Christmas is a time for family gatherings and delicious meals. But with regular braces or lingual braces, it can be challenging to find enjoyable and safe foods. Fortunately, there are plenty of dishes you can appreciate without worry. And with a few minor adaptations, you can still enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner and snack on festive treats.
Here are some of the best Christmas foods you can enjoy with braces.
Roast dinners are often the centerpiece of the holiday season. With braces, there are a couple of things to consider when making or eating your roast dinner. First, go for leaner cuts of meat, like turkey or chicken breast. If you choose beef, be sure to slice it into manageable pieces before digging in.
You could even try making turkey sliders if you’re craving something different. Just cut the turkey into small chunks and serve them on mini buns for an easy-to-eat meal.
There are plenty of side dishes you can enjoy with braces. Vegetables like potatoes, squash, and carrots are soft enough to chew and easy to cook.
The most important thing is to avoid crunchy vegetables and fruits like apples, corn on the cob, and celery. These can damage your brackets and wires and lead to discomfort. Instead, opt for softer vegetables like potatoes which can be easily mashed or pureed into a tasty side dish.
Who doesn’t love desserts at Christmas? From cookies to cakes to pies, there are so many treats to choose from! If you have braces, it’s best to stick with soft desserts such as trifles, brownies, or pudding.
Harder desserts and sticky sweets, such as caramel apples and toffee, should be avoided. These foods are difficult to eat with braces and can easily damage brackets and wires.
No matter what foods you end up eating this holiday season, taking care of your braces is crucial. Make sure you brush your teeth after every meal and floss carefully once a day. In addition, regular cleanings and check-ups with your orthodontist ensure your braces stay in good condition. If you have loose hardware, eating can cause further damage, so have any issues addressed quickly.
With desserts, it’s essential to clean your regular and lingual braces well. Sugar and other sticky ingredients can get stuck in the hardware, so take extra care when brushing.
The holidays don’t have to be worrying if you have braces. With a little planning and creativity, you can still enjoy many delicious foods associated with this festive time of year. And thankfully, there are still plenty of options that will keep your smile looking its best throughout the holiday season. So go ahead and indulge yourself this Christmas—just remember to practice good oral hygiene too.
At Dr. Yazji’s office, we’re here to keep your orthodontics in great condition this Christmas and all year round. So, reach out today if you have any questions about Christmas foods you can enjoy with braces or you can connect with us on Facebook, Instagram
If you have crooked, uneven, or misaligned teeth, you may be considering veneers. But did you know it’s often best to straighten your teeth before getting veneers?
In this article, we’ll explain why it’s important to straighten your teeth before getting veneers. We’ll also discuss the benefits of doing so and the best options for straightening your teeth beforehand.
Straightening your teeth before getting veneers can provide many advantages. It’s especially important if your teeth are severely crooked or misaligned. When you straighten your teeth with braces or another orthodontic treatment, your natural teeth are in the best position possible. This ideal placement gives you a better chance of preventing gum disease and other oral health issues.
Another reason why it’s important to straighten your teeth before getting veneers is to ensure they look how you want. If you’re unhappy with your smile now, you may also feel the same way once you have veneers. In addition, veneers are expensive. Going through the process and hassle of getting them redone or replaced can be frustrating. Straightening your teeth first eliminates this risk and ensures the results last longer.
Finally, straightening your teeth can also help reduce any underlying orthodontic issues. For example, problems like an improper bite or overcrowding may affect the placement of the veneers. Treating these issues beforehand will help ensure your results looks precisely how you want – beautiful and natural.
There are a few different options if you decide to straighten your teeth before getting veneers. Invisalign® aligners and ceramic braces are two of the most popular choices for accomplishing this task.
Invisalign® treatment is an innovative orthodontic method using custom-fit aligners to move your teeth into the correct position. The Invisalign® aligners are virtually invisible, so no one will know you’re wearing aligners unless you tell them. Invisalign® treatment is also very comfortable and easy to maintain.
Ceramic braces are another popular option for straightening teeth before veneers. Since they’re ceramic rather than metal, they’re less noticeable and more aesthetically pleasing. In addition, ceramic braces are more comfortable than traditional braces. This makes them a great choice for those with more severe dental issues they need to resolve.
Straightening your teeth before getting veneers is essential for achieving a perfect, natural-looking smile. Orthodontic treatments such as ceramic braces or Invisalign® aligners prepare your natural teeth for proper placement of the veneers. In addition, they also reduce any underlying issues like an improper bite or overcrowding. Solving these issues first will have a positive effect on your appearance and make your veneers worth it.
