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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.

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.

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.

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.

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

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Take some time this holiday season to be appreciative of those who work when they should be with family and friends, those who are away from those they love, and those who sacrifice for our needs. Merry Christmas to all!

NEW RECIPE: Hot chocolate Cookies

There’s nothing better than curling up on the couch on a chilly day with a mug of hot chocolate that’s filled with soft marshmallows...unless it's with Hot Chocolate Cookies! Get the recipe below and enjoy! Happy Holidays from Rhode Island Orthodontic Group. 

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• one 12-ounce bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 1/4 cups light brown sugar, packed
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• about 8 ounces dark chocolate, diced into 1/2-inch pieces (I used a Trader Joe's Pound Plus Dark Chocolate Bar)
• about 12 large marshmallows, cut in half

DIRECTIONS:

1. To a medium, microwave-safe bowl, add the butter, chocolate chips, and heat on high power to melt for 1 minute. Stop to check and stir. Heat in 15-second bursts, stopping to stir after each burst, until chocolate has melted and can be stirred smooth (You'll likely only need 1 or 2 bursts). Alternatively, melt the chocolate chips and butter in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until just melted. Allow melted chocolate mixture to stand for 5 minutes to cool slightly.
2. To a separate large bowl, add the brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Beat with a handheld electric mixer on medium speed just until blended, about 1 minute.
3. Add the cooled chocolate mixture and beat on medium speed until just until combined, about 1 minute. Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl.
4. Add the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Beat on low speed just until combined, about 1 minute. Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours, or until dough has firmed up significantly. If you accidentally over-chill it and it becomes too firm, allow bowl to rest on counter until you can scoop it.
5. Preheat oven to 325F. Line a baking sheet with cooking spray. Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop form dough mounds and place them on the baking sheet, spaced at least 2 inches apart (I bake 8 cookies per sheet). Flatten slightly and bake for 10 minutes, or until edges and tops have just set, even if slightly under cooked and glossy in the center.
6. Remove baking sheet from oven, add 1 piece of dark chocolate to the center of each cookie, pushing down very slightly just so it breaks the surface and sinks down.
7. Place one marshmallow half on the top of each piece of chocolate on all the cookies, pushing down very slightly so the marshmallow adheres.
8. Return baking sheet to oven and bake for about 5 minutes, or just until marshmallows have puffed; don't let them brown and don't over bake. Cookies firm up as they cool. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for about 10 minutes before serving. I let them cool on the baking sheet and don't use a rack.
9. Cookies will keep airtight at room temperature for up to 1 week. Alternatively, unbaked cookie dough can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 4 months, so consider baking only as many cookies as desired and save the remaining dough to be baked in the future when desired.

Happy Thanksgiving!

There is always something to be thankful for, and at Rhode Island Orthodontic Group we are thankful for you! Thank you to our wonderful patients for letting us work on those amazing smiles!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Invisalign | For A Wide Range Of Smiles

The Invisalign system has been successful in giving hundreds of thousands of amazing smiles to both teens and adults. The Doctors of Rhode Island Orthodontic Group will create your individual treatment plan using Invisalign´s clear, custom-molded aligners to solve a range of issues, including: Overly crowded teeth, Widely spaced teeth, Overbites, Underbites, and Crossbites.

Not everyone is a candidate for the Invisalign aligner system. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation with Rhode Island Orthodontics to see if the Invisalign system is right for you.

Invisalign is effective for a wide range of smiles.

Have a FaBOOlous Halloween

Wishing our community a Happy & Safe Halloween today! #RIOrtho

Try This Braces Friendly Mummy Pizza Recipe

Fun name, fabulous flavor! Enjoy your favorite pizza toppings, all wrapped up in delectable puff pastry. Also, it's braces friendly!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 package (17.3 ounces) Pepperidge Farm® Puff Pastry Sheets, thawed
• 6 tablespoons Prego® Traditional Italian Sauce
• 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 18 slices pepperoni
• 12 slices pitted ripe black olives

DIRECTIONS:

• Heat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Beat the egg and water in a small bowl with a fork.
• Sprinkle the flour on the work surface. Unfold 1 pastry sheet on the work surface. Cut the pastry sheet into 3 rectangles along the fold lines. Cut the pastry rectangles in half crosswise, making 6 (about 3x5-inch) rectangles. Place the pastry rectangles onto the baking sheet.
• Spread about 1 tablespoon sauce on each pastry to the edge. Top each with about 2 tablespoons cheese and 3 slices pepperoni.
• Unfold the remaining pastry sheet on the work surface. Cut the pastry sheet into 3 rectangles along the fold lines. Cut each pastry rectangle crosswise into 12 (about 3/4-inch wide) strips, making 36 in all.
• Arrange 6 pastry strips on each pastry, placing them slightly askew over the filling to resemble a mummy's bandages. Brush with the egg mixture. Place 2 olive slices on eachpastry for the eyes.
• Bake for 20 minutes or until the pastries are golden brown. Let the pastries cool on the baking sheet on a wire rack for 10 minutes.

