Meet the Impressions Team

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Meet the Impressions Team - Blue Ridge Orthodontics

Impressions is the only at-home aligner company with a professional fit and personal touch! Impressions is Blue Ridge Orthodontics’ at-home treatment option, bringing a never-seen-before orthodontic offer to the Asheville area. All in-office treatment actually occurs at Blue Ridge Orthodontics in Asheville, NC, and the rest takes place wherever you decide.

Blue Ridge Orthodontics and Impressions treatment in asheville ncOne of the top distinguishing factors that separates Impressions from those “other” at-home treatments, is the access to orthodontic professionals! The team of Blue Ridge Orthodontics doctors will create a treatment plan to fit your case, supervise your treatment, and be there if you have questions during treatment. 

With Impressions, there also is no worrying about doing the gooey impression yourself – or having to repeat that goopy process over and over. You’re an expert at your job, and we don’t expect you to know how to do ours. We’ll take an expert 3-D scan of your smile and rule out the need for a gooey mold altogether. Leave the orthodontist work to us – it makes more sense that way. 

Impressions was founded and created by Blue Ridge Orthodontics’ founder Dr. Roberts.

Dr. RobertsDr. T. Luke Roberts, D.M.D., M.S.D.  

A native of Spartanburg, SC, Dr. Roberts founded Blue Ridge Orthodontics in 2007 with a commitment to caring, personalized, and state-of-the-art orthodontic treatment for each patient. That commitment has helped BRO grow to be the largest orthodontic practice in Asheville and the creation of an entirely new at-home treatment, Impressions. 

Dr. Roberts wanted to create an awesome solution for the patient who is seeking “at home” orthodontics treatment. It needed to be safe, effective, and less expensive than traditional orthodontic treatment. Dr. Roberts really wanted to help people develop more confidence through their smile journey! Having a great smile has been proven to boost self-esteem and confidence in social settings.

“I chose orthodontics because I knew I would be able to create that positive change in self-image for people every day. I love seeing the transformation that happens when they move through the different stages of orthodontic treatment, and my favorite moment is when they get their braces off! It is so rewarding to see a beautiful smile and to know I helped make it a reality!”

When he’s not busy creating new smiles at BRO, Dr. Roberts is a devoted music fan and plays the guitar, banjo, and mandolin. He and his wife, Beth, live in Asheville with their children Quinn, Emma, and Charlie. The entire family loves global food and are avid cooks.

Dr. Megan SchulerMegan G. Schuler, D.M.D., M.S.D.

Dr. Megan G. Schuler wanted to be an orthodontist since she herself had braces. She had insecurities around her teeth and smile. Orthodontic treatment was the thing that made her feel more confident! She became comfortable with her new smile and realized the difference that straight teeth could make in someone’s life. After her treatment, Dr. Schuler decided that she wanted to help give people the smiles that they always hoped for, so they could face the world proudly.

“Straightening my teeth completely changed my attitude and gave me confidence,” says Schuler.

When she’s not transforming people’s smiles, Dr. Schuler also enjoys hiking, camping, yoga, reading, traveling, trying new restaurants. Spending time with her husband, Brendan, and dog, Boone is her idea of peace.

Dr. Jackson GriffethDr. Jackson Griffeth, D.M.D., M.S.D.

Jackson Griffeth, our newest addition to the Impressions team. Growing up in a family of healthcare workers, it was natural for Dr. Griffeth to want to work with people. All it took was a day of shadowing an orthodontist and he was hooked! Dr. Griffeth drives to create an excellent patient experience and join the uplifting team culture of the BRO team.

“My decision to pursue orthodontics is founded on the desire to make a positive physical and emotional impact on members of my community,” says Griffeth.

Dr. Griffeth has had some very exciting life experiences including competing in the TV show American Ninja Warrior! With his warm personality and excitement for experiences, Dr. G is able to lighten the mood and instantly put you at ease. 

 

So, why is it so important to have the Impressions team on your side?

Well, we’re so glad you asked. Access to the Impressions team is one of the top factors that sets Impressions away from “the other guys”.

When you choose another at-home option, you either try to take your own gooey mold of your smile, or you go to an office or a bus. A staff member will either take your impression or a scan of your smile and then send you on your way. Your mold or scan is then sent to a dentist, that you’ll never see or meet, in another state to make adjustments to your smile. Wouldn’t you prefer to talk directly to the doctor who is making such a huge change in your smile? With the impressions team, you can tell us face-to-face what your concerns are before we make drastic changes to your smile.

Did you know that most other at-home aligner company’s treatment planners aren’t even Orthodontists? They’re dentists! And yeah, you might think they’re pretty much the same, but news flash, they aren’t!! Dentists are qualified to treat the diseases and conditions that affect the teeth and gums, especially the repair and extraction of teeth and the insertion of artificial ones. Orthodontists complete dental school and then complete additional years of school to learn how to safely and accurately straighten your teeth to give you a smile you’re proud of without causing future issues. These Dentists that are planning treatment for those “other” companies do it after just THREE DAYS in a course. Think about the difference in learning for three days versus years!

If you have problems with another at-home company, which is likely since they’ve only been doing it for 3 days, there is no doctor to call and ask questions. Our team will be there for you throughout your entire journey. 

At the end of treatment, if you decide to continue to change or professionally whiten your smile, you already know where to come! *hint hint* It’s us! We live and work here! Our friends and family live in WNC and they come to us too! With impressions, you’re working with a group of doctors who are trusted by your neighbors! In small towns and cities, that means something. 

 

Choose Impressions to help you make the smile of your dreams come true.

xx Your Impressions Family

 

Fill out the form below to start your journey to your #ImpressionSmile!

Request a Virtual Appt

 

 

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From Self-Conscious to Confident Smile with Clear Aligners

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From Self-Conscious to Confidently Smiling with Clear Aligners

Thinking about straightening your smile with Impressions clear aligners? Hear from Impressions patient, Audra, to see how her confidence changed forever.