So if you’re considering getting veneers, talk to an orthodontist about getting braces or another orthodontic treatment first. An experienced orthodontist like Dr. Yazji can help you discover the right treatment plan for your smile. Schedule a consultation today to see how you can prepare for veneers.
Invisalign® clear aligners make a perfect gift for your loved ones. This holiday season, give the gift of straight teeth. Orthodontic treatment can improve your loved one’s life in so many ways. And thanks to advances in orthodontic technology, getting treatment is easier than ever.
So if you’re looking for a gift that will make a difference, here’s why orthodontic treatment is the perfect present.
First, let’s get into the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist. Dentists specialize in all aspects of oral health, from preventive care to restorative treatments. Orthodontists, on the other hand, complete additional training in diagnosing, preventing, and managing dental and facial irregularities.
This specialized training means orthodontists are experts in straightening teeth and correcting bite problems. Seeing an orthodontist is the way to go if you want to give the gift of a beautiful smile.
There are so many reasons why orthodontics makes a great gift. First and foremost, it’s a gift that can really change someone’s life. If your loved one wants treatment but can’t afford it, this is the perfect opportunity to help them out.
Not only will they be grateful to you for making their dream a reality, but they’ll enjoy all the benefits. They’ll have an easier time chewing, a reduced risk of cavities and other dental problems, and a newfound confidence.
And thanks to new technology like lingual braces and Invisalign® clear aligners, getting treatment is easier than ever. Now, your loved one won’t have to worry about wearing metal braces that are visible to everyone. Discreet treatment options mean that they can receive orthodontic treatment without anyone knowing. In addition, many find Invisalign® retainers easier to clean and remove when needed.
So if you’re looking for a meaningful gift to bring confidence into someone’s life, give them the gift of orthodontics. It’s a gift that will continue giving for years to come and will make a lasting impression.
With virtual orthodontics, your loved ones can get a beautiful, straight smile without leaving the comfort of their home. At Yazji Orthodontics, our dental monitoring program, Anywhere Smiles®, is available to patients from all over the country. All your loved one needs is a smartphone and our free dental app to get started with Invisalign® treatment.
After receiving their initial consultation and fitting, they’ll take a few photos of their teeth. From there, they will send them to us via the app before each appointment. That means they can get orthodontic treatment without coming into our office for appointments. Virtual orthodontics is a convenient and easy way to help your loved ones get the smile they’ve always wanted.
This holiday season, give the gift of straight teeth with orthodontic treatment. It’s a gift that can change someone’s life and improve how they feel. So if you’re looking for a meaningful gift that will make a difference, consider giving them the gift of orthodontics this Christmas.
If you’re interested in giving the gift of orthodontics this holiday season, contact us about our Anywhere Smiles® dental monitoring program, or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram.
If you’re looking into orthodontic treatment, you may wonder how much braces cost. While many dental insurance plans will cover at least a portion of Invisalign®, the amount they cover can vary widely. Some dental insurance plans will cover Invisalign® as they would cover traditional braces – with a set dollar amount or percentage of the total cost. However, not all dental insurance plans cover orthodontics, so it’s important to be aware of your options.
If your dental insurance plan doesn’t cover Invisalign®, there are still a few ways to make treatment affordable.
If you’re unsure whether your dental insurance plan covers Invisalign®, the best thing to do is check with them. They can tell you whether it’s covered under your plan and how much they would contribute to the treatment cost.
Keep in mind that if your insurance company does cover Invisalign®, they may have specific requirements. For example, some have a cap on how much they will reimburse for orthodontic treatment. Others may only cover orthodontic treatment if it’s considered medically necessary. So be sure to ask about any requirements or restrictions before you start treatment.
Since cosmetic braces cost more than traditional metal braces, be specific about the type of braces you’re inquiring about. Ask whether your dental insurance plan covers Invisalign® specifically.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) are accounts that let you set aside tax-free money to cover medical expenses. The great thing about using FSA funds for Invisalign® is that the money you contribute is deducted from your paycheck before taxes.
If your company offers an FSA, you can typically use it to cover many medical expenses – including braces. However, check with your FSA administrator to see if orthodontics is considered an eligible expense.
If you don’t know how much braces cost, your orthodontist should be able to help. They can provide you with an estimate of the total cost of treatment. In addition, they can work with you to develop a payment plan that fits your budget.
With braces for teens and adults becoming increasingly common, many orthodontists have flexible financing options to make Invisalign® affordable. You might be able to pay for your braces with a credit card or through a third-party lender. In addition, many orthodontists have an in-house financing plan.
If you’re worried about finding affordable braces, don’t be afraid to ask your orthodontist about their payment options. They may surprise you or offer deals that you aren’t aware of.
