Merry Christmas!

Take some time this holiday season to be appreciative of those who work when they should be with family and friends, those who are away from those they love, and those who sacrifice for our needs.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. May this Christmas find you surrounded by those you love, filled with a lot of fun and cheer, and the New Year bring happiness, health, and prosperity.

The Clear Alternative To Braces For Teens

Is your teen bummed out about the thought of having braces? Invisalign Teen aligners give adolescents a whole new way to wear braces for a clearly amazing smile!

Scenarios in high school like the team games on Friday nights, homecoming dances, and yearbook pictures can leave many teens stressed about their smile. Don't let your teenager stress; during Invisalign Teen treatment teens can achieve a straight smile without metal braces and without much detection!

Invisalign Teen aligners are a perfect fit for every lifestyle, because aligners are:

• Clear 
• Removable 
• Super comfortable 
• Customized 

Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign Teen aligners are removable, which means you can go ahead and eat all the things you love without worrying about breaking a bracket or losing a rubber band.

Invisalign aligners are really comfortable and very durable. They fit in with any of your extracurricular activities. So whether you're swimming the 50-meter race, throwing the football out on the field, or playing the clarinet with the school band, you don't have to worry about your braces getting in the way! Give us a call to schedule a consultation just in time for the New Year!

But First, Elfie Selfie | NEW CONTEST ALERT

New Contest Alert! Here are all the details on our Elfie Selfie Contest! Enter for a chance to win a fantastic prize! We will reveal the prize details once the winner is announced on January 2nd!

facebook.com/appletreeortho

IG: @appletreeortho

DIY Holiday Gift Baskets For Kids & Teens

We found these amazing holiday gift basket ideas for kids and teens. Check out these top 6 DIY gift baskets perfect for loved ones this holiday season!

1. Tackle Box Craft Kit – Gone fishing? We simply can’t get over the cuteness and creativity behind this Tackle Box Craft Kit!
2. DIY Art Caddy – Little artists will absolutely adore their very own art caddy – and its assembly is sure to give you a healthy dose of Picasso-glow!
3. Sports-Themed Gift Bucket  – Teenage boys will consider this gift basket a home run! You can add some of these fun balls for them to throw around.
4. Baker Gift Basket – Why not inspire the budding baker in your life with their very own baking basket?! Don’t forget the kid’s cookbook!
5. Coca-Cola and Hot Cocoa Gift Box – Give those soda slurpers something they’ll really love with this combination cola-cocoa gift kit!
6. S’mores Jar Gift – S’more treats means s’more fun for everyone!

Happy Thanksgiving

There is always something to be thankful for, and at Appletree Orthodontics we are thankful for you! Thank you to our wonderful patients who have made it possible to be serving the Londonderry area for over 30 years! Happy Thanksgiving!

What Appletree Orthodontics Will Do For You

At Appletree Orthodontics, we understand the expectations of the patients and families we serve, and we do everything we can to make sure that each patient has an exceptional experience at our practice.

We Will...Do a good job! From the moment you enter our practice, we want you to feel comfortable, welcomed, and appreciated. We are here for you, and it's our goal to build your trust in us so that we can help you smile.

We Will...Be efficient with your time and money. We know that you have a busy schedule, and we don't think that your appointments should interfere with your life. All of our appointments are appropriately scheduled so that you will spend less time in the waiting room and dental chair, and more time out enjoying the things that make you smile.

We Will...Provide an office environment that is friendly, inviting, and professional. Your comfort is important to us, and because we work with patients of all ages, we recognize that each person who visits our practice has unique needs and expectations.

We look forward to working with you, and to being a part of this wonderful, life-changing experience. #AppletreeOrtho 

Celebrate National Sundae Day

Did you know November 11th is National Sundae Day? Every year, on the 11th of November ice cream lovers celebrate one of the most popular desserts, an ice cream sundae! Ice cream sundaes come in all flavors, shapes, and sizes, but there are always at least 4 ingredients that make the dessert an official sundae: ice cream, flavored sauce, whipped cream, and a cherry on top!

Are you an ice cream sundae lover looking for a new recipe? Well, look no further! We found a delicious mouth-watering recipe sure to satisfy any ice cream sundae appetite.

Meet the COOKIE LOVERS SUNDAE!

HOW TO MAKE THIS SUNDAE:  Melt cookie butter in the microwave, drizzle it generously between layers of cookie dough ice cream and warmed fudge sauce, and crumbled Oreos. Not an Oreo fan? This sundae would also be amazing with any cookie

Happy Halloween

We want to wish all of our patients and friends a very Happy and Safe Halloween!!! #AppletreeOrtho

Super Simple Halloween Treat - BRACES FRIENDLY

Get festive this Halloween season with this delicious Candy Corn pudding recipe! Whether you're hosting a Halloween party, or having a spooktacular movie night, this treat is great for all ages and occasions.

