Now that I have braces, what can I eat? Dr. Stein Explains

You just got braces and Dr. Stein 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? Tomatoes? 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.

Enjoy! Dr. Stein and team

Invisalign, is it for everyone? Dr. Stein explains

Is Invisalign® really customized for each patient? Yes, it is, and that’s part of what makes it work, says Dr. Stein. To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing we do is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.

Next we use special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. And since the aligners are virtually invisible, nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

Dr. Stein is a certified Invisalign provider. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, give us a call today!

Meet Dr. Stein

Dr. Stein completed his undergraduate Pharmacology studies at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio in 1984. This was followed by his BSD and DDS degrees at The Case Western Reserve University Dental School in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1986 and 1988 respectively, where he graduated in the top 5% of his dental class.

Dr. Stein was awarded the Frank M. Casto Memorial Award for the highest scholastic achievement from The Delta Sigma Delta Dental Fraternity in 1987 and 1988 while attending CWRU dental school. Dr. Stein received his MSD in orthodontics from The St. Louis University Medical Center in St. Louis, Missouri in 1992. His Master's thesis from The St. Louis University Medical Center was published in "The Angle Orthodontist Journal" in 1992.

To stay updated on the latest advances in the field of orthodontics and TMJ disorders, Dr. Stein has completed over 500 hours of continuing education. He is also a member of many professional organizations, including the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, the Florida Association of Orthodontists, and the Florida Dental Association. He also served as President of the West Pasco Dental Association from 2004-2005.

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Dr. Stein has lived in Palm Harbor since 1993. He and his wife Kathleen have two children. When not creating beautiful smiles he enjoys fishing, boating, music, hockey (Tampa Bay Lightning fan), watching Nascar races, and spending time with friends and family. He's involved in community organizations including Temple Ahavat Shalom, St. Luke Catholic Church, Guardian Angels Catholic School and contributes to numerous youth athletic organizations throughout the area.