We’ve all been teased. Some would say it’s a right of passage in junior high and high school. But I can still remember how mean teenagers can be. It doesn’t feel like a right of passage – more like torture. 

I mostly got called a nerd. Second in the running was “Jolly Green Giant” because I towered over most of my friends and peers right up until graduation. I also occasionally got picked on because my one front tooth edged out just a little ahead of the others, like it was trying to win a race. It was only one tooth, but that was all it took for the other hormonal high schoolers to make me feel like an outcast. 

I didn’t mind being called a nerd, because I liked being smart. I didn’t mind being singled out for being close to six feet tall, because it made me better at sports. What I didn’t like was the one bucktooth. That was something that could have been changed. I could have had a set of braces slapped on my teeth, like so many of my peers, and then come out the other side with teeth lined up like soldiers in a regiment. But, I didn’t get braces. 

“We can’t afford that,” my parents said. I said that was okay, even though it didn’t feel okay. After that, when I opened and closed my mouth I could feel that delinquent tooth rubbing just slightly more against the inside of my mouth – a reminder that I didn’t have a straight smile like my friends, or even the bullies. It was also a reminder that my parents didn’t have 5k or more to fix my teeth. 

I smiled less at graduation because of that tooth. I smiled less at my friends, family and new acquaintances. I smiled less when I got my first job. All because of that one tooth. 

Ten years later, I finally decided to straighten my teeth. I was pretty dang sick of talking out of one side of my mouth – the side of my mouth where my teeth looked perfectly normal – and was tired of the weird face I made in pictures. 

“Your teeth are pretty straight. Have you had braces before?” Dr. Roberts asked me.

I was shocked. No, I hadn’t had braces before. Couldn’t he see that one tooth that was sticking way out in front of all the others? Couldn’t he see that it had caused kids to pick on me?

No, he couldn’t see the insecurities that the one little tooth had caused my whole life, but he listened when I told him. He also listened when I told him I didn’t want braces because, while braces may have been acceptable in high school, I didn’t want them as an adult. 

I embarked on my new smile journey. The clear aligners straightened my teeth right up. In 14 months, that tooth was back in line where he was supposed to be. No one was going to pick on me about my smile ever again. 

Impressions Before After

When I finished my treatment and looked at the before and after photos, I couldn’t believe what I saw. Looking back, I could see that my tooth wasn’t actually that far out of line and that my smile wasn’t actually that crooked. I guess to me it had felt like it was really crooked because I harbored so much insecurity about it. Had I needed clear aligners at all? Then, I realized something. Confidence gives you a whole new perspective. Once I had a straight, beautiful smile that I wasn’t insecure about anymore, I couldn’t imagine tolerating anyone picking on me for one tooth. I was so comfortable with my teeth that I almost couldn’t imagine a time when I was uncomfortable. 

I think that’s the power of truly feeling good about yourself, and that’s why orthodontic treatment – like Impressions – is so important. Having insecurities and being self-conscious are real things. Whether you have one tooth out of line, or a whole mouth of crooked teeth, the effect of feeling insecure about your smile can do the same damage. From a medical standpoint did I really need my teeth straightened? No. From a self-confidence perspective did I need my teeth straightened? Absolutely. 

I can tell you Impressions treatment made a world of difference for me. I like smiling now, and that changes everything.

 

Find out if Impressions is right for you. Schedule a consultation now, get your aligners in 6-8 weeks! You deserve a smile you feel confident in.

Choose Impressions to help you make the smile of your dreams come true.

xx Your Impressions Family

 

 

 

Fill out the form below to start your journey to your #ImpressionSmile!

Request an Appointment

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Jessica’s Impressions Smile Journey

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Jessica's Impressions Smile Journey

Thinking about straightening your smile with Impressions clear aligners? Hear from a real Impressions patient.

Jessica is an Appalachian State student that looked to Impressions to realign her teeth after failing to wear her retainers after braces, as many of us do. Jessica wanted a quick smile transformation and did NOT want braces again! After her trip to see the team at Blue Ridge Orthodontics, they agreed that Impressions treatment was the perfect fit for her smile goals. 

Keep reading to learn more about Jessica’s steps to a straighter smile with Impressions. (She might even answer some of your questions)

 

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO TAKE ANOTHER STEP TO A STRAIGHTER SMILE?

Jessica: I had braces when I was younger but I didn’t wear my retainers like I was supposed to so my teeth started overlapping again. It’s important to me to straighten my smile because it’s part of what makes a good first impression. I wanted to be confident in my smile and be able to feel good about the way my smile looked in pictures.

Jessica was fully expecting the BRO doctors to tell her that she needed braces again and she was dreading having to go through that whole process while in college! Feeling that it would make her insecure around her peers, Jessica hoped that there would be a more invisible option for her. When the BRO doctors told her about their at-home clear aligner treatment, Impressions, Jessica was elated, “I was so glad when they said I could get impressions because they are invisible and no one would notice I had them.“ 

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE IMPRESSIONS OVER OTHER AT HOME CLEAR ALIGNER COMPANIES?

Jessica trusted her doctors at BRO and their recommendation of Impressions. She liked that she knew and trusted the doctors and had a team of experts she could reach out to with questions. Those benefits made Impressions a much better option than other at-home clear aligner treatments.

 

WHY DO YOU LIKE AT-HOME TREATMENT?

Jessica: I have really been enjoying the at-home treatment because with COVID-19 making things like in-person treatment and appointments more difficult, I don’t have to worry about any of that. I have everything I need at home and the instruction guide has helped me know how to take care of my trays and it’s been a super easy process. 

The ease of the Impressions process went above and beyond Jessica’s expectations. When she received her Impressions box she was delighted to see multiple trays along with other fun things like the cleaning crystals and aligner case.