CANDY CORN PUDDING

What you need:

• Vanilla Instant Pudding
• Yellow Food Coloring
• Orange Food Coloring
• Whipped Topping

Directions:

1. Simply take the plain vanilla instant pudding and mix it with food coloring. Make a classic yellow layer, and an orange layer. 

1. Mix it thoroughly.
2. Apply top layer of Whipped Topping.
3. Enjoy

NEW CONTEST ALERT!

Don't forget to participate in our newest patient contest at your next appointment! #thenandnow #appletreeortho

What is National Orthodontic Health Month?

For many people, October brings fall, pumpkin spice everything, pumpkin patch visits, and Halloween festivities. These are all great things, but here at Appletree Orthodontics, October mean a little more than that. Did you know October is actually National Orthodontic Health Month? Throughout October, our team and other orthodontists around the United States take the time to recognize October as the month to promote our services and inform our local communities about the importance of orthodontics. 

National Orthodontic Health Month was organized to help raise awareness about taking care of your teeth beyond your general dentist, as well as emphasizing the importance of taking care of your teeth properly when being treated for braces. If you have any questions regarding orthodontics that you have yet to find answers for, we are here for you!  This is a great time to get your questions answered by the Appletree Orthodontics team of professionals. Also, if you have never been to an orthodontist before, now would be a great time to have an orthodontic evaluation exam.  Children age 7 and up are encouraged to do so, as well as adults. 

For questions regarding orthodontic health, or how to care for braces, give us a call or post them on our Facebook wall!

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie - NEW RECIPE

To help you start this positive orthodontic experience Appletree Orthodontics found a new recipe that is braces friendly and taste buds approved! Check it out below.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree
• 1 large banana
• 6-8 ice cubes
• 6 oz vanilla yogurt
• 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp agave nectar (or honey would work too)
• 3 Tbsp milk
• pinch nutmeg and whipped cream, optional garnish

DIRECTIONS:

• In a blender (I love this one, it does a great job crushing the ice), combine pumpkin, banana, ice, yogurt, spice, agave nectar and milk. Pulse until smooth!
• Pour into a glass and top with whipped cream and pinch of nutmeg. ENJOY!

Living the Single Life? Find Out How Invisalign Can Help

Did you know beautiful teeth are the number one physical trait people look for in others? Outranking other traits such as trim bodies, a full head of hair, or specific eye colors, a white, straight smile came out on top in a poll given to both men and women by match.com. It may be surprising to your that other physical traits weren’t labeled as the most wanted, but it goes to show that we prefer a healthy smile over anything else.

If you are currently in the dating scene, keeping your smile healthy, bright, and straight shows to be more important than hitting up the gym. Are you interested in stepping up your smile? Start now with a few of these tips.

Problem: Discolored Teeth
If you are currently looking to fix some misaligned teeth or discolorations, there are few strategies you can take. You can whiten your smile with white strips or visit a professional for whitening treatments.

Problem: Misaligned Teeth
For fixing misaligned teeth, Invisalign is amazing. With Invisalign, you don’t have to worry about clunky metal braces.

Depending on what your exact needs are, Appletree Orthodontics will be able to help guide you down the path to a great smile, which hopefully helps you look and feel great. By using a series of clear, removable aligners, Invisalign straightens your teeth. Also, the average treatment time is only 6-18 months. For more information, give us a call at 603-434-0190 or visit our website.

Get a Straighter Smile Today

The embarrassment of having braces is already slowly disappearing as many people now opt for orthodontic treatment for problems like crooked teeth, misaligned teeth, and irregular bites. The most important thing is not to think of the discomfort and cost but the benefits of a perfect smile that will last a lifetime. At Appletree Orthodontics, we offer a range of treatment options sure to satisfy the needs of children, teens, and adults.

Get a straighter smile today

Appletree Orthodontics has a team of specialist and two orthodontists who have been helping people get a healthier smile with the help since the 1980s.

For questions and inquiries, you may visit our website or give us a call at 603-434-0190.

Braces for Teens

The teenage years are often the best time to have orthodontic treatment.The ages of 12 and 15 are the optimal years to receive treatment as the adult teeth have erupted but facial growth is still occurring.

