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

National Pepperoni Pizza Day

Today is a day for everyone to rejoice! Yes that includes you, who just go braces!

Today is National Pepperoni Pizza Day! Don’t let the beginnings of braces let you not enjoy this day. Getting used to life with braces means learning what you can and can’t eat. When you get braces, you’ll need to change some of your eating habits. Eating certain foods, such as nuts or hard candy, can damage or break your braces. Biting into hard foods can pull away the brackets and wires, which can be painful and prolong the process of getting that beautiful smile.

For National Pepperoni Pizza Day, we’re sharing a healthy recipe that's safe for your teeth and all “brace-wearers” will enjoy!

Pepperoni Spinach Pizza:

• Prepare a batter of spinach. Keep it aside.
• Boil some spinach and drain it.
• In a pan, cook onion and green chilies for a minute.
• Add the boiled spinach to this mixture, with salt to taste.
• Add paneer and cream.
• Take pizza bread, spread the mixture on it and grate cheese.
• Cook it in pre heated oven for 10 minutes.

Mushroom Pepperoni Pizza:

• Take a non-stick pan and sauté garlic and onion for 2 minutes and then add capsicum to it.
• Cook for a while.
• Add tomato puree and bring to a boil. Now add boiled pasta and macaroni mix them well; add salt to taste.
• Spread the ready mixture on pizza bread, grate cheese on top of it and bake for 10 minutes.

2 Minutes & Twice A day

Seeking orthodontic treatment is a great way to make sure your oral health is in good shape. However, there are other factors that affect the status of healthy teeth. Brushing, flossing and eating habits are just as important.

When treating your teeth Apple Tree Orthodontics staff want to be sure they are working with healthy teeth...and developing healthy habits start at a young age.

Did you know that the baby teeth that appear in the first 3 years of a child's life have been there since birth, in the baby’s jawbones? Those baby teeth are key for chewing, speaking, and appearance. They also hold space in the jaws for upcoming adult teeth. Even though they fall out, baby teeth are important and you need to take good care of them.

For healthier teeth, good breath and fewer cavities kids need to remember to brush their teeth for 2 minutes, twice a day. Adopting these healthy brushing habits can help save children from a lifetime of tooth pain.

Helpful Brushing Tips

•     Brush with a fluoride toothpaste.
•     Place the toothbrush at an angle against the gums.
•     Make sure to move the toothbrush back and forth, gently, in short strokes.
•     Brush the tongue to remove germs and freshen breath.

At Apple Tree Orthodontics we care about the overall oral health of all of our patients. If you have any questions about your oral health, please contact our office today.

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.

Tips For Retention

Our goal at Appletree Orthodontics is to help your smile stay beautiful and healthy for a lifetime. Your cooperation is essential in order to achieve this goal.

Here Are A Few Things To Remember During The Years Of Retainer Wear

1. Wear your retainers as prescribed by Appletree Orthodontics.

2. The safest place for your retainer is in your mouth. When retainers are not in your mouth, ALWAYS keep them in your retainer case.

3. Do not wrap retainers in a paper towel or napkin, this is the easiest way to lose them.

4. Do not place loose retainers in your pocket, this is the easiest way to break them.

5. Keep retainers away from pets — dogs LOVE them.

6. Clean your retainers by brushing them with toothpaste and water or with antibacterial soap. NEVER soak your retainers, this causes them to rust and/or break. Be sure to brush your teeth without your retainers in. Do not boil your retainer or put it in hot water.

7. Do not place retainers in the dishwasher, microwave or in boiling water — they will melt or warp.

8. Your lower retainer may be a fixed retainer bonded onto your teeth. It is not considered permanent and can be broken or detached from your teeth, if you are not careful with it.

9. Bring your retainers to your check-up appointment. If anything happens to your retainers (i.e. it doesn't fit, it's broken, or it's lost) please call us ASAP. If your lower bonded retainer wire comes out, keep it and bring it in at your next appointment for rebonding.

10. The first set of retainers is included in your treatment fee. Any repair, replacement of your retainer, or rebonding of your lower retainer will be additional and charged to your account.

The benefits of orthodontic treatment will last a lifetime if you keep these important patient responsibilities in mind. If you have any further questions regarding retention contact Appletree Orthodontics at your earliest convenience.

Don't Say No To A Straight Smile

Orthodontics can help children, teens, and adults of all ages look better throughout their lifetime. Adults today are much more aware than in the past of the importance of creating and maintaining a beautiful smile.

With longer life expectancy, a healthy, beautiful smile is as important at age 70 as it is at age 16. Appletree Orthodontics specializes with the education, experience and expertise to help patients of all ages attain properly aligned teeth and jaws for a lifetime of dental health.

Today’s orthodontic treatment options are not as noticeable and treatment time is much less than in the past. Traditional braces are small and sleek, whether metal or a tooth-colored ceramic. Some braces are not braces at all, but are clear, removable “aligners,” called Invisalign. They are used to nudge teeth toward their ideal positions for a younger look.

Whether you are self-conscious about wearing braces or not. Our team at Appletree Orthodontics will guide you through the process and help you reach your goal of a beautiful, healthy, and radiant smile to last a lifetime.

