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.

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

The Clear Alternative To Braces For Teens

Is your teen bummed out about the thought of having braces? Invisalign Teen aligners give adolescents a whole new way to wear braces for a clearly amazing smile!

Scenarios in high school like the team games on Friday nights, homecoming dances, and yearbook pictures can leave many teens stressed about their smile. Don't let your teenager stress; during Invisalign Teen treatment teens can achieve a straight smile without metal braces and without much detection!

Invisalign Teen aligners are a perfect fit for every lifestyle, because aligners are:

• Clear 
• Removable 
• Super comfortable 
• Customized 

Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign Teen aligners are removable, which means you can go ahead and eat all the things you love without worrying about breaking a bracket or losing a rubber band.

Invisalign aligners are really comfortable and very durable. They fit in with any of your extracurricular activities. So whether you're swimming the 50-meter race, throwing the football out on the field, or playing the clarinet with the school band, you don't have to worry about your braces getting in the way! Give us a call to schedule a consultation just in time for the New Year!

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

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.

Try This Braces & Tummy Approved Recipe This Summer

Whether you're new to wearing braces or have had them for a while, you probably noticed that certain foods are hard to enjoy while being treated for orthodontics. Instead of loading up a list of things you can't eat, we suggest creating a list of new foods and recipes you can eat. This makes wearing braces a pleasurable experience that will leave your smile, and your tummy, very happy!

To help you start this positive orthodontic experience, Appletree Orthodontics found a new recipe that is braces friendly and taste buds approved! Check it out below.

FRUIT BROWNIE PIZZA

Ingredients:

• 1 boxed brownies mix (for a 9x13-inch pan)
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup oil
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 bananas
• lemon juice
• 1 1/2 cups diced strawberries
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 8 oz COOL WHIP whipped topping

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 12-inch round (rimmed) pizza pan with nonstick spray; set aside. (You can also use the disposable round pizza pans.)

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix, eggs, water and oil. Stir until just combined. Pour into the greased pan and spread evenly with a spatula. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove the brownie pan from the oven and allow to completely cool in the pan on a wire rack.

In a medium bowl, cream together the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Spread evenly over the top of the cooled brownie round. Slice the bananas and sprinkle with lemon juice to preserve the coloring. Place the banana slices evenly over the top of the cream cheese layer. Sprinkle with strawberries and blueberries.

Slice into wedges and serve immediately with a dollop of COOL WHIP whipped topping.

A Smile He Will Never Forget

Summer is creeping up on us!  With the warm weather ahead, we have more than vacations to look forward too, that's right, it's Wedding Season!  Did you know 91% of brides would love to change something about their smile? Brides see smiles as an important accessory for their big day, especially with all the pictures taken the wedding. For the brides we work with at Apple Tree Orthodontics, we typically introduce them to Invisalign.  With Invisalign, you can see a difference in your smile in as little as a few months.

How It Works:
Invisalign is popular because of it's more modern approach to straighten teeth, along with the fast results in comparison to metal braces and brackets. With Invisalign, patients can get the smile of their dreams by wearing a series of custom-made aligners for a matter of months. The clear Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible plastic that fit over your teeth comfortably, Wearing these will gradually and gentally shift teeth into place.

Are you getting married soon and looking for the perfect smile for your big day? Set up your first appointment at Appletree Orthodontics and let us help you smile brighter and straighter.

Visit our website for more information, or give us a call at 603-434-0190.

Braces for Adolescents & Adults

Orthodontists today can successfully correct most problems regardless of the patient’s age. But that does not mean that the orthodontic treatment starting age does not matter. In fact it may play a significant role in the total time and expenses required for the completion of the orthodontic treatment.

Find out a little more about being treated by Appletree Orthodontics as an adolescent and as an adult.

Adolescent Treatment

Most orthodontic problems are ideally treated during this time. Usually, all or most permanent teeth are erupted and patients are at one of their most active phases of growth. This is a great time to correct most problems, as the jaws are actively growing and their growth can be most easily modified during this time. In order to minimize patient involvement during the treatment process, we will work very hard to maximize ideal treatment goals with our adolescent patients.

Adult Treatment
Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, and it is never too late to improve your smile. Our team works with all of our adult patients to achieve their individual concerns.

Here at Appletree Orthodontics, we recognize that each patient has unique needs, and we pride ourselves in tailoring our treatment to meet these requirements.  Are you ready to start your journey to a new smile? Contact us today. 