Having braces in your teens has a variety of benefits including:

• Growth is ongoing and generally helpful to orthodontic treatment
• Friends and classmates are often also in braces
• A confident smile increases self-esteem at a sensitive age
• Provides a lifelong beautiful smile throughout adult years (with use of retainers)

At Appletree Orthodontics, we strive to keep treatment times as quick as possible while still ensuring amazing results. In general, treatment times are between 12 and 24 months. If you would like to learn more about orthodontic treatment for teens, visit our website or call us at 603-434-0190.

Orthodontics For Adults

At Appletree Orthodontics, we are happy to offer a variety of treatment options to straighten our patients’ teeth. Dr. Polgrean, Dr. Timminey, and our team believe you’re never too old to straighten your teeth. We have many adult patients who are currently undergoing orthodontic treatment. In fact, did you know that roughly 30 percent of all orthodontic patients these days are adults?

Invisalign is a great treatment option for adults. The Invisalign aligners are easy to wear and are not visible to most people. Plus, Invisalign's clear aligners are removable, so there are no restrictions on what you can eat during treatment. When considering Invisalign, we tell adults to determine if they can be diligent about wearing the aligners at all times and make them part of their lifestyle for the duration of treatment.

If you have been thinking about obtaining a beautiful smile, please give us a call at our convenient Londonderry, NH office for an initial consultation.Our doctors and our team welcome children, teens, and adults. Call us today for an appointment!

Learn More About Two-Phase Orthodontics

Are you aware of Two-Phased orthodontics? If not, don’t worry you’re not alone. Two-Phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized process that involves facial and jaw changes along with straightening teeth. This process allows Appletree Orthodontics to create a healthy functional smile with results that remain stable after treatment. One benefit of two-phase orthodontics in certain cases, it can prevent adult tooth extractions or major jaw surgery.

How does it work?

Two-Phase orthodontics starts with interceptive orthodontic care. This is a process where Appletree Orthodontics intercepts an oral problem before it continues to get untameable. Typically, treatment starts with younger children in order to manipulate teeth and growth before it’s too late. The best age for this is between 7 and 10-year-old. With interceptive orthodontics, treatment is about 4 to 12 months with monitoring of the child after that to discuss is possible second phase treatment.

Once a majority of the adult teeth have erupted, second phase can begin. The average treatment time of second phase is about 12 months of braces on the teeth. Retainers are worn after treatment to hold the correct position of the teeth.

If you are interested in learning more about Two-Phase Orthodontics, contact Appletree Orthodontics to discuss it more. We love answering questions and providing a solid foundation of information to those who are interested in treatment for their children or themselves.  Call us at 603-434-0190.

DIY: S'Moreos Recipe

Did you know today is National S'mores Day? If you're not familiar with this delicious treat, traditionally s'mores is a popular dessert amongst campers. Typically, you camp, sit around a fire, and toast marshmallows that you use to create a gooey scrumptious sandwich combined with chocolate bars and graham crackers.

If you want to celebrate National S'mores Day today, we encourage you to do so! Want to try something different? Add some flare to your s'mores! Try out this new s'more recipe and let us know what you think!

DIY: S'Moreos Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 Oreo cookies
• 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
• 4 whole graham crackers, halved
• 1 milk chocolate candy bar (1.55 ounces), quartered
• 4 large marshmallows

Directions

• Spread both sides of each Oreo cookie with peanut butter; place over half of the halved graham crackers. Top with chocolate.
• Using a long metal skewer or long-handled fork, toast marshmallows 6 in. from medium-hot heat until golden brown, turning occasionally. Place on chocolate; cover with remaining graham crackers. Serve immediately. Yield: 4 servings.

S'Moreos Recipe & photo by Taste of Home

Fun Dental Facts About Animals

We're testing your knowledge about dental trivia this month with our latest lobby contest at Appletree Orthodontics. As we grill you on dental trivia at the office, we thought it would be fun to share some dental facts with you on our blog...only these facts aren't about humans! Our team gathered some very interesting dental facts about animals. Keep reading to learn about some of your favorite wildlife's' dental facts.

Did you know...

