Smiles Ready For Summer

Summer is just around the corner! We love what we do and love seeing our patients smile with their final result. Here are just a few of our amazing patients, who light up our office.

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Summer is almost here! Join us at the office on June 12th from 2-5pm for our Patient Appreciation Day! We will have plenty of activities, raffles, and prizes for all of our fantastic patients and guests 😃

A post shared by Apple Tree Orthodontics (@appletreeortho) on May 22, 2019 at 12:14pm PDT

5 Reasons Why Summer is the Perfect Time to get Braces.

1. There is more time to learn how to care for braces.
2. Dealing with the soreness of new braces is more manageable at home.
3. It's helpful to be home when adjusting to eating with new braces.
4. It's easier to schedule appointments with more flexibility.
5. It's helpful to adjust to braces before school starts.

Summer will be over before you know it! Call to schedule your appointment today. New Patient consultations are always complementary.

Don’t Forget Your Retainers

Congratulations! You are near the end of your smile journey and your braces are about to be off! Nothing like that feeling. Even long after our braces are off, teeth shift and it is natural as we grow older. There is one thing you can do to ensure your smile remains the best it can be and that is wearing retainers.

No matter your situation, it’s almost a guarantee you will be wearing some form of a retainer after having your braces are removed. It might be removable retainer, which is removed for eating and cleaning or a bonded retainer, placed discreetly behind your teeth.

There might be a minor adjustment period when you first put your retainer on. Don’t worry, this is completely normal and will pass soon enough.

Retainers are essential for helping your teeth stay in place in their new positions after wearing braces.

2 Common Bites in Orthodontics

Our smiles are uniquely ours. However so is our bite. “In orthodontics, “bite” refers to the way the upper and lower teeth come together. A bad bite, called a “malocclusion,” happens when teeth meet improperly, or they don’t meet at all,” according to the American Association of Orthodontist.

There are various bites that affect how we speak, eat and our overall mouth. Two common bites, orthodontic treatment can fix is a crossbite and underbite.

A crossbite occurs when the upper teeth fit inside of lower teeth. Can be caused by misalignment of teeth or a misalignment of the bone; can affect a single tooth or groups of teeth. Your jaw may shift to one side if not corrected and wears down on your tooth enamel.

An underbite happens when the lower jaw sits in front of the upper jaw. An underbite impacts tooth wear and adds a stress on your jaw joints. Through orthodontic treatment, these bites can be corrected and help keep you healthy, beyond an aesthetically pleasing smile.


Dr. Polgrean and her highly trained staff have been creating beautiful smiles in Londonderry, Derry, Hudson, Salem, Manchester, Litchfield, Windham, Candia, Raymond, Hooksett, and surrounding areas for over 25 years. Our doctor and staff attend numerous continuing education courses throughout the year as part of our commitment to providing you with the highest quality of care.

Your First Day in Braces

At Apple Tree Orthodontics we believe you have taken the first step toward a healthier and more beautiful smile but you are probably wondering what comes next. The first week is the biggest period of adjustment, and there is a lot to learn in this short time. What to eat?  How to brush?  No worries, in a very short time your braces will feel completely natural.

On the first day, your braces will probably feel sort of like a mouthful and it may take time to get used to them. By the second day, you may feel some soreness or discomfort. If you are going to experience any discomfort, the second and third days are when it will happen. If you do experience discomfort it can be dealt with by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as Tylenol.

If you have any questions or concerns the team at Apple Tree Orthodontics is here to help you! We have some great information right on our website - available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Simply click here to access our site.

Facial Protection Month: Wear a Mouth Guard

April is National Facial Protection Month! National Facial Protection Month serves as a reminder over the importance of wearing mouth guards during sports, protecting your beautiful smile.

67% of parents surveyed by the American Association of Orthodontists said their child does not wear a mouth guard, yet 70% said their biggest fear is their child getting hurt when playing sports. The most effective way to protect your childs teeth and prevent injuries is to wear a mouthguard.

