Friday, March 31, 2017

No-Bake Strawberry Lemonade Pie Recipe

No-Bake Strawberry Lemonade Pie is an easy to make dessert with bright citrus & berry flavors everyone loves! It gets even better...it's BRACES FRIENDLY!

INGREDIENTS
  • 1 prepared graham cracker crust (store-bought or homemade)
  • One 3.4 ounce package lemon instant pudding mix
  • 2 cups milk
  • 6 tablespoons lemon juice
  • One 8 ounce tub whipped topping (or 3 cups homemade whipped cream)
  • 8 ounces fresh strawberries
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
INSTRUCTIONS
  1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and milk for 2 minutes, or until thickened. Add the lemon juice and whisk to combine.
  2. Add the whipped topping to the pudding and fold together until evenly combined. Set aside.
  3. Remove the leaves from the strawberries and cut each strawberry in half. Place the fruit in a food processor with the sugar and puree until smooth. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.
  4. Pour half of the lemon pie filling into your prepared crust and spread evenly in the dish. Pour half of the strawberry puree over the lemon filling and spread evenly over the filling. Place the rest of the lemon filling over the puree and spread into an even layer.
  5. Drizzle the remaining strawberry puree over the top of the pie. Use a knife to swirl the puree into the filling.
  6. Cover the pie and freeze until set, about 2-3 hours.
Serves: 8

Friday, March 24, 2017

Are you experiencing bad breath?

We understand bad breath can be uncomfortable to talk about but unfortunately it happens to most people for several different reasons. The important thing to do if you’re experiencing bad breath (or know someone who is) is to determine the root of the problem. Bad breath, or halitosis, can be caused by poor oral hygiene, personal habits such as smoking or eating certain foods, or medical problems. The most common factor for bad breath in patients with braces at Appletree Orthodontics is almost certainly caused by poor oral hygiene.

After getting braces, new patients may develop bad breath from not cleaning their teeth correctly. Brushing your teeth is simply not enough, especially when you wear braces. Bacteria feeds on food particles left in your mouth, and this bacterium creates odor. It’s important to remember to brush, floss, and use mouthwash as tiny bits of food can get stuck in brackets or between teeth which can contribute to bad breath.

Because braces contain so many small spaces to trap food, the habits that worked great for cleaning your teeth before braces may no longer be enough. It's important to brush immediately after every meal or snack or to at least vigorously rinse your teeth with water or mouthwash if you absolutely can't brush. Bad breath-causing odors and bacteria can also cling to removable orthodontics (like a retainer or clear aligners), so be sure to remove them before eating, even if you're only eating a small amount.

For more information on bad breath with braces visit our website or give us a call at 603-434-01900

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Do You Know What To Ask At Your First Appointment?

It's completely natural for questions to arise as you consider orthodontic care. Don’t be afraid to ask Appletree Orthodontics questions you might have because our orthodontic team is here to help. Not sure what to ask at your first visit? Here are just a few examples of questions you may want to ask at your first appointment at Appletree Orthodontics
  • How can I keep my teeth clean with braces? 
  • Is there an estimated length of time that I will likely require braces? 
  • Is it likely that I will be wearing extra appliances in addition to braces to correct my overbite or other problems? 
  • How much should I expect to pay for my treatment? What are the payment options? 
  • Does getting braces hurt? Is there anything I can do to prevent or minimize pain? 
  • How often will I be expected to come in for check-ups and other appointments?
  • Are there specific foods I will need to avoid when I get braces? 
  • Will braces prevent me from playing my favorite sport or musical instrument? 
If questions arise after your first appointment, don’t be afraid to ask us. Dr. Timmeny, Dr. Polgrean as well as the entire Appletree Orthodontics team will be here to help throughout the entire process.

Friday, March 10, 2017

Adjusting To Braces

Are you a new patient at Appletree Orthodontics? You may or may not be excited about wearing your braces, but regardless we know you will be thrilled with the result of your new smile.  As with any change, adjusting to something new can be a little confusing and overwhelming sometimes, so we decided to help you out with a few tips on adjusting to your braces.

The first tip is to give yourself some time. Your braces may not be what you expected or wanted, but after a while when your teeth start shifting you will notice how incredible your teeth and smile alignment look. Pain may occur after your appointments, just give it a few days after each adjustment and you should feel more comfortable. 

Another thing to remember is to be confident. Don't worry about how your braces look and don't be afraid or embarrassed to smile with your braces. Depending on the type of braces you're treated with, people may not even know you're wearing braces. Be proud and flash those pearly whites often!

Lastly, be sure you know what to do if you're experiencing pain or problems with your braces. Before you leave checkups, feel for any wires poking out so you can have us correct the agitation and avoid pain. If a problem arises after your appointment, don't be afraid to call us; chances are it's a simple fix. For more information about adjusting to your braces, visit our website or give us a call.