HOW DID YOU FIND THE ADJUSTMENT OF WEARING AND MAINTAINING YOUR ALIGNERS? 

Jessica: Maintaining the aligners is super easy because the cleaning crystals are provided in the box and then I just brush the aligners when I brush my teeth. All of the aligners fit really well and I’m always excited to get to wear a new aligner. 

Wearing aligners can sometimes be uncomfortable at first while your teeth and mouth get used to them. Taking Tylenol or Ibuprofen at the start of your treatment and eating and drinking items that are cold can help to ease discomfort. 

Impressions Tools

WHAT WOULD YOU TELL OTHER PEOPLE WHO ARE THINKING ABOUT STRAIGHTENING THEIR SMILE?

Jessica: I would tell anyone who is thinking about straightening their smile to go for it! Having a straight smile and pretty teeth are such a payoff. I would recommend getting impressions to anyone but especially people like me who didn’t necessarily want the braces look. The Impressions journey for me so far has been a breeze. It’s super simple and easy and fun, and it has all the same outcomes as getting braces. 

 

At the time of writing this, Jess is six weeks into her treatment and as you see from her answers above she is loving it! Impressions is a great treatment option for you if you want to transform your smile discreetly and without the hassle of regular appointments. Whether you’re a busy college student or stay-at-home mom, Impressions doesn’t get in the way.

Find out if Impressions is right for you. Schedule a consultation now, get your aligners in 6-8 weeks! You deserve a smile you feel confident in.

Choose Impressions to help you make the smile of your dreams come true.

xx Your Impressions Family

 

 

 

Fill out the form below to start your journey to your #ImpressionSmile!

Request a Virtual Appt

 

 

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Local Asheville Gift Guide | 2020

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A gift guide packed full of Asheville local spots that will thrill the Instagram Influencer, DIY-er, dog lover, greenie girl, and self-care queen on your gifting list!

With the Holiday’s hastily approaching, we’re all thinking about our holiday shopping this year. This year is an odd one and it’s making shopping even more challenging than normal! Big box stores have been relied on more than ever this year due to the convenience of fast shipping and safety, but it’s important to remember our local businesses. No one understands better than small business owners the circumstances we are all under this year and you best believe they’re trying their best to make shopping with them as convenient and safe as possible.

To help spread some local holiday cheer, we have put together a guide of 5 local Asheville businesses that would make GREAT gifting destinations. 

FOR THE INSTAGRAM MODEL

Nest Boutique + DIY Studio

Nest is a lifestyle boutique featuring inclusively sized Women’s clothing, exceptional home decor, and more fun gifting items than you’ve ever laid your eyes on! The women of Nest describe, “Walking into Nest, you’ll immediately get the sense of our eclectic + feminine design; warmth married with an essence of chic gives you all the feels that we love!“ 

  • Vidalia Vogue Mask + Gold Mask Chain
    Mask it up in style with a locally handmade mask and mask chain so you never lose it! These fabric masks come in two sizes and NINE different patterns ranging from tie-dye to all types of animal print!

  • Little Words Project Bracelet
    These 90’s throwback friendship bracelets are sure to make a twinkle in your girlfriend’s eye. “Choose from words like ‘strength,’ breathe,’ believe,’ and ‘hope’ to give you inspiration before passing it on to someone who needs it more.” With 55 different phrases and 4 different color-ways, there’s something for every friendship. 

 

Specials | 35% OFF on Black Friday + spend $200, get a free mask and mask chain! 

Located in Biltmore Village, on Lexington Ave, and 24/7 from the comfort of your home at StyleTheNest.com. 10% of their sales are dedicated to monthly charities who focus on empowering women locally and globally, so you know your money is going to a good place. Follow these amazing women on Instagram @nestavl for more! 

FOR THE DIY-ER

Designed to Dream Shop

Designed to Dream shop is the shop of fiber artist, Taron Teague. Taron makes stunning wall hangings, macrame ornaments, keychains, and more. This year she is releasing 6 new color wristlets, new mini wall hangings, a DIY ornament kit, and a DIY macrame wall hanging kit! These gifts are THE thing to give to that friend that is always making things! 

  • DIY Macrame Wall Hanging Kit
    This Do It Yourself kit comes with everything you need to make your very own macrame wall hanging! The kit includes step by step detailed directions with pictures, pre-cut rope, and a wooden dowel. Perfect for beginners!

  • Macrame Ornaments
    Everything they will need to make 10 cinnamon stick macrame ornaments in 5 different colors! 

Specials | New Macrame plant holders will be on special this week for Black Friday! Check out their Instagram for more info on specials! 

Shop Designed to dream shop on Instagram or online.

FOR THE DOG LOVER

Botanical Bones

Botanical Bones is a family business thoughtfully making superfood + adaptogenic dog treats right here in Asheville, NC. The dog treats you will find here are no normal sticky treat, these are human-grade, healthy ingredients that dogs love + superfoods and adaptogens to promote wellness.

  • Calming Treats
    Have a friend with a dog that’s just a little full on or skittish? These treats are made to mellow out that pup. Ashwagandha and lemon balm are known to reduce stress levels and help animals find their inner calm.

  • Wellness Treats
    These tasty peanut butter treats promote longevity. Super tasty superfood treats to help the pup stay healthy and feel their best. This blend is all about supporting the immune system with reishi for cancer prevention, turmeric for inflammation, and blueberry for antioxidants. 

Specials | 30% OFF online with code “Thankful30” 11/26-11/29. Check back here or on their Instagram for December deals! 

Shop these healthy pup treats and more on their Instagram or online.