About 80% of traumatic dental injuries occur to the two front teeth. Injuries can happen at any age and any skill level. So when should you wear a mouth guard? Here are just a few.

• Basketball
• Baseball
• Football
• Soccer
• Skiing
• Rugby
• Softball
• Tennis  

3 Health Foods for National Nutrition Month

March is National Nutrition Month and a perfect opportunity to showcase foods that help our teeth remain healthy and our smile in tip top shape. While we know the health benefits of eating healthy, the foods we consume on a daily basis, also greatly affect our teeth.

Dairy - Dairy is healthy in various ways, such as yogurt, milk and cheese. The calcium help our teeth remain strong and healthy.

Lean Protein -  Foods rich in protein such as meat, poultry and fish help to strengthen your teeth and contribute to your overall health in your body. Be sure to floss after every meal or at least once a day.

Nuts - Nuts are delicous and greatly benefit our teeth. Various types of nuts contain protein and minerals. Several nuts are low in carbohydrates don’t add to your risk of cavities and help avoid tooth decay. If you are going to snack on a snack, nuts are a safe bet.

Of course, if you have braces or in the middle of an orthodontic treatment, avoid nuts and hard foods alike.

Check out some of our patient’s beautiful smiles. Contact us to set up an appointment or if you have any additional questions.

3 Sweets to Avoid this Christmas if You have Braces

The Holidays are here and that means snow, endless sweets and of course no school for kids. The holidays are the perfect time to celebrate with family and also a time where we can slip up on certain foods to avoid, especially if we have braces. From sugar, to cookies to gingerbread houses, there is no end in the sweet treats. Here are three foods to avoid this holiday season.

1. Candy Canes: 
These beautiful perfect treats are one to avoid this season if you have braces. The hard candy could damage your braces and the stickiness of the peppermint candy can get stuck in between your orthodontic appliances.

2. Popcorn:
If you string popcorn around your tree, you know this how involves eating the popcorn as well. Popcorn is a great treat, however you may want to stay away from it this year. Popcorn is notorious for getting stuck in between teeth and your braces.

3. Caramel Sweets
Who doesn’t love the sweet caramel treats this time of year. From caramel apple to caramel drizzled on your popcorn to your Starbucks drink, seems like caramel is everywhere this time of year. Be sure to stay away from this sticky treat, because it can be damaging to your teeth and braces.

Common Questions for those Thinking about Braces

We are so happy to serve our communities in Londonderry, Derry, Hudson, Salem, Manchester, Litchfield, Windham, Candia, Raymond, Hooksett, and surrounding areas for over 25 years. Smiles are what makes us unique and while there is no right age for orthodontics, going through treatment is a big decision. From braces to aligning your jaw to invisalign, the ultimate goal is a confident smile you will be happy with.

If you have been exploring the possibility of getting braces, here are 3 common questions we hear all the time.

1. Is Treatment Painful? 

Orthodontic treatment has improved so much and technology has come a long way. As a rule, braces make your teeth tender and sore for a few days, but it is not painful. This annoyance can be relieved with an over-the-counter medication. Today's braces are more comfortable and use technology that reduces the discomfort, such as dental wax. We use the latest in biocompatible braces, the advanced technique with light force and the highest quality of orthodontic materials, in order to reduce discomfort and treatment time.

2. I’m an Adult! Can I get Braces? 

Orthodontists today can successfully correct most problems regardless of the patient’s age. Age is not a factor in considering orthodontic treatment for adults. Any adult in good general health with healthy gums and good bone support for the teeth is a candidate for orthodontic treatment. About 30% of our orthodontic patients are adults, and that number is still growing! Our community in Londonderry and the surrounding areas will help to serve you, no matter where you live.

