Orthodontic Information for Bethel Park Kids
When It Comes to Braces, Knowledge Is Power
Wearing braces doesn’t have to feel like a hassle at Smiles by Palmer. We love making the process fun and rewarding for our young patients so that they look forward to their visits. Read on to learn more about how you can earn Bonus Bucks, as well as some fun recipes that will be kind to your braces. Any questions? Feel free to contact us!
Bonus Bucks Program for Kids
Want to earn some bucks while you have your teeth straightened? We give Bonus Bucks as an incentive for you to take an active role in the care of your teeth and braces. They can be used to purchase specialty items or choose an Amazon, Dairy Queen, or McDonald’s gift card.
This is How You Can Earn Bonus Bucks:
(You receive them at your regular monthly appointments)
- Breakage – There must be nothing loose or broken on your braces or appliance.
- Understand Instructions – Wear your appliance, rubber bands, etc. as instructed.
- Clean Teeth – Your brushing and oral hygiene must be EXCELLENT!
- Keeping your Appointments – You must be on time for your appointments and not cancelled or failed your last appointment.
- Shirt –Wear your Smiles by Palmer T-shirt to the office. We will give you a T-shirt when we put your braces on.
Monthly Contest
Dr. Palmer wants to make your experience with our office fun and enjoyable while we achieve a great smile together. Each month, we have a different contest that children can enter for a chance to win a variety of $25 gift cards. Our contest may be a word search, a crossword puzzle, a maze, or we may surprise you with something else. If you don’t win one month, keep trying! We have a new contest every month. Good luck!
Braces-Friendly Recipes
Fabulous Fruit Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 banana
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 cup of frozen fruit
- 1 scoop of protein powder (optional)
Directions:
Cut the banana into 2-inch pieces, add the remaining ingredients to a blender, mix until smooth, and enjoy!
Twisty Soft Pretzels
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup warm water
- ½ envelope yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, beaten
- Pinch of salt or cinnamon sugar
Directions:
Preheat oven to 425°. In a small bowl, stir together warm water, yeast, and sugar. In a large mixing bowl, mix salt and flour with a large spoon. After 5 minutes, stir the yeast mix into the flour mix. With well-floured hands, shape dough into 6-inch rods, initials, animals, or traditional twisted pretzel shapes. Brush them with the beaten egg and place on a greased cookie sheet. If desired, sprinkle them with extra salt or cinnamon sugar. Bake for 12 minutes at 425°.
(From “The Braces Cookbook 2: Comfort Food with a Gourmet Touch” by Pamela Waterman and Amee Hoge)