FOR THE EARTH LOVER

Ware AVL

Have a friend who likes to be conscious of their impact on the earth? Ware is the place to go to make a change in daily life. This store is chuck full of things you need to make everyday living sustainable and more earth-friendly. Perhaps most notably, they have a collection of personal and home care items in bulk so that you can refill your own containers as needed! There’s no guilt to gift-giving from this eco-conscious boutique. Gift the seeds of a sustainable household from Ware. 

  • Winter Skin Salve
    This isn’t an ordinary body butter. It’s a rich, dense, and highly concentrated moisturizer that is packed full of antioxidants and essential fatty acids that your skin needs to repel free radicals and create a protective barrier to keep moisture in. This wonder balm comes in two scents; Refresh (Eucalyptus & Peppermint) and Serene (Rosewood, Lavender & Grapefruit).

  • Six Season Veggie Cookbook
    This book is organized by veggie type and then further broken down into six seasons. It provides endless culinary inspiration for eating locally and seasonally. This is a great gift for your veggie eaters, looking for inspiration in the kitchen.

  • Bulk Household Refills
    This is a great thing maybe to mention in a card! One of the best parts of Ware is their bulk section of detergents for things from your hair to your dishes. Remind them to bring their own containers and go crazy in the refill section! 

Specials | Clearance sales in the store through Sunday 11.29
Discount codes will be sent to the lucky ones on their email list on Monday for Cyber Monday. Click here, to get on their email list.

Shop their online shop, browse their Instagram, or visit in-store Sun-Thu: 11-6 | Fri & Sat: 11-7.

FOR THE SELF-CARE QUEEN

Garden Party AVL

Garden party is the shop for your nature-loving, hippie friend. Specializing in everyday wellness items including, CBD, hemp, meditation, and herbs. Everything they need to chiiiiiiiill out. Treat a friend (or yourself) to some mind, body, and soul love.

  • Everyday Oil
    Everyday Oil is uniquely balancing, hydrating, cleansing, and nourishing. Whether you’re using it in your hair or on your face as a cleanser and moisturizer, this product is super versatile.

  • Muse Loose Blend Tea
    Like a breath of fresh, mind-opening air, this aromatic mix of jasmine florets, peppermint, and raspberry leaf clears mental clutter and replaces it with renewed imagination. All BARBARI Herbal Blends are made with organic, food-grade herbs in Portland, Oregon.

Specials | Black Friday Deals will be announced Wednesday on their Instagram. Orders over $25 qualify for Free Shipping or local Asheville (city) delivery. Shop online now.

Impressions is an Asheville local business bringing at-home clear aligner care to our area for the first time! Impressions care is facilitated by our team of doctors at Blue Ridge Orthodontics, right at your convenience. Get yourself the gift that will keep on giving every time you smile.

 

Find out if Impressions is right for you. Schedule a consultation now, get your aligners in 6-8 weeks!

Choose Impressions to help you make the smile of your dreams come true.

xx Your Impressions Family

 

 

 

Fill out the form below to start your journey to your #ImpressionSmile!

Request a Virtual Appt

 

 

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A Perfect Smile for a Perfect Virtual Date

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Virtual dating is new to us all and sometimes it can be a little awkward. You’re both staring at a digital screen and hoping to feel something. Well, with a bright, straight smile you’ll be sure to make a great first impression. And since you likely won’t meet in person for a while, this is a great time to start your Impressions journey! 

One of the most important things we’ve learned in quarantine is how to make anything fun! So, pretend you’re a kid again! How can you make a virtual date fun?! We have six great ideas to get you started:

1. Have a dress-up date night!

Just because you’re at home and can wear your pajamas, doesn’t mean you should. Date night, whether virtual or not, is a great excuse to get dolled up. Get your date to dress up, too! You could even pick a theme to make it even more fun!

2. Pick a recipe to cook together

Now, we know you can’t actually cook a meal together, but you could pick a recipe to make at the same time while on video chat! Bonus points if you dress up to match the culture of the cuisine you’re cooking! This is a great way to still feel like you’re together. You even get to sit down and have a dinner date afterward.

Turn up the jazz, scroll through Pinterest, and get to cookin’, good lookin’.

3. Start a new TV series

You can pick a TV series, or movie to start watching together on facetime dates! It’s best to have something you’re both interested in, but you will have to solemnly swear to not watch it without the other! That just wouldn’t be fair. Netflix Party is a great thing to use to ensure you’re both watching the movie in-sync! After installing, just click the NP icon in the corner of the player and share the URL with your date. So fun!

4. Play a drinking game to a fun movie – if you drink

Here’s a link to some drinking games for movies on Netflix. This is a fun way to let loose with your partner and have some fun! Make sure to rotate water into the game – and to brush afterward!

5. Play a trivia game!

Test your knowledge compatibility with a trivia game! It’s always interesting to see what random knowledge you’ve obtained! It’s a great way to get to know someone else and their interests too. Grab your favorite snacks and have a little friendly competition.

6. Take turns playing music!

This is a super fun way to get to know the other person and an opportunity to show off your sick dance moves! Not a dancer? That’s okay, you could pair this as background noise to any of the other things we’ve suggested too! 

Virtual dates don’t have to be boring! With these suggestions for things to do, it should be almost as fun as an in-person date. Start Impressions at-home treatment now so that when you meet your partner face-to-face, you already have a smile that screams confidence! 

Find out if Impressions is right for you. Schedule a consultation now, get your aligners in 6-8 weeks!

Choose Impressions to help you make the smile of your dreams come true.

xx Your Impressions Family

 

 

 

Fill out the form below to start your journey to your #ImpressionSmile!

Request a Virtual Appt

 

 

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4 Healthy Recipes that are Easy on your Teeth

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4 Healthy Recipes that are Easy on your Teeth

We know the first few trays can cause some discomfort, don’t worry though, we’re here with four recipes that are easy to chew – plus, they’re good for your teeth!

