Thursday, July 28, 2016

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

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

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.

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

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.