We often ask why an Orthodontist as a Specialist?

Trust a specialist: Whether you’re considering clear aligners or conventional braces, an orthodontist is best suited to care for you. Your smile deserves the best possible care, which is why you should go to an in-person consultation with a board certified orthodontic specialist. Orthodontists diagnose, prevent and treat dental and facial irregularities to correctly align teeth and jaws. Orthodontists receive an additional two to three academic years of specialized education beyond dental school at an accredited orthodontic residency program.

More than an easy fix: Orthodontics is about more than just straightening teeth or closing space. It’s about your bite, the way your teeth come together, and how your jaws move. Orthodontic care does provide a beautiful smile and added aesthetic benefits, but even a small adjustment can affect the overall look, feel, and function of your mouth and face. The alignment of your teeth and jaws influences the way you eat, breathe, sleep, and speak.

Beware of Direct-to-Consumer Companies:  In recent years, some people have resorted to at home orthodontics with the view that it is cheaper and quicker. There are a number of factors and questions you may want to consider. Orthodontic treatment involves the movement of biological material, which if not done correctly could lead to potentially irreversible and expensive damage such as tooth and gum loss, changed bites, and other issues. Remember that orthodontic treatment is not a product or device – orthodontic treatment is a professional, dental service. When your care is personally supervised by an orthodontist who is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, you are assured that your orthodontist spent years in a post-doctoral residency program focused on providing orthodontic treatment to patients. Before making any decision about orthodontic treatment, consider doing some research and having an in-person consultation.

Patient Appreciation Day

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.

Spring Smiles

At Apple Tree Orthodontics we utilize the latest technological advances in the profession to achieve fantastic results for our patients. We have seen many smiles transform through our office and love seeing the results on our patients. Here at Apple Tree Orthodontics, we recognize that each patient has unique needs, and we pride ourselves in tailoring our treatment to meet these requirements. Here are some amazing smiles. #AppleTreeOrtho

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Monday’s masterpiece in the making!...keep following for updated progress and final results. #invisalignteen #clearaligns #openbitecorrection

A post shared by Apple Tree Orthodontics (@appletreeortho) on Apr 15, 2019 at 1:10pm PDT

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.

Do I Need to See a Professional?

Did you know that children should really be seen by an Orthodontist as early as age seven for an evaluation?

We know seven sounds crazy and way too early to be thinking about braces. However, early diagnosis and treatment can help guide facial development and tooth eruption, thereby preventing more serious problems from occurring later in your child's life. And treating children during these early growth stages allows results to be achieved, that may not be possible once facial bones have fully developed.

A check-up may reveal that your child’s bite is fine. Or it may determine that early treatment is indicated to prevent or intercept more serious problems from developing as Dr. Polgrean can detect subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present. While your child’s teeth may appear to be straight, there could be a problem that only Dr. Polgrean can detect.

Through an early orthodontic evaluation, you will be giving your child the best opportunity for a beautiful, healthy smile.

Don't worry if your child is older than seven because it's not too late for a check-up, especially if you or your family dentist notice a problem.

Get in contact with us today, to schedule an appointment.

Avoiding Orthodontic Emergencies

At Apple Tree Orthodontics we know that even with the best of care, braces can cause soreness to your mouth. This soreness is the way your body reacts to your teeth as they begin to move. Your braces play an important part in helping to create a healthy and beautiful smile but you may experience a few side effects while wearing them that are common and can be easily treated.

Canker Sores
Canker sores are a common occurrence when braces rub inside the mouth. There are ointments available to reduce the pain and irritation associated with mouth sores. We recommend Canker-X gel and we can provide you with a sample to try.

Loose Brackets
If you have a loose bracket you can apply a small amount of orthodontic wax to the bracket temporarily. You might also apply a little between the braces and the soft tissue of your mouth. Please call the office for an appointment as soon as possible!

Loose Bands
The band will need to be reattached. Please call the office for an appointment and remember to bring the band with you.

Broken or Protruding Wires
The eraser end of a pencil can be used to move the wire carefully to a less painful spot. If you are unable to move it, apply orthodontic wax to the tip. If a mouth sore develops, rinse with warm salt water or antiseptic rinse. Please call the office for an appointment to trim or adjust the wire.