By using an FSA or contacting your orthodontist, you may find another way to pay for braces. Unfortunately, many dental insurance plans don’t cover the cost of Invisalign® treatment. However, it’s always a good idea to check. Some orthodontic benefits may be available to help offset the expense. In addition, many orthodontists offer in-house financing.
As an experienced orthodontist, Dr. Yazji understands that each patient has unique financial circumstances. Contact our office today to learn about affordable braces.
If you’re searching for a Brickell orthodontist, there are a few factors to contemplate to find one that fits your needs.
Brickell is a neighborhood in Miami known for its high-end shops and restaurants. In addition, it’s also home to some of the best Brickell orthodontists in the city.
The first thing to consider is location. You will want to find an orthodontist close to your home or office. This will make getting to your appointments easier and guarantee you don’t miss any.
If you have a busy schedule or live further away from Brickell, you may want to consider an online orthodontist. With Dr. Yazji’s Anywhere Smiles® Program, you can receive virtual consultations and Invisalign® treatment from the comfort of your home. With remote dental monitoring you can enjoy the convenience of having your appointments from anywhere in the world.
Another thing you should consider when looking for a Brickell Orthodontist is reviews. This will help you find one with a good reputation that people are happy with. Unfortunately, some orthodontists have fake reviews, so be sure to read them carefully.
The best way to find reviews is by searching online. You can also ask your friends and family for recommendations.
When looking for an orthodontist in Brickell, you will also want to consider the services they offer. For example, some orthodontists only offer braces, while others may offer Invisalign® or other types of treatment.
Experienced orthodontists like Dr. Yazji offer a variety of treatments, including Invisalign®, lingual braces, traditional braces, and more.
Another factor to consider is the customer service provided by the orthodontist. This is important because you want to ensure you receive the best care possible. You should feel comfortable asking questions and like your orthodontist works with you to find the best possible treatment plan.
If you end up with an orthodontist you don’t feel comfortable with, it will make the treatment process much harder. Finding a Brickell orthodontist you can trust is essential to having a positive experience.
Finally, you will want to consider the cost of the Brickell orthodontist you choose. There are a variety of ways to pay for orthodontic treatment, so find one that fits into your budget. You should also ask about payment plans so that you can make payments over time if necessary.
Many orthodontists offer financing options to make treatment more affordable. In some cases, you can also use a flexible spending account (FSA) or dental insurance.
There are a few factors to examine when searching for a Brickell orthodontist. In addition, you will want to consider location, reviews, services offered, customer service, and cost. Keep these factors in mind, and you will be sure to find the best orthodontist for your needs.
At Dr. Yazji’s office, we provide our patients with top-notch care. We offer several services, including Invisalign®, braces, and more. We also have a great location in Brickell and offer virtual treatment options to make treatment more accessible. Contact us today to schedule an orthodontic consultation or learn more about orthodontic treatment in Brickell.
Exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, drinking enough water – all these things benefit your health and well-being. Spending time with family and friends and doing the things you love can keep you feeling good, too. But, did you know that your smile can play a part in your health and wellness, too? It’s true, your smile can play an important role in your overall health and affect your self-esteem. At Dr. Maria Yazji Orthodontics, we help our patients in South Florida get their best smiles. Let’s take a look at 8 benefits of a straight smile:
7. Better selfies, school pictures, and family photos can be taken with a new and improved smile. Feeling good about your straight smile can give you the confidence you need to smile wide in photos and let you have keepsakes you’ll love to look back at. Orthodontic treatment in Miami and South Florida from Dr. Maria Yazji Orthodontics can help you get a straight smile that’s photo-ready.
If you need one or all of these benefits of a straight smile in your life, let us at the offices of Dr. Maria Yazji Orthodontics help you! Contact us today for a consultation with Dr. Yazji at our Miami, Brickell, or Weston office. See how straight teeth and a better smile from Dr. Maria Yazji Orthodontics can benefit you.
5 Reasons to Smile this Summer!: Ahhhh! Summertime. Trips to the shore. Relaxing by the pool. Family reunions and vacation travel with friends and family. With so many reasons to smile and enjoy the summer season, why are you hiding your precious smile?
If you’re tired of looking grumpy or too serious in photographs, or if you find that you purposefully keep your lips pursed whenever you smile, maybe you should look into options for improving what you may be hiding. If crooked or gapped teeth have you frowning when you should be smiling, it’s time to turn that frown upside down! There is no need to be ashamed of your teeth. With today’s advanced orthodontics, overbites, underbites, and other undesirable dental conditions are a thing of the past.