• Dogs have 42 teeth, cats have 30 teeth, pigs have 44 teeth, and an armadillo has 104 teeth
• A snail's mouth is no larger than the head of a pin, but it can have over 25,000 teeth!
• The Blue Whale is the largest mammal on earth, but it eats only tiny shrimp because it has no teeth
• The Crocodile Bird flies into the open mouth of a crocodile and cleans the crocodile's teeth!
• Scientists count rings on a dolphin’s teeth to determine its age. The long-snouted spinner dolphin has as many as 252 teeth
• The Great Barracuda (wolf of the sea) can grow more than six feet long
• Groundhogs have four large incisor teeth for biting off vegetation and gnawing through roots. They also have 19 teeth for chewing
• A hippo can bite a small boat in half with its 20-inch-long teeth
• Insects’ teeth are called fangs or mandibles. Some insects also have teeth in their gizzard to help grind up food.
• Spiders have fangs, instead of teeth
• If a sheep’s teeth become too worn down, the sheep can die from starvation
• The bacteria-filled mouths of Komodo dragons can cause fatal infections in their victims
• Swallows, like all modern birds, have no teeth. They “chew” their food by swallowing tiny bits of gravel
• Turtles today do not have teeth
• Lions don’t chew their food because their jaws can’t move from side to side.

Data collected from a variety of sources online. We hope you have enjoyed these fun dental facts about animals from Appletree Orthodontics.

Cool Down With This Summer Recipe

Enjoy the rest of the summer with this tasty homemade snack that's sure to be a hit at any age. You probably have all the ingredients you need already! Skip store-bought popsicles and opt for a DIY version with this delicious BRACES FRIENDLY Chunky Monkey Popsicle!

Ingredients

• Vegetarian, Gluten free
• Produce
• 1 Banana
• 1/2 cup Peanuts

Condiments:

• 1/4 cup Chocolate syrup
• 2 tbsp Peanut butter
• Baking & Spices
• 3/4 cup Chocolate chips

Oils & Vinegars

• 2 tbsp Coconut oil

Dairy

• 3/4 cup Milk

Use Braces As An Opportunity To Stop Smoking

This is not what you think it is, it's not a rant on smoking. We don't need to tell you smoking is bad for your lungs, the word on that has been out for years. Besides the link between tobacco and heart disease, stroke, emphysema, and cancer, smoking can lead to oral health problems. It's our job to inform you of problems that may arise when you wear braces and smoke.

The following oral health problems that can follow from smoking are:
Bad breath – when you have braces, there are just more areas for bacteria. Smoking with braces often leads to more severe odor.

Tooth discoloration – smoking stains your teeth – when you have braces it is harder to brush increasing the likelihood of obvious tooth discoloration following the removal of your braces.

Inflammation of the salivary gland openings on the roof of the mouth

Increased loss of bone within the jaw – which can compromise your treatment time.Increased risk of developing gum disease, a leading cause of tooth loss

Delayed healing process – making mouth ulcers more painful and longer to heal.

Use your decision to invest in braces as an opportunity to quit smoking. There are plenty of resources and support groups out there willing to help. If you have any questions on oral health problems that can occur, contact Appletree Orthodontics. We are always happy to answer your questions.

So Many Braces, So Little Time

Orthodontic technology has brought us many options with regards to braces. These days, there are many types of braces, from metal braces to invisible braces. But what braces are right for you?

Metal Braces
When it comes to braces, metal braces are the most commonly used. Metal braces involve brackets that are glued onto the front side of each individual tooth. You may have heard the words “self-ligating" when people talk about metal braces. Self-ligating is an innovative technology that uses high-tech, light-force wires to achieve tooth movement with less pressure on your teeth for more comfortable treatment.

Clear Aligners
A series of alignment trays are created from molds and can be removed for brushing and flossing. Each aligner works to straighten your teeth in small incremental movements until the desired results are achieved. Clear Aligners are made of lightweight, clear plastic in the shape of your dental arches and are virtually invisible.

Basically…when you get right down to it, there are 2 basic types of braces. Those that are attached to the teeth and those that are removable. The type of braces you will need will be dependent on your specific orthodontic problem. Because each individual’s case is different, we cannot use the same treatment or braces on every person. However, if you are considering orthodontic treatment and have a specific type of bracket in mind, don’t be afraid to voice your opinion. You never know what braces will be right for you until you ask.

Contest Alert: Dental Trivia Challenge!

We have a new lobby contest at Appletree Orthodontics. Enter our Dental Trivia Challenge at your next appointment! ‪#‎appletreeortho‬

How To Prevent White Spot Lesions

As you may have discovered, braces can make it extra-challenging to keep your teeth really clean, because the brackets and wires may get in the way of your brush and floss. That’s why Appletree Orthodontics always stresses how important it is to make the extra effort. While you’re wearing braces, there are several things that can be done to prevent white spots. First, keep up a high level of oral hygiene. In addition to normal brushing and flossing, there are special brushes that can be used to clean around orthodontic brackets and wires, and floss threaders to help you work with dental floss. You can also try using a “water flosser” to flush material from between teeth and beneath the gums. This works by pulsating water at high pressure through a handheld device that looks something like a power toothbrush.