Loose Spacers
If a spacer (separator) becomes dislodged it may need to be repositioned and sometimes replaced. Please call the office to see if they need to be replaced.

Remember, braces aren't forever but your smile is! If you ever have any questions or are having discomfort - we're just a call away! (650) 434-0190

Potential Harm to Your Braces with these Foods

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. Minimize sugary foods; they cause tooth decay and related problems. Nail biting, pencil and pen chewing and chewing on foreign objects should be avoided.

Examples of Sticky Foods to Avoid:

• Gum (sugar-free or regular)
• Licorice
• Sugar Daddies
• Toffee
• Tootsie Rolls
• Caramels
• Starburst

Examples of Hard Foods to Avoid:

• Ice
• Nuts
• Hard taco shells
• French bread crust/rolls
• Corn on the cob
• Apples and carrots (unless cut into small pieces)
• Bagels
• Chips
• Jolly Ranchers
• Pizza crust
• Uncooked carrots (unless cut)

Minimize Sugary Foods like:

• Cake
• Ice Cream
• Cookies
• Pie
• Candy

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.

2 Smoothie Flavors for those with Braces

Congratulations on getting braces! Your on your way to a healthier beautiful smile. At first you may notice that your teeth and mouth feel a little tender or sore. This is perfectly normal and we promise your mouth will not be sore forever! The discomfort and soreness you are feeling is perfectly normal. Your teeth may be tender to biting pressures, which can make it tough to chew and eat solid food. Here are 2 delicious smoothie recipies that are delicious, healthy and filling.

1. Delicious Red Fruits and Oats Smoothie

This delicous smoothis will make it easy for you to consume, especially in your first few days after getting braces. The added oats, will fill you up.

1 cup sliced strawberries
1 sliced banana
1/4 cup raw almonds
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
1 teaspoon maple syrup

2. Peanut Butter, Banana and Flax Smoothie
This delicious combination will have you feeling full of creamy goodness. The yogurt and peanut butter will have you feeling full and the honey combined with bananas will leave you craving for more.

1/2 cup 1% low-fat milk
1/2 cup vanilla fat-free yogurt
2 tablespoons ground golden flaxseed
1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ripe banana, sliced

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.

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.

Do You Have Loose Wires or Brackets?

Photo provided by oralb.com

We know even despite your best efforts, the wires and bands on your braces may come loose. If this happens, please contact Appletree Orthodontics as soon as possible so that we can check and repair your appliance. 

If any piece of your appliance comes off, be sure to save it and bring it to the office with you. In an emergency, you can temporarily fix the loose wire by using the back of a spoon or the eraser end of a pencil to carefully and gently push the wire back into place. If the loose wire is causing irritation to your lips or cheeks, put wax or a wet cotton ball over the broken wire to relieve the pain until your appointment. 

Don't hesitate to reach out to us at (603) 434-0190 immediately if you experience any issue with your braces. 

Avoiding Orthodontic Emergencies

At Apple Tree Orthodontics we know that even with the best of care, braces can cause soreness to your mouth. This soreness is the way your body reacts to your teeth as they begin to move. Your braces play an important part in helping to create a healthy and beautiful smile but you may experience a few side effects while wearing them that are common and can be easily treated.

Canker Sores

Canker sores are a common occurrence when braces rub inside the mouth. There are ointments available to reduce the pain and irritation associated with mouth sores. We recommend Canker-X gel and we can provide you with a sample to try.

Loose Brackets

If you have a loose bracket you can apply a small amount of orthodontic wax to the bracket temporarily. You might also apply a little between the braces and the soft tissue of your mouth. Please call the office for an appointment as soon as possible!

Loose Bands

The band will need to be reattached. Please call the office for an appointment and remember to bring the band with you.

Broken or Protruding Wires

The eraser end of a pencil can be used to move the wire carefully to a less painful spot. If you are unable to move it, apply orthodontic wax to the tip. If a mouth sore develops, rinse with warm salt water or antiseptic rinse. Please call the office for an appointment to trim or adjust the wire.

Loose Spacers

If a spacer (separator) becomes dislodged it may need to be repositioned and sometimes replaced. Please call the office to see if they need to be replaced.

Remember, braces aren't forever but your smile is! If you ever have any questions or are having discomfort - we're just a call away! (650) 434-0190

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.