Minor Problems Can Be a Big Pain

Orthodontic treatment can take some getting use to.You now have an appliance fixed into your mouth you have to worry about. It it common to experience minor discomfort which can be relived by over the counter pain relievers, eating soft food or rinsing with warm salt water. However, there are rare cases of actual orthodontic emergencies. Here are a few common orthodontic problems, along with some tips on what you can do to relieve them at home we here at Rhode Island Orthodontic Group want to share with you.

via aaoinfo.org

Food Caught Between Teeth


This is not an emergency, but can be a little uncomfortable or embarrassing for the braces-wearing
student. It is easily fixed with a piece of dental floss. Try tying a small knot in the middle of the floss to help remove the food. Or use an interproximal brush or toothpick to dislodge food caught between teeth and braces.

Ligatures Come Off


If a rubber ligature should come off, you may be able to put it back in place using sterile tweezers. If a
wire ligature comes loose, simply remove it with sterile tweezers. If the wire ligature is sticking out into the lip but is not loose, it may be bent back down with a Q-tip or pencil eraser to eliminate the irritation. Of course, when one ligature pops off or breaks, others may follow. Be sure to examine all ligatures before sending the student back to class. Missing or broken ligatures should be brought to the attention of the student’s parents, who should then inform the orthodontist.

Irritation in Mouth

Sometimes new braces can be irritating to the mouth, especially when the patient is eating. A small amount of non-medicinal relief wax makes an excellent buffer between metal and mouth. Simply pinch off a small piece and roll it into a ball the size of a small pea. Flatten the ball and place it completely over the area of the braces causing irritation. The patient may then eat lunch more comfortably. Let the student know that if the wax is accidentally ingested it’s not a problem. The wax is harmless.

Protruding Wire

Occasionally the end of a wire will work itself out of place and irritate the patient’s mouth. Use a Q-tip or pencil eraser to push the wire so that it is flat against the tooth. If the wire cannot be moved into a comfortable position, cover it with relief wax. (See Irritation of Cheeks or Lips above for instructions on applying relief wax.) The patient’s parents will need to make the orthodontist aware of the problem.

Loose or broken brackets, bands or wires

If the band or bracket is still attached to the wire, leave it as is — but don't connect any elastics to it! You can cover it with orthodontic wax if it's irritating the inside of your mouth. If it has come off, save it. In either case, call our office to let us know what happened, and we will schedule a visit. Be sure to bring any loose parts with you to the appointment!


Fortunately, the vast majority of orthodontic problems are minor compared to these situations — but they may still cause discomfort or irritation. In general, it's best to try and soothe the immediate cause of the discomfort, and then call our office to schedule an appointment.

How Does Two-Phase Orthodontics Work?

Are you aware of two-phased orthodontics? If not, don’t worry you’re not alone. Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized process that involves facial and jaw changes along with straightening teeth. This process allows Rhode Island Orthodontics to create a healthy functional smile with results that remain stable after treatment. One benefit of two-phase orthodontics in certain cases, it can prevent adult tooth extractions or major jaw surgery.

How does it work?

Two-phase orthodontics starts with interceptive orthodontic care. This is a process where Rhode Island Orthodontics intercepts an oral problem before it continues to get our of control. Typically, treatment starts with younger children in order to manipulate teeth and growth before it’s too late. The best age for this is between 7 and 10-year-old. With interceptive orthodontics, treatment is about 4 to 12 months with monitoring of the child after that to discuss is possible second phase treatment.

Once a majority of the adult teeth have erupted, the second phase can begin. The average treatment time of the second phase is about 12 months of braces on the teeth. Retainers are worn after treatment to hold the correct position of the teeth.

If you are interested in learning more about Two-Phase Orthodontics, contact Rhode Island Orthodontics to discuss it more. We love answering questions and providing a solid foundation of information to those who are interested in treatment for their children or themselves.

Maintaining Your Retainer

To stay fresh and germ-free, all retainers need proper cleaning. A Hawley-type retainer can be brushed gently with a regular toothbrush — but a brush may scratch the clear aligner types. Denture cleaners, in powder or tablet form, as well as special retainer cleaners, can be used to clean most removable retainers. Fixed retainers are cleaned by brushing and flossing; a floss threader or interproximal brush can also be a helpful cleaning tool when needed.

Finally, remember to always carry — and use — a retainer case. You'd be surprised how many retainers end up folded in a napkin and accidentally discarded! Also, don't expose your retainer to excess heat by washing it in very hot water or leaving it on a heater: That can cause the retainer to warp and make it unusable. With proper care and conscientious use, a retainer can help you transition from braces to a permanent, healthy smile.

For  more questions or concerns about maintaining your retainer, visit our website or give Rhode Island Orthodontics a call.

#RIOrtho Q & A

What causes orthodontic problems, and how will early prevention benefit my child?

Orthodontic problems such as crowding of the teeth, too much space between the teeth, jaw growth problems, protruding teeth, and bad bites can be inherited or caused by injury to the mouth, early or late loss of baby teeth, or thumb sucking habits.