Did you know that the health of your teeth can be impacted by what you eat? Most of us know that coffee, tea, and other acidic things aren’t the best and that calcium is on the good side. Well, keep reading to know more about what your teeth crave, and hopefully we can give you some inspiration for a meal you both can agree on!

Teeth Healthy Foods

Calcium helps harden your enamel and strengthen your jaw!
Find me in: milk, cheese, yogurt, broccoli, and salmon.

Vitamin D helps the body absorb our friend’s calcium while boosting bone density!
Your body naturally makes Vitamin D when you’re exposed to the sun, but you can also find me in fatty fish, canned tuna, and portobello mushrooms.

Phosphorus is like calcium’s sidekick in helping build strong bones and teeth.
Luckily phosphorus is found in a large variety of foods! Seafood, beef, pork, and cheese are great places to get your phosphorus up. Or try plant-based foods like soybeans, lentils, and pumpkin seeds.

Vitamin K is the shield that protects from substances breaking down bone.
The secret to vitamin K is kept in leafy greens like kale, collards, and spinach.

Vitamin C helps to strengthen your gums and other soft tissue. It can protect against gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, and can prevent your teeth from loosening.
Find Vitamin C in citrus fruits, potatoes, and leafy greens.

Vitamin A prevents dry mouth and helps your mouth heal quickly.
Get your fill of vitamin A from fish, egg yolks, and liver. You can also find it in leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, and collard greens, or in orange-colored fruits and oranges: think apricots, cantaloupe, pumpkin, carrots, and sweet potatoes. These fruits and veggies contain high levels of beta-carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A.

Healthy MuffinsMorning Muffins 

Start your morning off right by supplying your body and teeth with their fill of vitamins and minerals, like omega-3s, vitamin A, and fiber. These muffins are a delicious but healthy cross between a cinnamon apple muffin and carrot cake, featuring whole grains, fruit, carrots, walnuts, and warm spices.

12 muffins  —  Prep Time: 15 mins.  –  Cook Time: 20 mins.

Ingredients:

  • 1 and 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 apple, shredded
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups grated carrot (about 3 medium)
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup flaked coconut
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

Steps:

  1. Line a muffin tin with paper liners and set aside. Preheat oven to 400 degrees (F).
  2. In a large bowl add the flours, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt; whisk well to combine. Add in the applesauce, oil, apple, and vanilla; whisk just until combined. Fold in the carrot, raisins, coconut, and walnuts; stir until ingredients are combined. Divide batter evenly among prepared muffin cups.
  3. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350 degrees and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (or with just a few crumbs attached). Cool muffins in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

Teeth Healthy Chicken SaladGreek Yogurt Chicken Salad 

Whip up some chicken salad for lunch. This tooth-healthy chicken salad is made with dried cranberries, celery, almonds, chicken, and Greek yogurt providing sweetness, fiber, healthy fat, protein, and calcium. This quick + easy recipe is full of flavor, vitamins and it’s not too hard on your teeth!

5 servings — Prep Time: 15 mins.

 

Ingredients:

  • 2 to 2 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries, craisins, or other dried fruit
  • 1/4 cup (about 1 stalk) celery, diced
  • 1/4 cup red or white onion, diced
  • 1/4 cup chopped almonds or pecans
  • 6 ounces (about 3/4 cup) plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  1. Bake or boil chicken ahead of time. You can also just buy a rotisserie chicken! 
  2. Shred or chop chicken. 
  3. In a medium-size bowl combine chicken, dried cranberries, celery, onion, and chopped almonds.
  4. Stir in Greek yogurt, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  5. Wrap the salad in lettuce wraps or a tortilla.
  6. Store the salad in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

Black Bean Cheese Quesadillas 

For a quick and hearty lunch, these black bean and cheese quesadillas with salsa and cumin are perfect. The black beans, cheese, and sour cream on the top provides that protein and calcium you need for strong teeth!

4 servings —  Prep Time: 15 minutes  –  Cook time: 6 minutes

 

 

Ingredients:

  • 2 cans Black Beans
  • 1 1/2 cups salsa, mild or spicy
  •  1 teaspoon ground cumin
  •  2 cups shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese mix
  •  8 (8-inch) flour tortillas
  •  1/3 cup sour cream

Steps:

  1. Empty one can of beans into a bowl and mash gently with a potato masher or the back of a fork. Mix in the remaining can of whole beans, 1 cup of salsa, and cumin.
  2. Spread mixture evenly on 4 tortillas; top each with cheese. Cover with remaining tortillas.
  3. Heat a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Cook quesadillas 2-3 minutes per side.
  4. Cut into wedges and serve with remaining salsa and sour cream on the side for dipping.

Sore Teeth Friendly Food

Yummy Banana Ice-Cream

A great quick fix for a sweet dessert that will make you forget about your achy teeth is frozen banana ice cream! The bonus here is that there’s no added sugar! You could top your banana cream with healthy add-ins like peanut butter, strawberries, or dark chocolate.

2 serving —  Prep Time: 2 hours


Ingredients:

1 large ripe banana

Steps:

  1. Peel and chop your ripe banana into small pieces.
  2. Put the bananas in an air-tight freezer-safe container and place it into the freezer until frozen solid. This will take at least 2 hours, but you can do this overnight. 
  3. Transfer the frozen banana pieces into a small food processor or high-speed blender. Pulse to break the banana pieces up. 
  4. As the banana pieces are starting to turn into a crumbed or smashed texture, switch to blending. Make sure to scrape the edges of the blender/food processor.
  5. Blend to really smooth it out to a nice creamy texture. If you want to add add-ins, this is the time to do so. 
  6. Freeze again to a normal ice cream texture or eat it soft as is!

Remember to take your aligners out before chowing down and brush those teeth before replacing the aligners! Taking care in these steps really helps to make sure you get the most out of your time wearing your aligners. 

