Red, white and Blueberry

With the 4^th of July just around the corner…if you aren’t throwing a bash of your own, you are probably preparing to attend one. 

Now, if you are going to a 4^th of July party, the question on your mind might be, “What on earth should I bring?” We have an idea that is sure to be a hit. Individual Desserts.  

A. Everyone loves dessert.

B. Everyone loves having their own individual mini dessert. 

Those are the facts. 

As for which individual dessert, we found an easy one that totally fits with the 4^th of July theme. 

Strawberry Blueberry Mini Cheesecake Trifle 

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These desserts not only look good, but taste good. And the best part…the Cheesecake portion of this dessert is no-bake. We know, we know…it doesn’t get much better than that. 

The photo shows creating these desserts in 5oz juice glasses, but the way we see it is…the 4^th of July is typically a time for back yard barbeques, and who really wants to risk glass outdoors with a bunch of kids running around in anticipation of the fireworks show that happens just after dessert? We think that you could easily make these desserts in crystal clear plastic cups and they would still be just as cute.

Money Doesn't Grow on Trees

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Most kids aren’t born with straight teeth and a perfect bite. Odds are…you may have already noticed that your child has some misalignment issues.  

In these tough economic times, it's hard to justify the expense of orthodontic braces. For some families, paying for orthodontics can be difficult and dental insurance rarely covers more than a small percentage of orthodontic treatment. However, before you rule out braces as a luxury, consider the significance of orthodontic treatment. 

Getting good orthodontic care is more than just an aesthetic issue. Braces can correct moderately to severely crooked teeth, as well as underbites and overbites. Having crowded or crooked teeth can inhibit good brushing and flossing, making it harder to keep teeth and gums healthy. Furthermore, severe overbites or underbites left uncorrected can cause jaw pain. Proper orthodontic treatment can prevent your child from experiencing mouth pain or discomfort later in life, not to mention, promote better self-confidence. 

The cost of orthodontic treatment varies depending on the length and complexity of your treatment.  But with some smart planning and budgeting the cost for orthodontic treatment will be easier to manage. 

Get Covered - If you don’t have dental insurance, look into plans that include orthodontics and double check the participating Orthodontists in your area. A good resource to help you get started is www.dentalplans.com. 

Know Your Insurance Policy - If you have health insurance, it may include dental treatment, and possibly, orthodontic treatment. So contact your insurance company to check your benefits. 

Establish a Payment Plan - Most orthodontists offer monthly payment plans extended over the time of treatment with no interest or other charges. During your initial visit with the orthodontist, find out whether any additional financing may be possible at no or low interest. You may be surprised to find that many orthodontists are willing to extend the length of payment and make other adjustments to help ease the burden. 

Consider Credit – In many cases, the fee for orthodontic treatment can be paid via Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express. 

If the cost of braces is a concern, it's worth the effort and patience it takes to find an orthodontist who will work you and your budget. The Rhode Island Orthodontic Group believes that finances should never be an obstacle when it comes to a healthy smile because straight teeth are more than just pretty…they offer benefits that will last your whole life.

The Future is Now

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Orthodontic technology has evolved considerably over the years.  Whether you need braces for medical reasons or aesthetic purposes, the latest breakthroughs in orthodontics will make it easier for you to achieve the smile you have been dreaming of. 

Innovative advances in the tools and techniques used in orthodontic treatment allow orthodontic professionals to deliver better results with greater comfort for the patient while improving the bite and smile in a shorter amount of time. 

Today’s orthodontic state–of-the-art treatment includes virtual models of teeth, self-ligating brackets, clear and ceramic brackets, indirect bonding and heat sensitive wires…all of which add up to shorter treatment times, fewer office visits and less discomfort. 

• Virtual Models - A digital scanner is used to allow the orthodontist to capture digital images of your teeth and bite rather than using uncomfortable, messy and sometimes inaccurate impressions. 
• Self-Ligating Brackets – These passive brackets eliminate the need for elastic or metal ties, instead using a permanently installed moveable component to hold the wire and apply steady pressure over time to move teeth into their ideal positions. 
• Clear and Ceramic Brackets - Ceramic braces are the same size and shape as metal braces, except that they are tooth-colored so that they blend better with your teeth.  Some clear or ceramic brackets use tooth-colored wires to be even less noticeable. 
• Indirect Bonding – A technique that offers more control over bracket placement, a higher level of precision and strength and reduced appointment times. 
• Heat Sensitive Wires – Nickel-titanium-alloy archwires that are temperature-sensitive allowing for continuous movement of the teeth over longer periods of time. These wires provide enhanced comfort, decreased treatment time and fewer appointments. 

 

There is no substitute for skill, experience and education. However, by remaining aware of the latest technologies, orthodontic specialists are better equipped to help guide their patients in choosing the most appropriate treatment options available to achieve their ultimate desired result.

Dad's Best Day Ever

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Let’s face it, most of the time Father’s Day ends up being an afterthought on the holiday calendar…did you know that Mother’s Day was officially recognized in 1914, while dads didn’t get an official day until 1972. Crazy when you think about it, cause dads are just as important as moms are. And when it comes to being a parent, just like moms, dads cherish their time with their families and want to know they're loved. 

Show dad how much you appreciate him for helping you with your homework, fixing the leaky faucet, changing the light bulbs, throwing out the trash and driving you to your sports practices. Think outside the box and make this the year that you redeem yourself for all the bad gifts you've ever given him. 

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Not sure what to get dad this year for Father's Day? Well…according to a new survey, you may want to take him out to eat. 999 dads were surveyed this last April and it was discovered that the majority of dads wanted dinner at a nice restaurant with their family. Interesting, considering when most of us think of gifts for dad we think barbecue tools and ties. 

Finding the perfect gift for dad isn’t as hard as you think it might be. As it turns out a good percentage of dads just want to spend time with the family. So the perfect gift for your dad might just be setting aside a few hours to spend with him and him alone. 

Dad deserves the same treatment as mom. And he deserves to get exactly what he wants this Father's Day. So if you were thinking about getting dad "No. 1 Dad" coffee mug…think again.

It's Snack Time

Keeping a bright, cavity-free smile once your braces are off is completely up to you. 

 

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We all know brushing your teeth after you eat is important, but practicing good eating habits and limiting the amount of sugary foods will help keep your smile looking its best. 

Make Good Choices 

Many people choose to snack throughout the day in order to keep their metabolism steady. But not all snacks are created equal and many processed food snacks are not only bad for your health…they can wreak havoc on your smile. 

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One of the best ways to make sure you are eating “smile approved” snacks is to only keep those snacks available. Admit it…you know that if you had cookies in one hand and celery sticks in the other…you’re eating the cookies. So make it easy on yourself and get rid of all the unhealthy snacks and only keep healthy snacks around. 

A good snack to keep around would be fibrous and crunchy fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables, like carrots and pears, scrub off some of the germs and bacteria that collect on your teeth while also increasing your flow of saliva. Protein rich foods are also great because they will give you the nutrients necessary for building strong teeth. 

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Looking for that perfect snack? You can never go wrong with a nice apple. Apples are full of the fiber that you need to keep both your teeth happy and your stomach full without all of the added sugars that come with most other snacks. Other great snacks options include cantaloupe, bananas, blueberries, cheese or yogurt.