There are also some professional therapies that may help if you are at high risk for developing WSLs. These include at-home use of prescription fluoride toothpastes or rinses, or in-office application of fluoride gels, sealants or varnishes. While these methods can produce improvement, the effectiveness of particular treatments is still being studied.

There’s yet another way to keep white spots from forming, and even potentially reverse their damage: Keep the environment of your mouth healthy! It’s well known that acidic and/or sugary foods and beverages cause demineralization and erode tooth surface enamel. If you choose to consume these products at all, it’s essential to limit them to mealtimes and avoid between-meal snacking. That gives your saliva — nature’s own acid neutralizer — enough time to do its work. You can help here, too: Keep your mouth moist by drinking plenty of water, and by avoiding tobacco, alcohol and caffeine. If your mouth does get dry, try mints that contain xylitol; these promote salivation, and can help reduce the risk of tooth decay.

Try This Braces & Tummy Approved Recipe This Summer

Whether you're new to wearing braces or have had them for a while, you probably noticed that certain foods are hard to enjoy while being treated for orthodontics. Instead of loading up a list of things you can't eat, we suggest creating a list of new foods and recipes you can eat. This makes wearing braces a pleasurable experience that will leave your smile, and your tummy, very happy!

To help you start this positive orthodontic experience, Appletree Orthodontics found a new recipe that is braces friendly and taste buds approved! Check it out below.

FRUIT BROWNIE PIZZA

Ingredients:

• 1 boxed brownies mix (for a 9x13-inch pan)
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup oil
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 bananas
• lemon juice
• 1 1/2 cups diced strawberries
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 8 oz COOL WHIP whipped topping

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 12-inch round (rimmed) pizza pan with nonstick spray; set aside. (You can also use the disposable round pizza pans.)

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix, eggs, water and oil. Stir until just combined. Pour into the greased pan and spread evenly with a spatula. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove the brownie pan from the oven and allow to completely cool in the pan on a wire rack.

In a medium bowl, cream together the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Spread evenly over the top of the cooled brownie round. Slice the bananas and sprinkle with lemon juice to preserve the coloring. Place the banana slices evenly over the top of the cream cheese layer. Sprinkle with strawberries and blueberries.

Slice into wedges and serve immediately with a dollop of COOL WHIP whipped topping.

It's National Donut Day!

It's a great day at Appletree Orthodontics, and not just because it's Friday, because it's National Donut Day! This is definitely a day we can't say NO to celebrating! Did you know this day even existed? If you are one of the several unfortunate citizens that was not aware that today is your chance to get free donuts at participating shops, and indulge in one of America's favorite sweet breakfast treats, then keep reading to learn a few facts about National Donut Day!

What is it about donuts that are so special? Learn a few facts about Donuts & National Donut Day!

• National Donut Day started in 1938.
• It was started as a fund raiser for Chicago's Salvation Army during the Great Depression.
• It is always celebrated on the first Friday in June.
• There are 3 other donut days on our calendar.
• Donuts date back to prehistoric times.
• Some people spell it doughnut. Both are correct. 
• Boston has the most donut shops in the world.
• Clark Gable made donut dunking fashionable. 

You DO-NUT want to miss out on this delicious day to have an excuse to eat a donut, or two! Enjoy!

What To Pack When You Wear Braces

It’s just about that time again; summer is creeping around the corner. For many of our patients, summer is a popular time to take a vacation and escape the responsibilities and routine of every day normal life. As we encourage you to take some well-deserved time away and hit the beach, we want you to remember to stay responsible for your braces while you’re traveling.

Be sure to pack more than the essential tooth brush and floss if you wear braces! Check out our tips below for those of you wearing clear aligners & traditional braces

If you wear Invisalign clear aligners, be sure to remember:

· Always take your previous set of aligners, your current set, and your next set of aligners with you.

· Always carry your aligners in your purse or carry-on luggage when flying.

· Take an extra case.

· Make sure you rinse out your mouth and aligners before reinserting into your mouth if brushing is inconvenient.

If you wear traditional braces, be sure to pack the follow:

· Orthodontic wax

· Floss & threader

· Proxy brush

· Rubber bands (if required)

· Ibuprofen


We hope these tips help you while you’re enjoying the summer. If you have any questions or concerns while you are traveling please give Appletree Orthodontics a call. Wishing you all safe travels!

A Smile He Will Never Forget

Summer is creeping up on us!  With the warm weather ahead, we have more than vacations to look forward too, that's right, it's Wedding Season!  Did you know 91% of brides would love to change something about their smile? Brides see smiles as an important accessory for their big day, especially with all the pictures taken the wedding. For the brides we work with at Apple Tree Orthodontics, we typically introduce them to Invisalign.  With Invisalign, you can see a difference in your smile in as little as a few months.

