Now that I have braces, what can I eat? Dr. Zammitti has a suggestion!

You just got braces and Dr. Zammitti and his team have 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 this delicious (and braces-friendly) recipe! From Dr. Zammitti and team.

What’s so special about an orthodontist? Dr. Zammitti has the answer!

"Dentists, Orthodontists, they're all the same right?" We hear our patients asking this question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Before becoming an orthodontist Dr. Zammitti started out in dental school and earned a DDS (dental degree), just like your dentist. After dental school however, Dr. Zammitti decided he wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So he stayed in school for a few more years and became an expert in orthodontics, which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems like overbites and under bites.

Isn't it nice to know there's a dental expert here to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need? Dr. Zammitti is also a member of the American Dental Association, American Association of Orthodontists, Southern Association of Orthodontists and the North Carolina Dental Society.

Give us a call if you have any questions!

--Dr. Zammitti and team

Meet Dr. Zammitti

Dr. Zammitti graduated from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine with a residency in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. In addition, he received a master of medical science degree in Oral Biology granted by the Faculty of Medicine at Harvard and a doctorate of dental medicine degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. Before attending dental school, Dr. Zammitti earned a bachelor of science degree from Boston University.

His professional memberships include the American Dental Association, American Association of Orthodontists, Southern Association of Orthodontists and the North Carolina Dental Society. Dr. Zammitti has developed additional skills and experience in clinical care and staff and patient relations. He has extensive continuing education, including studies at the Charles H. Tweed International Foundation of Orthodontics and Advanced Edgewise Mechanics in Tucson, Arizona, and Peter E. Dawson Occlusion and TMD Seminars. He has published a number of articles in dental journals, and has a special interest in facial aesthetics.

In addition to his excellent credentials, Dr. Zammitti is also a people-person who relates well to people of all ages and loves to see his patients smile. He prides himself on his caring relationships with patients. Dr. Zammitti, who is fluent in Italian, enjoys the quality of life in North Carolina, and the warm climate. He currently lives in Mooresville with his wife, Lisa, and three children, Jessica, Melissa, and Mitchell. He is enjoying activities with his family and friends, as well as fishing, playing tennis and ice hockey.