Dr. Maria Yazji
If you live in Miami or Broward County, Florida – your smile is about to get a whole lot sunnier! With three convenient offices in West Miami, Brickell/Downtown, and Weston, Dr. Maria Yazji Orthodontics will have you grinning from ear to ear in no time! Dr. Yazji, an experienced Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), earned her degree from Northwestern University in Chicago, where she graduated in the top 5% of her class from this top-ranked and selective university recognized for its rigorous academics. Dr. Yazji furthered her education with an additional two years of orthodontics specialty training, obtaining a Master of Science in Orthodontics degree (MS) from Northwestern University. As the daughter of two respected dentists, Dr. Yazji learned early that a beautiful smile can be life-altering. As she set out on her own orthodontic journey to provide the best and most advanced orthodontic treatment, she quickly developed an enviable reputation in South Florida from scores of appreciative and smiling patients who obtained the kind of orthodontic results that only a specialized, experienced, and skillful doctor can deliver.
At Dr. Maria Yazji Orthodontics, you’ll discover a nurturing, family-friendly environment that welcomes patients of every age. Whether you’re a college student who is eager to correct some misaligned teeth prior to graduation, a bride who wants her best smile on her wedding day, or a busy mom who’s ready to perfect her own teeth now that her children’s orthodontic treatment is complete – there is no better time than today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Maria Yazji!
Still not convinced you’re ready to consult with Dr. Yazji this summer about an orthodontic treatment plan that is right for you? Here are 5 more reasons to smile this summer:
Dr. Maria Yazji has assembled a top-notch orthodontic team at her offices in South Florida. With Dr. Yazji at the helm, diagnosis, prevention, and correction of malpositioned teeth and jaws, combined with superior patient satisfaction, has made Dr. Maria Yazji Orthodontics the place to turn to for the best orthodontic care in Broward and Miami. You can reach the offices of Dr. Maria Yazji Orthodontics at 786-338-9447, or visit www.orthodonticsinmiami.com or www.anywhereorthodontics.com to schedule an appointment. Hablamos español.
Invisalign Clear Aligners: Did you know that smiling can actually help you get ahead in your professional career? There are many different reasons why this is true, but you don’t have to just take my word for it. Experts from all around the world agree; smiling will help you in your career.
Smiling just feels good. Science says that smiling can release endorphins and other mood-enhancing hormones. Those hormones can reduce your stress levels and induce pleasure. Smiling can even make you enjoy your job more!
Smiling looks good. By smiling, others will have a more positive impression of you. Psychology has found that smiling enhances others’ perceptions of your competence, likeability, and courteousness. Others will be more likely to trust you and work with you. The ability to effectively work with others is not only an attribute that an employer will look for but is also something that every successful leader should have. Getting hired or getting promoted often starts with a smile.
Smiling is contagious. It is human instinct to mirror others’ emotions. When you smile, the people around you are likely to reciprocate that emotion. People will associate you with positivity and satisfaction. Whether you work in sales or in the medical field, being someone that others feel good around is extremely important for your success in your career!
If you are insecure about your smile, it is not too late to get help. I know, committing to orthodontic treatment as a professional adult seems impossible, right? Luckily, Dr. Maria Yazji Orthodontics understands your hesitation. They know that your tight schedules and hectic days do not allow a lot of time for long and invasive procedures. Dr. Yazji Orthodontics provides many convenient services and office hours so that you can find a tan orthodontic treatment plan that works for you. Whether you want a quick fix or a long-lasting solution, there is a treatment option for you and your smile.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
For most busy professionals who want a picture-perfect smile, a common treatment method is Invisalign clear aligners. Invisalign is a simple alternative to traditional braces. Traditional braces draw attention to your teeth while Invisalign uses clear aligners that are barely visible. Invisalign aligners can be removed when necessary, making them a great choice for job seekers going on interviews, teens posing for the yearbook or prom photos, and for cleaning and eating.
Smiling can benefit your life in so many different ways. There is no reason why you should feel the need to hide your smile. Feel good, look good, and make those around you want to work with you. If you want to get ahead professionally, start with your smile. Make an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Maria Yazji Orthodontics to see how they can help you smile more. We have three conveniently located offices for our patients in West Miami, Brickell, Weston, and surrounding areas. Hablamos español
Invisalign Treatment: They were on their first date in a Miami restaurant. Their friends had set them up, saying they’re a perfect match. But something wasn’t right. Throughout the night, he didn’t really smile. She thought it was strange, he didn’t seem to be having a good time. He actually was happy to be there, but he was insecure about his smile — he had never liked his crooked teeth. She thought he didn’t like her, though, and their first date fizzled out.