3. Will there be Food Restrictions? 

Yes! Because of your treatment and your health, there are certain foods one should stay away with braces. For most situations, common sense will tell you what to avoid. Hard foods, sticky foods and foods high in sugar must be avoided. Hard foods can break or damage wires and brackets. Sticky foods can get caught between brackets and wires. You can view our list here on our website.

What is Dental Wax?

When it comes to braces, your first few days may be uncomfortable. It may even feel as if your braces are sticking out. Your gums may be sore and tender, but that does not have to stop you from living your life.

An important item to use for relief is dental wax. Dental wax is “a soft, harmless gum protector for children and adults with braces that can be used in a pinch to cover brackets and protruding wires with a smooth surface,” according to Colgate. Dental wax can provide relief when a wire breaks and pokes out. Just add some dental wax on your gums and can help prevent pain while your wait for your next appointment.

Dental wax is completely safe.

Step 1: Be sure you have dental wax, you can ask us for recommendations on which we feel is best.
Step 2: Wash your hands.
Step 3: Brush your teeth, where you want to apply the dental wax
Step 4: Pinch off a piece of wax about the size of a small pea
Step 5: Squeeze until it softens and roll it into a ball, then flatten the ball slightly
Step 6: Gently push the wax onto the problem area of the braces


If you want to remove the dental wax, you can use floss. Be gentle, not to damage your teeth or gums. If you have any questions over dental wax, or any other orthodontic questions, please feel free to call us at (603) 434-0190

Dental Health is Orthodontic Health

There are major differences between a dentist and an orthodontist. While all orthodontist are dentist, only a small percentage of dentists are also orthodontists. However the dental health benefits are the same for everyone. When you care for your teeth, it benefits your smile and helps your orthodontic treatment go as planned.

• Achieve a balanced diet. This can be achieved by eating a variety of foods preferably from each of the five major food groups: breads, cereals and other grain products; fruits; vegetables; meat, poultry and fish; milk, cheese and yogurt. 
• Limit the number of snacks that you eat. If you do snack, choose nutritious foods, such as cheese, raw vegetables, plain yogurt or a piece of fruit. Each time that you eat foods that contain sugars or starches, brush your teeth. 
• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. 
• Clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners. 
• Maintain your regularly scheduled check-ups with your dentist.

Adult Orthodontics

Dr. Polgrean and her highly trained staff have been creating beautiful smiles in Londonderry, Derry, Hudson, Salem, Manchester, Litchfield, Windham, Candia, Raymond, Hooksett, and surrounding areas for over 25 years. Our doctor and staff attend numerous continuing education courses throughout the year as part of our commitment to providing you with the highest quality of care

When it comes to orthodontic treatment, there is no one-size-fits-all approach and there is not limit in age. As we grow older, our teeth start to shift and do not look the same as they once were. Even if you had braces as a teenager, orthodontic treatment should not be seen as a barrier to a more confident smile.

Numerous technological advances have made braces less noticeable, less painful and even less time-consuming. As America's baby boomers have become more health conscious, they're rejecting the notion that loosing teeth and dentures are a routine part of growing older, and we love that!

Teeth can be straightened at any age. The biological process involved in tooth movement is the same for both children and adults. At Appletree Orthodontics, we have various services when it comes to adult orthodontic treatments. Schedule a complimentary consultation to see which orthodontic treatment is for you.

Braces & Your First Days

At Apple Tree Orthodontics we believe you have taken the first step toward a healthier and more beautiful smile but you are probably wondering what comes next. The first week is the biggest period of adjustment, and there is a lot to learn in this short time. What to eat?  How to brush?  No worries, in a very short time your braces will feel completely natural.

On the first day, your braces will probably feel sort of like a mouthful and it may take time to get used to them. By the second day, you may feel some soreness or discomfort. If you are going to experience any discomfort, the second and third days are when it will happen. If you do experience discomfort it can be dealt with by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as Tylenol.

If you have any questions or concerns the team at Apple Tree Orthodontics is here to help you! We have some great information right on our website - available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Simply click here to access our site. 