 

xx Your Impressions Family

Sources:

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Ten Things to Smile About this Holiday Season in Asheville

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Planning on spending the holidays in the beautiful mountain paradise of Asheville, North Carolina, but unsure of how to get into the festive spirit? Fear not! Asheville is teaming with holiday cheer and sights to behold.

We have compiled a list of holiday activities and attractions in Asheville that will leave you with a Christmas twinkle in your eye. Enjoy the splendid mountain views offered by the historic blue ridge parkway, view the dazzling displays offered by the Arboretum Christmas lights, or find that perfect hand crafted gift from a local shop. Asheville has everything you need to kick off your holidays the right way. Keep reading to learn more about these holiday mountain gems.

Christmas Lights at the NC Arboretum

Nothing says Christmas quite like a stunning, winter lights display and the NC Arboretum offers a light show you won’t want to miss! The Arboretum boasts one of the most impressive gardens in Western North Carolina, but when the holiday season rolls around, those gardens transform into a wondrous display of light and color.

With an eye towards artistic flare, 500,000 lights bring the Arboretum to life on cold winter nights! Behold fantastic light shows synchronized to your favorite holiday music at the quilt garden, complete with a 50-foot tall, animated christmas tree.

This winter wonderland is available for your viewing pleasure until January 4th, 2020. However, be sure to plan your leisurely stroll in advance and purchase tickets before arriving as some nights may get sold out. The Arboretum lights are open from 6-10PM.

The Omni Grove Park Inn

The Omni Grove Park Inn is one of Asheville’s most iconic destinations. With four amazing restaurants, massive stone fireplaces, and legendary hospitality, the Grove Park Inn is a perfect place to enjoy the holiday season in Asheville, whether you are an overnight guest or simply visiting for the day.

Oh, and did we forget to mention the Omni Grove Park Inn hosts the annual National Gingerbread House Competition? That’s right! As if the Grove Park Inn wasn’t enjoyable enough on its own, the inn hosts their gingerbread competition every year from late November to early January.

Visitors can enjoy incredible works of art, made entirely out of gingerbread and edible materials. The main floor of the hotel houses the competition winners, while many other displays can be found on the 7th floor.

Local Holiday Shopping

Asheville is well known for its local, handmade arts and crafts scene and this becomes even more apparent during the holiday season. Stroll the streets of downtown Asheville in search for the perfect holiday gift for the craft lover in your family.

From street stall vendors to local shops, explore the latest offerings by artists and designers from WNC. Whether you are looking for antiques, fashion, functional crafts, art, or bizarre oddities, you can find it all in the heart of this mountain town.

The Historic Biltmore Estate

Another historic jewel in Asheville’s crown is the Biltmore Estate. An incredible place to visit anytime of the year, the Biltmore house and grounds are a must see during the holiday season. The Biltmore offers an unforgettable holiday experience including candlelight tours, live music, and breathtaking decorations throughout the estate.

No occasion is too grand for this colossal, vintage, American house and the Christmas holidays are no exception. The grounds contain 500 wreaths and sprays, over 100 adorned trees, more than 25,000 ornaments, and 1.5 miles of fresh garlands. As if that weren’t enough the house contains 55 hand-decorated trees, poinciettas, and the famous 35-ft. Fraser fir in the Banquet Hall.

Holiday LaZoom Tour

Looking to inject a little (or should we say a lot) of fun energy into your holiday vacation? Look no further than the LaZoom bus tours. Grab a six-pack of your favorite local craft beer, jump on the big purple bus and be entertained as you enjoy LaZoom’s holiday comedy tour. Meet fun characters, learn interesting facts about Asheville’s history and pickup some new holiday traditions with this thrilling excursion.

Brewery Tours

Have we talked about craft beer yet? Asheville is known nationwide for its plethora of outstanding craft breweries. With 33 breweries in the city alone, from the original, Highland Brewery, to the new sensations, Burial Brewery, there is no shortage of options to explore for beer enthusiasts.

Feel overwhelmed from deciding what breweries to visit, let someone else do the thinking (and the driving) with one of Asheville’s brewery tours. Services, such as Asheville Brews Cruise or the Amazing Pubcycle, take you on a guided tour of local breweries, while allowing you to taste generous amounts of Asheville’s finest craft beers.

Polar Express Train

Just a short drive from Asheville, in the town of Bryson City, discover the unique holiday experience of the Polar Express train excursion. The 1.25 hour round-trip ride shuttles mystified guests from the Bryson City Depot to the heart of the North Pole, where Santa awaits. This magical train operates until the end of December, so be sure to catch a ride while you can!

Lake Julian Festival of Lights

Just South of Asheville, Lake Julian comes alive during the holiday season with a host of Christmas lights. A favorite for locals and tourists alike, enjoy a wonderful holiday lights show in this scenic recreational park. Take a walk under the lights or feel free to drive through an array of Christmas displays brought to vivid color and life.

Plan a Winter Hike

Asheville and Western North Carolina are home to some of the country’s most breathtaking and beautiful nature scenes to behold. Hidden throughout the forested mountains of the Blue Ridge are hikes leading to stunning views of mountains, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls. Grab your loved ones, bundle up for the brisk winter air, put on your best hiking shoes, and depart on a journey into the great outdoors this winter.

Get Your Brightest Holiday Smile Ready

Want to get your smile looking its best for this year’s holiday postcard, but afraid dental care is too expensive? Impressions is here to help! We offer high quality orthodontic care under the supervision of highly skilled and attentive professionals, but with the affordability and ease associated with at-home dental care.

Want to brighten the room with a smile more dazzling than the star on your tree this holiday season? Book a consultation at one of our ImpressionsHubs today and get ready to light up your next holiday party.

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Flash Friday Giveaways this February

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This month, the Impressions team is doing something special! We’re partnering with some of our favorite local businesses in Asheville in order to giveaway one gift card to a lucky recipient each Friday. Stay tuned to learn more about our next February Flash Friday giveaway!

