Smoothie

When your children refuse to eat dark green or leafy vegetables, get them to drink it! Here’s a recipe for a healthy, yet tasty, green smoothie for kids.

You Will Need:
  • 2 cups chopped spinach leaves
  • 1 tablespoon peanut butter
  • 1 kale leaf
  • I sliced banana, frozen or fresh
  • 1 cup almond milk
How To:
  • Wash the spinach and kale leaves and chop them.
  • Add the spinach and kale leaves, almond milk, and peanut butter to a blender and puree them for a minute, or until you have a smooth mixture.
  • Add the banana and blend for another 30 seconds, or until you get the desired consistency.
  • Serve fresh.
Preparation Time: 10 Minutes
Servings: 1
Nutritional Value: calories – 325, carbohydrates – 46.1g, protein – 10mg, fat – 13.9g, cholesterol -0mg

Friday, January 6, 2017

New Year, New You! | Why Braces Are Popular For Adults

Orthodontics has evolved enormously in the last two decades and there is now less pain, time and cosmetic detriment when having orthodontic treatment. This is one reason we are seeing so many adult patients getting braces. Are you considering orthodontic treatment as an adult? If so, keep reading to find out why your timing is right.

Why do adults choose to get braces?

  • Overcrowding of teeth
  • Shifting of teeth
  • Poor bite
  • Jaw pain
  • Headaches
  • Self-consciousness
  • Align teeth before crown and bridge work
  • Improve gum and teeth health
  • A beautiful smile they have always dreamed of
What are the benefits of having braces in your adult years?
  • You are having treatment by your own choice and on your own terms.
  • Maximize function and health of your gums and teeth.
  • Improve your bite and alleviate issues such as grinding and headaches.
  • Straight teeth help to provide a beautiful smile and a boost in confidence.
  • Alignment options are vastly improved on what they were when you were a child.
The bottom line is, it is never too late for braces or to achieve the smile you've always wanted. If you are ready to learn more about treatment and live in Rhode Island, contact Rhode Island Orthodontic Group, click here for contact info.