More On Invisalign

Invisalign is a way to straighten teeth without traditional braces. Invisalign works best for adults but can be suitable for teenagers too. Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic aligners that are nearly invisible, and almost no one can tell you’re wearing them.

How Does Invisalign Work?

You wear each set of aligners for about 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move little by little, week by week until they have straightened to the final position Dr. Timmeny or Dr. Polgrean has prescribed. You’ll visit Appletree Orthodontics about once every 6 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time averages 9-15 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case.

How to start Invisalign

STEP 1Following your initial consultation, Appletree Orthodontics will advise how Invisalign can work for you. A full treatment plan with all the alternative methods available will be provided. Once you are happy to proceed the working impression of your teeth is obtained and submitted to Invisalign.

STEP 2
Invisalign creates a virtual model of your teeth and carefully translates the treatment prescription into a sequence of stages. We then show you the planned tooth movements on the computer before finalizing the manufacture of your custom aligners to make your teeth straight.

STEP 3
You then wear each set of aligners for two to three weeks, moving your teeth gradually. We check you every 6-8 weekly to ensure your progress matches the predicted plan

August Recipe For Patients With Braces

Here is everything you need to know to make your own rainbow smoothie! Enjoy!

Ingredients:

RED LAYER
1 frozen banana
1/2 cup greek yogurt, vanilla or plain
1/2 cup frozen raspberries
1/2 cup frozen strawberries
water or liquid for blending

ORANGE LAYER
1 frozen banana
1/2 cup greek yogurt, vanilla or plain
1/2 cup frozen peaches
1 small orange
1/4 cup frozen mango
water or liquid for blending

YELLOW LAYER
2 frozen bananas
1/2 cup greek yogurt, vanilla or plain
1 cup frozen pineapple
water or liquid for blending

GREEN LAYER
2 frozen bananas
1/2 cup greek yogurt, vanilla or plain
1 handful (or more) spinach
1 cup frozen pineapple
water or liquid for blending

BLUE LAYER
2 frozen bananas
1/2 cup greek yogurt, vanilla or plain
1 cup frozen pineapple
small amount of blue food coloring
water or liquid for blending

PURPLE LAYER
1 frozen banana
1/2 cup greek yogurt, vanilla or plain
1 cup frozen mixed berries
water or liquid for blending

MAGENTA LAYER
1 frozen banana
1/2 cup greek yogurt, vanilla or plain
1/2 cup sliced beets
1 cup frozen strawberries or raspberries

FOR EACH SMOOTHIE

• Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Add more liquid to help it blend if it's too thick. 
• Transfer the smoothie to a bowl or container, rinse the blender and prep the next smoothie. 

TO ASSEMBLE THE RAINBOW SMOOTHIE
Carefully layer each color smoothie in glasses in rainbow order. If desired, blend the smoothie using a straw or stir stick. Top each smoothie with a toothpick filled with leftover fruit.

Age Is Just A Number

Braces do the job of straightening teeth, regardless of age. More common than ever these days, you see adults wearing braces, and when you do, one question instantly pops into your head - do braces work for adults? The answer is YES. In fact, adults aged 20 to 40 years represent at least 40 percent of the population of people wearing braces. The reason why so many current adults skipped wearing braces during their youth is that they often feared of being bullied and teased because back in the 80's and 90's, braces we not as aesthetically pleasing as they are now. Trust us, braces have evolved since then now more than ever adults are wearing braces or aligners to get a picture perfect smile.

Nowadays, wearing braces has become more socially acceptable, affordable, and routine for our adult patients. We even have patients with close to straight teeth that want to try out braces just too perfect minor flaws. Adults can skip the traditional metal braces and opt for Invisalign clear aligners, ceramic braces, or other less obvious orthodontic treatment when being seen at Apple Tree Orthodontics.

For more information about braces for adults, you can always contact Apple Tree Orthodontics located in Londonderry, NH.