Supporting Local Businesses in Asheville

Impressions invisible aligners was started right here in Asheville, NC. We may be biased, but we believe that Asheville is one of the most special cities in America and we’re fortunate to have such an incredible selection of local businesses here.

Part of the inspiration for our Flash Friday giveaway is that we like to support local businesses in Asheville. If we can introduce some Ashevillians to their new favorite biscuit place or make their Valentine’s Day that much more special, we’ll be very happy!

Want to Win the Next Flash Friday Giveaway?

So you want to know how you can throw your hat into the ring for the next Flash Friday giveaway this February? That’s great and it is really easy to enter!

Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Follow Impressions and Blue Ridge Orthodontics on Facebook
  2. Leave a comment tagging 3 of your closest friends or family members
  3. Stay tuned for us to announce the winner each week

If you’re a lucky winner, you’ll be hearing from us and we will send you your gift card. It’s easy and you’ll get to enjoy a fun experience at one of Asheville’s favorite spots!

What Was The First February Flash Friday Giveaway?

Are you a fan of a good southern style biscuit? So are we! That’s why we felt a gift card to Biscuit Head would be the perfect prize to kick off our February Flash Friday giveaways.

Haven’t Been to Biscuit Head in Asheville Yet?

This restaurant is helmed by husband and wife team, Carolyn and Jason Roy, has become quite popular here in Asheville thanks to their inventive take on classic Southern home cooking. Since they opened the original Biscuit Head in America’s happiest city, they have been a popular spot, especially if you are a fan of biscuits and gravy!

Biscuit Head has always made it a point to keep things local, just look at their list of vendors. So they really were an easy choice when it came to launching our first February Flash Friday giveaway!

Valentine’s Day Flash Friday Giveaway

Obviously with the most romantic holiday of the year right around the corner, our second Flash Friday giveaway was going to have to be special! We partnered with the special and truly delectable French Broad Chocolates in Asheville.

Haven’t Been to French Broad Chocolates Yet?

Taken from their own unique manifesto, the masterminds behind French Broad Chocolates strive to make the most awesome chocolate with the very best ingredients that are locally sourced with integrity, handcrafted with love, and humbly served. It’s this passion and unwillingness to compromise that yield such pure, beautiful and delicious chocolate treats!

From its inception, French Broad Chocolates has been committed to sustainability and they have done an incredible job. They are keen on supporting the local community here in Asheville and it’s something that has made an impact on the Impressions team.

For Valentine’s Day this year, we gave away two gift cards, one for French Broad Chocolates and one for Shine in Hendersonville. That’s a very romantic dinner and dessert in Western North Carolina on us!

 

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You’re going to LOVE this #flashfriday giveaway!!! ————————— It’s almost Valentine’s Day 🌹 🍫 and we’re giving away two gift cards to help you really kill it! Today’s winner will get a gift card to @frenchbroadchocolate PLUS a gift card to @shinehvl. Dinner and dessert, on us!! ———————— To enter, all you have to do is follow @impressionsmile and @bro_smiles, and tag three friends in the comments. At the end of the day, we’ll pick a winner, and we’ll send you your gift cards! It’s that easy! ———————————————– #flashfridaygiveaway #februaryflashfridays #february #valentines #almostvday #vday #love #loveisintheair #engagementphotos #frenchbroadchocolates #frenchbroadchocolatelounge #chocolate #oysters #dinnerout #datenight #shinehvl #asheville #wnc #acl #ashevillebusiness #828business #the828 #828isgreat #828forlife

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Remember that we still have two more Flash Friday giveaways to go, so please stay tuned for more! We will update this post with future winners and prizes. If you want to enter, all you have to do is follow Impressions and Blue Ridge Orthodontics, and tag three friends in the comments. At the end of the day, we’ll pick a winner, and we’ll send you your gift cards! It’s that easy!

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What Does a Smile Mean to You?

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At Impressions, we are in the business of creating smiles. Our work revolves around helping others achieve the smile of their dreams in a way that is tailored to their needs so that they can tap the wealth of confidence that comes with it. As a team, we strive to share those smiles far and wide, reaching way beyond our beloved Asheville community, and we are very passionate about what we do.

The “What a Smile Means” Campaign

That’s what the What a Smile Means campaign is all about. We wanted to celebrate smiles in every shape and form. Using the power of the internet, we’re finding real people from every corner of the globe to feature on our social media channels, so that they can share their smiles and positivity with others. We wanted to share not only the images of our featured friends but also the reasons for their grin, of which there are plenty.

Most people are inundated with a ton of photos each and every day through social media. These photos can be shopped and manufactured to display an ideal of beauty that just isn’t realistic. We knew from the start that we would only feature real smiles from real people.

We want to be part of a new generation that accepts their “flaws” and sees them as the unique features they are, ones that come together to make up each individual person.

Through snapshots and stories, we are connecting people from all different countries and showing them that the path to their perfect smile does not need to be paved in hardships and maxed out credit cards; that it can be real and achievable for everyone.

Impressions is an alternative to traditional alignment services such as metal braces or Invisalign. It’s not only faster and less of a hassle, but it also costs half that of traditional metal braces. Everyone should have the opportunity to radiate confidence in their lives, and we want to bring awareness to new affordable treatment options for straightening teeth.

Are You Happy With Your Smile?

We are also trying to simultaneously show our followers that there is no one definition for the “perfect smile”—perfection lies in the eye of the beholder. As long as you are happy with your smile and feel that it gives you confidence, then your smile is as perfect as it gets.

If you aren’t totally satisfied with your smile, get in touch with us. Impressions is an at-home invisible aligner that makes changing the shape of your teeth easy and appealing. Treatment typically lasts between six to nine months, which is significantly less than traditional orthodontic treatments for adults. Come visit us at one of our ImpressionsHubs, currently residing in Asheville and Hendersonville, NC.

