Three-Cheese Macaroni Extravaganza, a hearty and braces-friendly winter recipe!

It’s chilly outside, and sometimes nothing satisfies the team here at Caponera Orthodontics more than a hot meal. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) made an appetizing (and braces-friendly!) winter dish that is sure to delight. Remember, a healthy diet provides essential nutrients and helps you achieve the best possible result from your orthodontic treatment.

Ingredients

• 2 cups uncooked macaroni noodles
• Water for boiling noodles
• (optional: 1 or 2 onions, chopped)
• (optional: 1 to 2 Tablespoons margarine for sautéing onions)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (fresh is best, but the canned type works too)
• ½ cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded mild or sharp cheddar cheese
• 1½ cups milk
• ½ cup bread crumbs or dry stove-top stuffing

Directions
Preheat oven to 350°. In a medium pot, boil macaroni in water until you can just cut it with the side of a fork; drain and set aside. In a medium saucepan, sauté the onions in the margarine until they are clear and tender. In a 3-quart greased casserole, stir together the macaroni and milk. Sprinkle with the cheeses and onion, then stir it all together. Sprinkle the bread crumbs on top. Cover and bake for 40 minutes at 350 degrees. Serves six to eight.

Caponera Orthodontics, reminding you to protect your mouth this winter

With winter sports under way for a lot of our patients, Caponera Orthodontics thought it would be a good time to remind our young athletes wearing braces to take care of both their mouth and appliances while participating in contact sports (and non-contact sports) this winter.

More than half of the seven million sports and recreation-related injuries that occur each year are sustained by youth between ages 5 and 24. Sixty-seven percent of parents say their child does not wear a mouth guard, yet, 70 percent say their biggest fear when their child plays is that they will get hurt. Despite the risks, many kids are still not wearing mouth guards and facial protection during games and practices.

Many people think a mouth guard is effective just to protect your teeth. But research has shown mouth guards can also reduce lower jaw impact that causes concussions. Our staff at Caponera Orthodontics encourage you to head over to the American Association of Orthodontists’ website for a quick primer on the importance of mouth guards and facial protection.

We hope this helps you remember to always wear a mouth guard and other forms of protective gear when participating in winter sports! We encourage you to give us a call if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook!

Happy New Year from Caponera Orthodontics!

At Caponera Orthodontics, the New Year is a time to look back to the past, and more importantly, forward, to the coming year. Our wish is that our patients continue to keep their teeth healthy, as well as wear their rubber bands, headgear and appliances as prescribed during their treatment.



We look forward to meeting those patients who are planning to begin their orthodontic treatment this year—we think it's a great resolution!



Happy New Year from Dr. Rinaldo Caponera and all of us at Caponera Orthodontics!

Meet Our Orthodontist

I chose to study orthodontics because of the powerful impact a person's smile can have on their self-esteem. I always try to establish a long-term relationship with my patients and always treat them like they are a part of my family.

After graduating with a degree in chemistry from Emory University, I made my way back to Florida and completed Nova Southeastern University's Dental School 2nd in my class. I continued my studies at Nova to specialize in orthodontics. Upon finishing school with honors in 2004, I partnered with Dr. Norman Gorback until taking over the practice in 2008.

I feel a deep commitment to my community and volunteer at several charitable organizations including the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the Jewish Adoption and Foster Care Options.

I am lucky to be married to my college sweetheart, Marissa, and we live with our two dogs, Nadia and Eva. When I'm not in the office, I'm most likely near the ocean enjoying water sports and surfing.