How It Works:
Invisalign is popular because of it's more modern approach to straighten teeth, along with the fast results in comparison to metal braces and brackets. With Invisalign, patients can get the smile of their dreams by wearing a series of custom-made aligners for a matter of months. The clear Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible plastic that fit over your teeth comfortably, Wearing these will gradually and gentally shift teeth into place.

Are you getting married soon and looking for the perfect smile for your big day? Set up your first appointment at Appletree Orthodontics and let us help you smile brighter and straighter.

Visit our website for more information, or give us a call at 603-434-0190.

Leave Us A Review

Appletree Orthodontics loves hearing from our patients! If you have a few free minutes today, do us a favor and post a review. Reviews and ratings can be done on Google, Facebook, and HealthGrades.com. We understand that you have a busy schedule, so just leaving a review on one of these works for us! If you're feeling extra kind though, please post one on each page.

Click here to post on Google.

Click here to post on Facebook.

Click here to post on Health Grades.

Good Foods That Are Bad For Braces

Braces are attached to your teeth with an adhesive that normally will withstand the forces of eating. However, braces can be dislodged and wires bent or broken while eating certain foods. Check out some foods that are definitely dangerous for your braces.

Foods that are appealing, but dangerous during orthodontic treatment:

• Chewing ice will destroy your braces.
• Sticky food or candy of any kind (taffy, caramels, Tootsie Rolls, Gummy Bears, Now and Laters) damage appliances by bending wires and pulling cement loose.
• Hard food or candy of any kind (Jolly Ranchers, pizza crust, hard pretzels, beef jerky, Doritos, Fritos, Cornuts, raw carrots, nuts) may do damage by bending wires, loosening cement under the bands or breaking the little brackets and tubes that are attached.
• Foods high in sugar content (cake, cookies, ice cream) should be avoided whenever possible. If you do eat them, brush your teeth immediately. If it is not convenient to brush, then always rinse your mouth with clear water after eating sweet foods.

Remember, if you have any questions about dietary restrictions or good food choices, please ask us at Appletree Orthodontics!

Braces for Adolescents & Adults

Orthodontists today can successfully correct most problems regardless of the patient’s age. But that does not mean that the orthodontic treatment starting age does not matter. In fact it may play a significant role in the total time and expenses required for the completion of the orthodontic treatment.

Find out a little more about being treated by Appletree Orthodontics as an adolescent and as an adult.

Adolescent Treatment

Most orthodontic problems are ideally treated during this time. Usually, all or most permanent teeth are erupted and patients are at one of their most active phases of growth. This is a great time to correct most problems, as the jaws are actively growing and their growth can be most easily modified during this time. In order to minimize patient involvement during the treatment process, we will work very hard to maximize ideal treatment goals with our adolescent patients.

Adult Treatment
Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, and it is never too late to improve your smile. Our team works with all of our adult patients to achieve their individual concerns.

Here at Appletree Orthodontics, we recognize that each patient has unique needs, and we pride ourselves in tailoring our treatment to meet these requirements.  Are you ready to start your journey to a new smile? Contact us today. 

80's Throwback Thursday

Apple Tree Orthodontics is getting ready to celebrate 30 years of business. In May of 1986, Dr. Timmeny opened her practice and has been serving up smiles ever since, alongside Dr. Polgrean. After doing a little spring cleaning recently, Dr. Timmeny dug up a few pictures of Apple Tree Orthodontics from the 80’s. We hope you will look through and enjoy these pictures, because it’s you, our patients, who have supported us as your local orthodontists for the last 30 years. Our success as a practice would not have been possible with each and every one of you.

Dr. Timmeny's daughter, Maureen, who is now an orthodontist herself!

The outside of the building showcasing Dr. Timmeny's name.

Dr. Timmeny's husband, John, helping set up the new office.

Dr. Timmeny's daughter, Maureen.

The new office in progress.

We’ve made amazing memories over the years, and look forward to making so many more. Don’t forget, to celebrate our 30th we have a “Back in Time” contest up in the lobby. Do you have any fond memories of working or being a patient at Apple Tree Orthodontics? Post them on our Facbook wall, or leave us a review! We would love to hear from you.

Play it Safe. Protect Your Face!

It’s National Facial Protection Month so we’re spreading the word to our patients to remind everyone to protect your faces this spring. As many children and adults gear up to start a new sports season, it’s important to keep faces and heads protected from injuries that can be potentially be deadly.