Am I A Candidate?

We hope that you’ll consider joining us in our mission. We hope to spread the confidence of our #whatasmilemeans participants by including even more people. All you have to do is follow us on Instagram to see the What a Smile Means campaign in action. You can submit your own photos for us to use by tagging them with #whatasmilemeans.

 

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#whatasmilemeans to me is the expression of all good things in life. It’s about showcasing your joy, extending a warm welcome to a friend, or connecting with a total stranger. It’s happiness, pure and simple, and it should be used with abandon. – @devontrevathan • • • • If you don’t have a smile you’re comfortable in, we can help. We believe everyone should be able to radiate confidence, just like @devontrevathan! Email us at [email protected] to find out how you can get a smile for half the cost! • • • • #whatasmilemeans #asmilemeansalot #asmile #smile #smiles #smiling #throwback #throwbackalmostthursday #happy #travels #traveltime #adventure #vacation #california #laketahoe #lake #flannel #plaid #getanewsmile #newsmile #ineedanewsmile

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Impressions Holiday Guide: Invisible Aligners, Health & Beauty Tips

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It’s finally December, and with that comes a lot to get excited for: festive music, scarf weather, and a ready excuse to stay home and wrap up with a warm blanket in front of a beloved holiday movie. This month is certainly a reason to smile and celebrate, and the season doesn’t need to be any less wonderful because you have invisible aligners.

Yes, there are adjustments that you have to make, but follow our Holiday Guide and you may just find yourself happier and more hopeful than ever before.

Wear Your Aligners

We know we sound like a broken record here, but it is imperative that you keep your aligners on for at least 22 hours a day, or basically at any point when you’re not eating, and this applies to holiday parties and special gatherings, too. Equally as important is that you don’t drink or ingest anything that isn’t cool, clear water while wearing your aligners. Taking good care of your body and yourself doesn’t have to start after the new year; do yourself a solid by making proactive decisions this December. Make the right decisions and stick to a mostly healthy diet when you can.

Set Alarms

The holidays are a very busy time of year. Between family, friends, and last minute gift shopping, there barely seems to be enough time in the day to have a shower let alone worry about your aligners. That’s why alarms will be your new best friend. Set an alarm to remind you of your allotted time to eat and drink your various meals and beverages. Planning ahead can make a huge difference this holiday season.

Brush and Floss Before Popping Aligners Back In

It’s always important to brush and floss your teeth thoroughly before putting aligners back so that dangerous bacteria won’t get trapped there against your teeth, but this is especially true during the holidays.

What does Champagne, peppermint bark, and a cup of hot chocolate all have in common (besides being delicious)? They are all pretty heavily loaded up with sugar, which can wreak havoc on your teeth if you don’t steps to take care of them. Pop into the bathroom after dinner to do a quick amount of dental maintenance before putting your aligners back in place, and consider choosing light or white wines to drink so that your smile stays sparkling.

Pack Your Holiday Survival Kit

Since you’ll probably be bouncing from party to party, now is as good a time as ever to make sure you’re prepared with a holiday survival kit. Grab a small bag and pack it full of floss, mints, lip balm, your aligner case, a travel-sized toothbrush, and some festive peppermint toothpaste. Your survival kit should go everywhere you go this season.

Practice Some Self-care

The holidays are stressful, people! If everyone’s not saying it already, you know they’re thinking it. Why not take a moment to take care of yourself before diving into the deep end? Self-care comes in many forms: maybe you want to try out a lush new face mask you’ve been eyeing, maybe you need to tack on an added 15 minutes to your meditation routine, or maybe you just need to treat yourself to a big cup of ice cream (followed by a brush and floss, of course).

Regardless of what it is, make sure to take the time to treat yourself this holiday season. If you’re using Impressions invisible aligners, then you’ve awarded yourself some extra time anyways.

Plan Your Looks

Nothing creates stress like a last-minute panic to pick out the right holiday outfit. Plan your looks ahead of time to get a jump on the night in question. Are you feeling a festive red frock? Or maybe something sparkly? Is there a velvet option hiding in the back of your closet? Throw on your Michael Bublé Christmas mix and get to assessing your holiday wardrobe. And don’t discount the idea of simple, black staples; it can always be dressed up with some festive accessories.

Drink Lots of Water

Here at Impressions, we are always in the habit of reminding folks to hydrate, but this is an especially good idea during the holidays. The air is often drier this time of year and your skin will be responding to that, and don’t forget that hydration aids your digestion, which will be important when you sit down to your mom’s famous turkey dinner. As an added bonus, increased water intake is great for your teeth and mouth. Make sure to carry a refillable water bottle with you wherever you go and get in the habit of swigging from it regularly.

Brighten Your Teeth

Make sure you’re ready for all the photos by taking extra steps to care for your smile. What better time is there to whiten your teeth? There are plenty of options for those interested in dental whitening. If you’re already an Impressions customer, you’ll have received our whitening gel in the kit that was mailed to your door. If you aren’t, Crest Whitestrips are always a favorite, and plenty of whitening clinics will run specials around the holidays.

Don’t Forget to Smile

No matter what you do, this one is important: smile! The holidays are about spending time with the people you love and being grateful for the year you’ve had, and that should certainly put a smile on your face. Remind yourself of all the good times you’ve had in 2018 and try to look back at the year with appreciation before stepping into a new one.

Hopefully, you’ve learned a thing or two from reading our Holiday Guide, but either way, we hope you have fun this season. If you’re interested in getting the smile of your dreams in the new year, request an appointment where you can learn more about Impressions, the at-home invisible aligner service bringing stellar teeth to thousands across the country for less. You can find out if you’re a candidate here:

Am I A Candidate?
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