In the same restaurant, another couple was on their first date, too. They’d met online, both liking the other’s profile pic. They also both happened to have straight, bright smiles. She smiled widely, he exuded confidence. They found out that they had so much in common. They’d studied the same thing in school and were both up for big promotions. They definitely wanted to see each other again.
A great smile can do a lot for your dating life in South Florida. A Princeton study, noted on psychologicalscience.org, found that first impressions are formed in a tenth of a second. When you meet someone for the first time, it takes only this fraction of a second to form lasting opinions about them – and it’s the same for them when they meet you.
Of course, beauty is more than skin deep, but it’s known that people who have straight smiles are seen as being not only more attractive but more intelligent and successful as well. These split-second assumptions based on appearance can come into play when you’re on the dating scene. A better smile can improve your confidence, allowing you to be more open to meeting new people and trying new things. If you have a smile that you’re not happy with, fixing it with Invisalign® clear aligners can give your self-confidence – and your dating life – the boost you’re looking for.
Invisalign® clear aligners, available at the West Miami, Brickell, and Weston offices of Dr. Maria Yazji Orthodontics, are convenient and custom fit to your unique bite. These thin plastic aligners can be used to correct common orthodontic issues, including:
Anywhere Orthodontics by Dr. Maria Yazji combines Invisalign® treatment with remote appointment options, in addition to regular in-office appointments, perfect for patients with busy schedules.
Anywhere Orthodontics
And how will you look with Invisalign® aligners? Is Invisalign® noticeable? These transparent aligners are hardly noticeable, letting you go to work and school, take photos and selfies and go on dates without the look of metal braces. As a Diamond Invisalign® provider, Dr. Maria Yazji has the training and experience needed to create beautiful smiles for patients in Miami and throughout South Florida.
If you’re wondering if Invisalign® is worth it, find out more about the benefits of a straight smile and convenient orthodontic treatment at your Invisalign® consultation. Make an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Maria Yazji today. Improve your dating life in South Florida by getting a straight smile with Invisalign® treatment from Dr. Maria Yazji Orthodontics.
When it comes to making a good impression, the first thing that comes to mind is a great smile. It’s hard to feel cranky when you are with someone who is looking at you with a genuine and happy smile. Researchers have long known that smiling has quite a few benefits worth considering. Here are 10 benefits of smiling that will make you rethink how often you smile each day:
Smiling has been scientifically proven to contribute to a release of mood-enhancing chemicals, such as endorphins, in your brain which can increase feelings of contentedness and happiness.
All those feel-good chemicals in your brain can help to relieve pain and stress. Similar to the level of pain relief that medications can give, smiling affects the dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin neurotransmitters which can lower your heart rate, blood pressure and lessen pain.
The chemical reactions that make you feel relaxed and happy will also contribute to a healthier and stronger immune system!
Those who smile more tend to live longer. In fact, one study found that, on average, people live seven years longer compared to those who don’t smile. This is most likely caused by the many other health benefits that smiling helps such as lowering blood pressure, heart rate, stress and anxiety. Smiling may even strengthen the immune system and overall health.
People smile as an affable gesture. Most of us attribute smiling to other likable characteristics such as friendliness, happiness, and approachability. No matter where you are in the world or what type of personality or physical attributes you are attracted to, smiling is almost always rated as more attractive than not smiling.
When you realize that people are judging you more positively when you are smiling, it becomes obvious that people who smile tend to leave a better first impression when they meet others! Somebody’s first impression of you is what will stick in their mind long after that initial first meeting. It only makes sense that those who smile more will be projected that certain confidence and warmth that is a desirable attribute to have at work and at play.
People usually respond positively to genuine and friendly people. By leaving a positive first impression and being perceived as more attractive and friendly, you will continue to attract people who want to be around you and your infectious smile.
Smiling can make you more productive and get you recognized, especially at work. It’s no surprise that employees that smile more frequently tend to get more promotions, raises, and better tips!
Smiling makes you feel good and makes others want to be around you. The way you view yourself and your smile will surely enhance your confidence!
No matter what your primary language maybe, a nice smile is the universal language anyone can translate. Smiling creates a simple way to connect with others regardless of age, gender, race/ethnicity, or primary language!
If there is something holding you back from showing off your best smile, it’s time to find an expert who can help. Dr. Maria Yazji Orthodontics has over 24 years of experience designing beautiful, confident smiles for patients in West Miami, Brickell, Weston, and surrounding cities in South Florida. She is specially trained to manage and guide facial development and tooth movement, correct overbites, crossbites, and other orthodontic issues. Call Dr. Maria Yazji Orthodontics today to learn about all of the amazing orthodontic services they can provide to help you achieve your brightest smile!