Did you know spring is one of the busiest times in emergency rooms for mouth and facial injuries? Several of these injuries happen in the spring because they are sports-related accidents that can be easily prevented with the use of sports safety equipment. By utilizing equipment like helmets and mouth guards, children and adults can avoid serious facial injuries.

Just by wearing a mouth guard or helmet, patients can reduce the risk of concussions, knocking out teeth, or breaking jaw bones. Most coaches recommend a mouth guard or helmet, but unfortunately several athletes stray away from these two very important pieces of equipment because they don’t comprehend the importance of wearing them.

Facial injuries aren’t just painful for patients, they’re also costly. Repairs for injuries can cost up to thousands of dollars, which we understand many people don’t have. As so many of these injures can be easily prevented, we can’t stress enough the importance of simply wearing a mouth guard or helmet during organized sports and activities. Lastly, this is a good rule of thumb to abide by all year long, and not just in the spring time. If you have any questions regarding facial protection, please contact Appletree Orthodontics at 603-434-0190.

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Our team strives each day to provide all our patients with the finest personal services and treatment as we combine our clinical expertise and the latest high technology with a warm, caring, and skilled staff.

Since we work hard each day to make our patients feel that their experience with our office is remarkable, we always appreciate the occasions when our patients take the time to tell us that they recognize the special level of care and treatment they receive at Apple Tree Orthodontics. Do you love being a patient at #AppleTreeOrtho as much as we love having you as a patient? 

If you do, then would you take just a moment to let us hear about your experience by leaving a review on Google?

How to Leave a Google Review

Leaving a review on Google is easy. Simply type “Apple Tree Orthodontics” in the Google search tab, and under the maps option click “write a review” to leave your comments and rate us.  Google makes it a fast and easy process.  It is so easy you can leave a review using your smartphone or tablet.

We appreciate all reviews and look forward to seeing the positive things you have to say about Apple Tree Orthodontics.  

Invisalign Aligner Cleaning System

It’s extremely important to keep your aligners odor-free, hygienic and clear. If you’re not aware of the Invisalign Aligner Cleaning System, we want to introduce you to it. This system makes it easy to care and clean your aligners to ensure optimal results of treatment. Special Cleaning Crystals remove plaque from your Invisalign aligners within about 15 minutes.

The Cleaning System Contains:
Cleaning Tub + 50 pack of Cleaning Crystals.

This cleaning system can be purchased for $75, and is highly recommended. Available on Invisalignstore.com, as well as the refill 50 pack of cleaning crystals for $50.

For more information on Invisalign, or to schedule a consultation, please contact us at Apple Tree Orthodontics (603)434-0190.

This Treat Is Worth A Pot Of Gold

Apple Tree Orthodontics would like to take a moment to wish you all a very Happy St. Patrick's Day. We truly believe our patients are our lucky charms! To help spread a little Irish cheer, we thought we'd share this delicious green treat you can make today to celebrate!

This treat is worth a pot of gold; make these delicious chocolate mint fudge oreo bars today!

Chocolate Mint Fudge Oreo Bars

INGREDIENTS:

FOR THE CRUST

• 30 Oreo cookies 
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (3/4 of one stick)
• FOR THE MINT AND CHOCOLATE FUDGE LAYERS
• 1 heaping cup white chocolate chips (or about 7 ounces white chocolate, chopped)
• 1 heaping cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or about 7 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped)
• one 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract, or to taste* (make sure to read caveat below)
• about 5 drops green food coloring, or as desired
• sanding sugar or sprinkles for dusting top, optional

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350F, line an 8-by-8-inch pan with aluminum foil, spray with cooking spray; set aide.
2. For the Crust - Place Oreos in a food processor with melted butter, and process until very fine. (This can be done by hand by placing Oreos in a large ziplock and rolling over it with a rolling pin or similar heavy object like a coffee can. Transfer crumbs into large mixing bowl, add the butter, and stir until combined) Transfer buttery crumbs to prepared pan, and pack them down using your hands or a spatula. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until just set. The crust is dark and it's hard to determine set from not set, but it will start drying out and getting lighter in color around the perimeter of the pan after about 10 minutes. That's all you're looking for; don't bake longer than 12 minutes or crust will be prone to cracking and crumbling when slicing the bars. Set pan aside.

