April showers bring May flowers!

We’ve all heard this rhyme at some point in time, usually having been taught it at an early age by our parents or teachers. It’s a popular thing to say and hear around springtime, but one thing you might not know is where the rhyme originated from. It can be traced back to the mid 1500s, although earlier uses of “April showers bring May flowers” may have existed.

Thomas Tusser compiled a collection of writings, in which he wrote, “Sweet April showers, Do spring May flowers.”

As you can see, the rhyme was originally a short poem. There is meaning behind the words, as well. “April showers bring May flowers” is a reminder that even the most unpleasant of things, in this case the heavy rains of April, can bring about very enjoyable things indeed – in this case, an abundance of flowers in May. “April showers bring May flowers” is a lesson in patience, and one that remains valid to this day.

www.feelingsandflowers.com

“Text 2 Like” on Facebook!

Be sure to become a fan on our Orthodontic Specialists of Florida Facebook Fanpage!!! To become a fan, simply Text like florida4braces to 32665 or log onto our website at www.Florida4Braces.com and click on the Facebook icon link. Then  click on the “Like” button on our Fanpage and you will instantly become a fan!  This is an easy way to stay up to date on all of the new and exciting features that Orthodontic Specialists of Florida has to offer!

Patient Referral Program

To show our appreciation, each time you refer a patient you will receive a Gift Card valued at $50.00 the month after the referred patient is fitted with braces. There is no limit as to how many patients you can refer. The patient referral program still applies for the patients in retention! We appreciate your confidence in our doctors and staff!

March Madness Fun Clover Facts!

The shamrock is a symbol of Ireland. The four-leaf clover is an uncommon variation of the common, three-leaved clover. According to the Guinness Book of World Records 2008, the highest number of leaves found on a clover is 21!  One estimate suggests that there are about 10,000 regular three-leaf clovers for every lucky four-leaf clover. Legend says that each leaf of the clover means something: the first is for hope, the second for faith, the third for love and the fourth for luck.

Braces-Friendly St. Patty's Day Recipe!

If you are looking for a braces-friendly recipe to celebrate St. Patty's Day, check out the recipe for Corned Beef Casserole below!

CORNED BEEF CASSEROLE
Ingredients

•1 (8-ounce) package medium egg noodles, uncooked
•1 (12-ounce) can corned beef
•1 (10.5- to 14-ounce) can cream of celery soup, undiluted
•¾ cup milk (use just ½ cup if using larger soup can)
•1 Tablespoon dried minced onion
•¼ cup bread crumbs (seasoned or toasted plain)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. In a saucepan, cook the noodles just until tender; drain. In a large bowl, chop the corned beef into a coarse crumbly texture.

Stir in soup, milk and onion. Grease a 2-quart casserole. Add the noodles and the corned beef mixture and stir together well. Sprinkle the bread crumbs on top.

Bake covered at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Serves 6-8 people.

Try serving the casserole with petite whole green beans from the freezer…or add 1 cup of finely chopped purple cabbage, 1/4 cup diced onion and 2 teaspoons fennel seed or powder for some true Irish flavor.

From “The Braces Cookbook 2: Comfort Food with a Gourmet Touch” by Pamela Waterman and Amee Hoge.

Braces make faces look better than a Pot of Gold!

Straight teeth help an individual to effectively bite, chew and speak. Straight teeth contribute to healthy teeth and gums. Properly aligned teeth and jaws may alleviate or prevent physical health problems. Teeth that work better also tend to look better. An attractive smile is a pleasant “side effect” of orthodontic treatment. An attractive smile contributes to a better self-esteem, self-confidence and self-image important qualities at every age. A pleasing appearance is a vital component of self-confidence. 

A person's self-esteem often improves as orthodontic treatment brings teeth, lips and face into proportion. In this way, orthodontic treatment can benefit social and career success, as well as improve a person’s general attitude toward life. There are psychological aspects that are also important. It has been clinically proven that a beautiful smile leads to higher self-esteem. Confidence generates success. People with beautiful smiles have a lot to be happy about. (AAO Website Braces.org)

Don't Bite Your Nails!

Biting your nails is an awful habit, but you may wonder, "what’s so bad about it?" Nail biting,  is a common habit among various age groups, including primarily children, teens and young adults. Nail biting is generally triggered by stress and most often decreases with age. That being said, nail biting is unsanitary, unattractive, as well as unhealthy for your teeth! Here’s why: It’s unsanitary. Your nails are dirty, almost twice as dirty as your fingers! Hence, biting your nails is just asking for germs and bacteria. Nail biting causes your teeth to constantly be chewing, which is not good for them. This excessive motion wears your teeth down faster than a non-nail biter’s and puts a large amount of stress on your front teeth- contributing to teeth misalignment. Braces don’t love it either. Nail biting ads unnecessary pressure, further stressing your teeth and weakening their roots. It can be costly. (www.huffingtonpost.com)