Most children have lost all their baby teeth by age 13 and by the end of their teen years the jaw bones will harden and no longer continue to grow. Orthodontic procedures for adults often take more time and can involve tooth extraction and the possibility of oral surgery. As a child, receiving early orthodontic treatment can help prevent the need for orthodontics as an adult, leaving little to no chance of extraction or surgery in the future.

If your child is between the ages of seven and eight and shows signs of needing orthodontic care, or if you have been directed by your family dentist to visit the orthodontist, please contact Rhode Island Orthodontic Group and schedule an appointment. Our team will provide your child with an initial exam, and discuss with you the best steps to take toward caring for your child’s smile.

We Use State of the Art Technology

Rhode Island Orthodontic Group understands that crafting a great smile takes time, but with today’s technology we can deliver results faster to our patients by using cutting edge tools such as a digital scanner that allows us to capture digital images of your teeth and bite rather than using uncomfortable, unpleasant-tasting, messy and sometimes inaccurate impressions.Not only does this new technology tool help us get your results faster, but they also make treatment easier on you as a patient.

It’s time to say goodbye to those messy molds associated with beginning orthodontic treatment, and say hello to our digital scanners. Our digital scanning technology allow us to provide a more comfortable procedure while treating patients for orthodontics. We can capture an extremely accurate digital impression of teeth within minutes with the scanners, and print orthodontic appliance parts as we need them.

Another awesome fact about the 3D technology is we can use them with all Invisalign related services.

Orthodontics is a life-changing experience, and we appreciate the opportunity to share in the experience with you as you enhance your smile! The doctors and staff at Rhode Island Orthodontic Group look forward to seeing you soon!

Make S'mores on a Stick for National S'mores Day

Did you know today is National S'mores Day? If you're not familiar with this delicious treat, traditionally s'mores is a popular dessert amongst campers. Typically, you camp, sit around a fire, and toast marshmallows that you use to create a gooey scrumptious sandwich combined with chocolate bars and graham crackers.

If you want to celebrate National S'mores Day today, we encourage you to do so! Want to try something different? Add some flare to your s'mores! Try out this new s'more recipe and let us know what you think!

S'mores on a Stick Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk, divided
• 1 cup miniature marshmallows
• 1-1/2 cups miniature semisweet chocolate chips, divided
• 24 whole graham crackers, broken in half
• Assorted sprinkles
• 24 Popsicle sticks

Directions

1. In a small microwave-safe bowl, microwave 2/3 cup milk on high for 1-1/2 minutes. Add marshmallows and 1 cup chips; stir until smooth. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto 24 graham cracker halves; spread evenly. Top with remaining graham cracker halves; press down gently.
2. Microwave remaining milk for 1-1/2 minutes. Add remaining chips; stir until smooth. Drizzle over cookies; decorate with sprinkles. Let stand for 2 hours before inserting a Popsicle stick into the center of each. Yield: 2 dozen.

We are Rhode Island's TOP ORTHODONTISTS

We're happy to inform you that all 4 of our Rhode Island Orthodontics doctors were named winners of Rhode Island Monthly's Top Dentists - in the category of Orthodontics!

Here's what Rhode Island Monthly had to say about how the doctors were nominated and determined to be the TOP DENTISTS (orthodontists) in Rhode Island.

"Professional Research Services contacted more than 1,000 licensed general dentists and dental specialists in Rhode Island and nearby Connecticut and Massachusetts. PRS asked which dentists they would recommend across Rhode Island and outlying areas. Each dentist recommended up to three colleagues in each specialty. Once the ballots were complete, each nominee was evaluated based on the survey results, the legitimacy of their license and their current standing with the Rhode Island Department of Health. Dentists who received the highest number of votes in each specialty are reflected in alphabetical order by specialty. Some dentists have more than one location. Call their office for additional information." - Rhode Island Monthly Website Excerpt

Providing the Best Service to the Best Patients

Did you know that not every Invisalign provider is the same? All dentists and orthodontists who offer this revolutionary treatment are trained by the makers of Invisalign to become a certified provider. However, there are different doctor designations based on overall experience and success with treating patients using the clear teeth aligners.

Rhode Island Orthodontics is excited to announce we have received the Top 1% Provider designation for Invisalign! Our expertise in treating greater difficulty level cases and the extensive experience working with the Invisalign system to produce amazing smiles truly sets us apart. To reach the Top 1% designation, orthodontists must treat 800-lifetime cases and continue to perform 200 cases a year.

What This Means for You
If you are considering Invisalign to achieve the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted, you want the orthodontist with the most experience. Rhode Island Orthodontics is in the top 1% of ALL Invisalign providers in North America. 

The top 1% of Invisalign providers offer:

• A proven track record of successfully treating patients of all ages.
• Rhode Island Orthodontics has been treating people with Invisalign for several years.
• An Invisalign provider patients can trust.
• Knowledge and experience to create healthier, straighter smiles.
• The highest level of Invisalign case experience.

We are so pleased that our doctors have achieved the highest level of experience with the Invisalign system. Call for your consultation today (401) 884-650.