FOR THE MINT AND CHOCOLATE FUDGE LAYERS

1. Do not start this until crust is out of the oven because it goes fast and you don't want fudge to set up until pan is out of the oven. Work quickly when preparing these layers.
2. Place white chocolate chips in a small, microwave-safe bowl. Place semi-sweet chocolate chips in another small, microwave-safe bowl. Pour half the sweetened condensed milk over the white chips, and the remaining half over the semi-sweet chips; set chocolate bowl aside. Just eyeball dividing the milk, you don't have to measure.
3. Mint Layer - Heat white chocolate mixture on high power for 30 seconds to melt, stop to stir. Heat in 10-second bursts until mixture can be stirred smooth. Note - white chocolate is notorious for scorching, seizing up, and being finicky. Heat until just melted, no more. Mine took 45 seconds. If it's easier for you to melt over a double-boiler, do so. After mixture is smooth, add the peppermint extract, food coloring, and stir to combine. Work quickly because fudge will start setting up very quickly. Pour mixture over crust layer; smooth it with an offset knife; set pan aside.
4. *Caveat about peppermint extract - Do not be tempted to add more than 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract. It's very powerful; far more powerful than vanilla extract or other extracts, and a little goes a very, very long way. If you add too much, your bars will taste like mouthwash or be overpowering and edible. Do not confuse peppermint extract with peppermint oil. If you like desserts that are more of a hint-of-mint, you may wish to start with 1/4 teaspoon mint extract, and add more to taste, remembering that when tasting, it's going to have lots of strong chocolate to compete with. I find 1/2 teaspoon to be perfect, resembling standard creme de menthe bar intensity.
5. Chocolate Fudge Layer - Heat chocolate and sweet milk mixture on high power for 30 seconds to melt, stop to stir. Heat in 10-second bursts until mixture can be stirred smooth. Semi-sweet chocolate may take slightly longer to melt than the white, about 1 minute total. Pour chocolate over mint layer, smooth with an offset knife. It may seem like chocolate is a little skimpy and doesn't fully cover the mint layer, but when it sets up, it will be fine. If desired, make a swirled or marbled pattern by zigzagging very lightly over the top surface of the chocolate with the tip of the knife, taking care not to go very deep and not to blur the mint and chocolate layers together; just make a design in the superficial surface layer for cosmetic appeal (In case your chocolate work was less than perfect, this is a nice camouflage). Sprinkle sanding sugar or sprinkles over the top, as desired, before chocolate fully sets up.
6. Cover pan with aluminum foil to prevent it from taking on fridge smells, and place in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight, before slicing and serving; do not slice too early or bars will be a mess. The photos show the pieces as 2-inch squares (a yield of 16 bars). However, they are very rich and half that size is likely more appropriate, cut into one-inch squares (a yield of 32 small bars). Bars will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for at least 2 weeks, but likely, up to one month; of course, use your judgment.

We hope you enjoy this recipe at home with the family. If you make these treats, please share some photos with us on our Facebook page! 

Get Invisalign at Apple Tree Orthodontics

Invisalign treatment, offered at Apple Tree Orthodontics, is a technique that straightens your teeth without braces, using a series of clear, removable aligners that are custom-modeled to fit your teeth. The virtually invisible aligners gradually reposition your teeth into a smile of which you will be proud.

How does Invisalign work? Learn about how Invisalign's clear aligners are an alternative to metal braces and can help you achieve the smile you deserve.

Watch this video to get the details!

Effective for a wide range of smiles. The Invisalign system has been successful in giving hundreds of thousands of amazing smiles to both teens and adults. Dr. Timmeny and Dr. Polgrean will create your individual treatment plan using Invisalign´s clear, custom-molded aligners to solve a range of issues.

Please contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Timmeny or Dr. Polgrean to see if the Invisalign system is right for you.

Read Across America Day

Today marks a day of celebration across America, it’s Dr. Seuss’s birthday! To honor this well-known children’s author, the National Education Association has declared March 2 as Read Across America Day! This act has been taken to inspire everyone to motivate kids and teens to read.

Almost everyone has grown up reading famous stories written by Dr. Seuss, are you a fan? Check out some of our favorite Dr. Seuss books below.

Apple Tree Orthodontics hopes you will take a few minutes today to crack open a book to read to your children, or to just enjoy on your own. Let’s remind our youth that it’s important to step away from the web and smartphones, and enjoy the stories and imagination of the wonderful books we have access to! As said in The Lorax, "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not."

#AppleTreeOrtho Before & After Patient Photos

The following before and after photos feature actual patients of Apple Tree Orthodontics. Take a glimpse at some of our patients photos, and don't forget to ask us how we can help you achieve an amazing smile with orthodontic treatment.

Please feel free to book your first visit at Apple Tree Orthodontics. We look forward to being a part of your wonderful journey to a beautiful healthy new smile!