80's Throwback Thursday

Apple Tree Orthodontics is getting ready to celebrate 30 years of business. In May of 1986, Dr. Timmeny opened her practice and has been serving up smiles ever since, alongside Dr. Polgrean. After doing a little spring cleaning recently, Dr. Timmeny dug up a few pictures of Apple Tree Orthodontics from the 80’s. We hope you will look through and enjoy these pictures, because it’s you, our patients, who have supported us as your local orthodontists for the last 30 years. Our success as a practice would not have been possible with each and every one of you.

Dr. Timmeny's daughter, Maureen, who is now an orthodontist herself!

The outside of the building showcasing Dr. Timmeny's name.

Dr. Timmeny's husband, John, helping set up the new office.

Dr. Timmeny's daughter, Maureen.

The new office in progress.

We’ve made amazing memories over the years, and look forward to making so many more. Don’t forget, to celebrate our 30th we have a “Back in Time” contest up in the lobby. Do you have any fond memories of working or being a patient at Apple Tree Orthodontics? Post them on our Facbook wall, or leave us a review! We would love to hear from you.

Your Patients Keep Leaping Into Our Office!

We have a contest designed specifically for area dentists! To show our gratitude for your wonderful patient referrals, we've decided to give you a chance to win a yummy prize!  If you are a local dentist that refers Apple Tree Orthodontics patients, please enter now!

Print & Fill out the form below and fax to 603-421-9550! 

You can also submit your answer via email to Laura at str8smiles@appletreeortho.com. Don't forget to LIKE US ON FACEBOOK for a double entry! Good Luck!

What's Invisalign Teen?

Invisalign Teen aligners are removable and virtually invisible, which means you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing. You can still eat and drink what you want. Also, you can brush and floss normally to maintain healthy gums and teeth, and there are no wires, metal or brackets to cause mouth abrasions.

What is Invisalign Teen?

• Clear way to straighten your teeth without braces.
• Series of clear, removable, custom-made aligners.
• Uses no metal wires or brackets.
• Custom-made for comfort.

How does Invisalign Teen work?

• Wear each set of aligners for about two weeks.
• Remove only to eat, drink, brush and floss.
• Your teeth will move gradually each week.
• Visit us every 8-10 weeks.
• Total treatment time averages 6-15 months.
• Average number of aligners is between 18 and 30.

What conditions does Invisalign Teen treat?

By using its advanced technology, Invisalign Teen can treat a broad range of dental and orthodontic conditions, which, in the past, were usually treated with traditional braces. These conditions include:

• Overly crowded teeth
• Widely spaced teeth
• Crossbite
• Overbite
• Underbite

With a Blue Dot Wear Indicator to show how long each aligner has been worn, six free replacement aligners in case some are lost or broken, and other changes designed to accommodate growing mouths, Invisalign Teen is the perfect teeth-straightening system for today's teens' busy lifestyles!

Merry Christmas From Apple Tree Orthodontics

All of us at Apple Tree Orthodontics would like to wish all of our friends, patients and their family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!

Don't for get we will be closed Thursday, December 24 until Monday, January 4, 2016.

We will, however, be open on Tuesday, December 29th from 8 to 4. 

#ChocolateCoveredAnything Day

You may want to pinch yourself because today is National Chocolate Covered Anything Day!  For all you chocoholics out there, it’s time to indulge in your favorite chocolate covered treats!   The possibilities are endless when deciding on what to cover chocolate in and almost everything tastes delicious.  What will you cover in chocolate today?

If you need some ideas, or just want some off the wall recipes, look no further!  From traditional chocolate covered strawberries, to dipped pretzels and covered crepes, you can do make something that everyone will love.

Check out these traditional treats.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Chocolate Dipped Pretzels

Aren’t those treats mouthwatering? Well if you’re looking for a recipe a little more daring, we found some that may work.  Dishes like beef tenderloin smothered in chocolate, to chocolate covered bacon & chocolate covered potato chips.  There really is no end to what you can pair with chocolate.

Dare to be different? Try these uncommon chocolate covered anything treats.

Chocolate Covered Bacon

Chocolate Covered Chips

Cover as little or as much of your food in chocolate today, and in spirit of the holiday season share some treats with friends and family! Oh yeah, don’t forget to brush & floss after eating too!

Enjoy!