Fleming Orthodontics, dispelling the myths about braces

Trust us when we say Dr. Harold Fleming and our staff know there are quite a few myths about orthodontics (and orthodontists) floating around nowadays. But before you buy into those myths, we think you should get the facts first! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists set the record straight and have provided some information that sheds some light on the myths and facts of orthodontics. We encourage you to check them out when you get a moment!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment here at our convenient Falls Church office, feel free to give us a call at 703-534-8711. We hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Ask Dr. Fleming: "Now that I have braces, what can I eat?"

You just got braces and Dr. Harold Fleming 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? 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!

Ask Dr. Fleming: “I’m 49 – am I too old for braces?”

Thanks for the question – at Fleming Orthodontics, NOBODY is “too old” for braces!

In fact, our staff read a fascinating statistic recently: the number of adults getting braces has actually climbed 24 percent since 1996! Yes, braces help make your pearly whites strong, healthy and perfectly-aligned, but perhaps another reason for the spike in adult braces is this: people want to look and feel great. In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned and sparkling teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing—wisely, we might add—to invest in orthodontics. Orthodontic treatment with Dr. Fleming can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.


If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Dr. Fleming and team would love to have you visit for a consultation. Please give us a call to set one up!

Connect with Dr. Fleming & team on Facebook!

At Fleming Orthodontics, we provide the highest quality of orthodontic care with personalized service and a comfortable atmosphere.

Even if you visit our Falls Church office for your appointment on a regular basis, did you know that you can now connect with us on Facebook?

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