Reasons You Should Still See A Dentist During Orthodontic Treatment

If you’re a patient at Appletree Orthodontics you are used to visiting us for your regular adjustment appointment every 6-8 weeks. While our hygienist is in your mouth making those adjustments, it’s important for you to remember our team is working on your braces and trips to your general dentist are still very much needed.

When we work on your braces, we are not looking specifically for any cavities and anything we do notice is a by-product of monitoring your oral health from an orthodontic perspective. Even if we did find something suspicious we don’t have the facilities to correct it.

For this reason, we tell you to maintain your regular dental checkup schedule of once every 6 months.

Another important thing to remember is that your oral hygiene needs to be flawless. The appliances that are in your mouth are, unfortunately, a magnet for plaque buildup. If you are a bit lax with brushing and rinsing out your mouth after eating, you may just find that you have a beautiful straight smile with stained teeth.

While having braces does not increase the risk of cavities, not caring for your teeth and having braces does.  If you have any questions regarding your oral hygiene click here to visit our website or contact Appletree Orthodontics at our new Londonderry office, 603-434-0190.

More On Fluoride

Our team at Appletree Orthodontics knows that there are several ways you can protect your smile throughout your orthodontic treatment. If you follow the rule of thumb and brush your teeth twice a day, floss often, and protect your appliances from damage, your treatment should be very successful.

One thing we’d like to add, is did you know there is another way to keep your teeth healthy and bright during your treatment with braces?

How is this possible? One word: fluoride. Fluoride is the mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay. This mineral also helps keep your teeth strong. Fluoride comes in two varieties: topical and systemic. Depending on your oral health or the recommendation of Dr. Polgrean or Dr. Timmeny, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six, or 12 months.

If you have any other questions about fluoride or your treatment, please don’t hesitate to give Appletree Orthodontics a call!

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.

Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches | GET THE RECIPE NOW

These Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches are prepared with an unbaked egg-free chocolate chip cookie dough. Use your favorite ice cream or make it homemade!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 Cup butter
• 1/2 Cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 Cup granulated sugar
• 3 T milk
• 2 t McCormick® Extra Rich Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1/4 t salt
• 1 1/2 Cup all-purpose flour
• 1 Cup mini chocolate chips
• 2 Cups ice cream, softened

DIRECTIONS:

1. Microwave butter and sugars in large microwavable bowl on HIGH 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, stirring after 1 minute. 
2. Stir until mixture is melted and smooth. Stir in milk, vanilla and salt. Add flour; stir until well blended. Stir in chocolate chips. Refrigerate 15 minutes. 
3. Line 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, with ends of paper extending over sides of pan. Press 1/2 of the dough into pan until smooth and even. Place a second layer parchment paper on top on the dough and repeat with remaining dough. Freeze for 30 minutes up to 1 hour.
4. Remove from freezer. Carefully remove the top layer of cookie dough by lifting the top layer of parchment paper.
5. Gently spread the softened ice cream over the bottom layer of cookie dough still in the pan. Peel the parchment paper from the second layer of cookie dough and place it smooth side up on top of the ice cream. Cover with foil or plastic wrap. 
6. Freeze 2 hours or until firm. Cut into 16 bars. Wrap each in plastic wrap. Store in freezer.

It's Never Too Late

Braces aren’t just for kids anymore. Tooth alignment can be changed at any age if your gums and bone structure are healthy. At Appletree Orthodontics we offer a variety of treatments that are designed for different age groups; including adults.

Orthodontic treatment at later stages in life can dramatically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem. Improving the health of your teeth and gums is equally important. Crooked teeth and a bad bite can contribute to gum and bone loss, tooth decay, abnormal wear of the tooth enamel and surfaces, headaches and jaw joint (TMJ/TMD) pain. 

The new techniques and appliances we use greatly reduce discomfort levels, decrease the frequency of visits, shorten treatment time and may allow you to choose from several options. Your options may include metal braces, translucent braces or transparent aligners that can be worn at night to improve mild cases of misaligned teeth.

A large percentage of our patients are adults, and they agree that it’s never too late to improve their smile. Contact Appletree Orthodontics to learn more or get started now. 

Is Invisalign Right For You?

Having Invisalign puts a lot more of the treatment responsibility on you. At each of your appointments at Appletree Orthodontics, you will receive two to five sets of aligners, depending on the interval between your visits. Besides having to wear the aligners for the minimum 22 hours a day, you will have to schedule your aligner changes and constantly check that they are fitting well.

What does ‘checking the fit’ mean?

Each aligner is made with a new position for your teeth to move into. By correctly seating your aligner, you are essentially pushing your teeth into this new position. Over the course of ten to fourteen days, your teeth will start to become used to being in their new position. This is when it is time to change to a new aligner.

Checking the fit of your aligners to ensure your teeth are ‘tracking’ is essential during treatment. 

Changing to new aligners before your teeth are in position can result in non-fitting aligners later on. Correcting this means a new set of impressions, and it may set back your treatment time while you wait for the new aligners to be made.

If you are unable to remove your aligners when you need to, or are unable to clean your teeth or closely monitor your teeth and aligner schedule, take heart. We offer a range of other treatments that may be better suited to you and your lifestyle.

For more information about Invisalign and whether it’s right for you, give us a call at 603-434-0190. 

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 

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.

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

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.

Contest Alert: Dental Trivia Challenge!

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