Facial Protection Month

Did you know from the ages of 7 to 11 years old, children are most vulnerable to sports related mouth injuries? The importance of protecting our smile should be stressed enough and should remind our friends and community how easy it is to protect our teeth.

Wearing a mouthguard is the safest way to protect your teeth while playing sports or just enjoying sports related activities. Athletes are 60 times more likely to suffer a teeth related injury if they’re not wearing a mouth guard.

Here are the three types of mouth guards you can wear, especially if you are currently in orthodontic treatment.

Custom fitted mouth guards - these are made by your dentist and can be molded to fit your smile perfectly

Stock mouth guards - these type of mouth guards are  performed and may be a bit bulky

Boil and bite mouth guards - are mouth guards that are softened by boiling water and then insert your mouth, to form to the shape of your mouth.



National Facial Protection Month from AAOMS.org on Vimeo.

How Does Invisalign Work at Apple Tree Orthodontics?

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.

Invisalign treatment is a technique that straightens your teeth without braces, using a series of clear, removable aligners that are custom-modeled to fit your teeth. The virtually invisible aligners gradually reposition your teeth into a smile of which you will be proud.

So you may be wondering, what is the process like at Apple Tree Orthodontics?

1. Start with a complimentary consultation with Dr. Polgrean. Dr. Polgrean will examine to see if the Invisalign system is right for you. If invisalign is right for you, we will create an individual treatment plan using custom-molded aligners to solve your particular needs.

2. Our technology is to create a custom treatment plan that is suited to your specific treatment. We start with a fast, precise digital scan. This will tell us everything we need to know and will allow Apple Tree Orthodontics to map out a custom treatment plan just for you. You'll even get to preview your new smile.

3. Once your treatment plan has been established, we begin on creating your custom aligners made just for you.

4. Time for your aligners to be picked up. From the first day of treatment to the last, you're never on your own. Dr. Polgrean and the team at Apple Tree Orthodontics will be here, if you need anything.

5. Live your life and smile with confidence.

Not everyone is a candidate for the Invisalign aligner system. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Polgrean to see if the Invisalign system is right for you. Schedule a complimentary consultation. 

2 Benefits of Straight Teeth:

Fear of the unknown is human nature and some nervousness is to be expected prior to starting orthodontic treatment or even just learning more information on orthodontic treatment. You may even be second guessing if orthodontic treatment is right for you. There are many options to receiving orthodontic treatment, however the ultimate goal is a healthy straight smile.

Here are 2 benefits of having straight teeth, you may have never thought of.

1. Healthier Gums: 

When your teeth are aligned perfectly, your gums are healthier. The proper treatment allows your teeth to be aligned properly into place, therefore your gums fit better around each tooth. This allows bacteria to grow in few places. This all decreases your risk of gum disease.

2. Improves Your Overall Health: 

There is a big bridge between your teeth and oral health and your the overall health of your body. The tooth decay and gum disease associated with crooked teeth are caused by decay. Left untreated, this bacteria can lead to mouth sores, bleeding gums and possible tooth loss.

Studies by the ADA have also proven that bacteria can create oral infections, which may lead to more serious problems such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and pneumonia.

Understanding that orthodontic treatment is so much more than improving your teeth. Your smile benefits both your physical and mental health.

Prevent Enamel Damage:

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. We also pride ourselves in providing the best information and being proactive in taking care of our teeth.

Your tooth enamel is the hard, outer surface layer of your teeth that serves to protect against tooth decay. In fact, tooth enamel is considered the hardest mineral substance in your body, even stronger than bone. Your tooth enamel acts as a protection shield against your teeth. There are several actions you can do to prevent enamel damage such as decaying or discoloration.

Preventing enamel decay can be as easy as cutting out or limiting high-acidic foods from your regular diet. High-acidic foods include items such as blueberries, sugar, honey, vinegar, soy sauce, cranberries, and more.  Another thing you can do is remove high sugar drinks from your diet in addition to acidic foods is also a good idea.

The easiest way to avoid decay is to steer clear of high-acidity foods. This may not always be possible, but eliminating sugary fruit juices and soda from your diet is a good start.

Brushing your teeth after each meal and flossing frequently also preserves your enamel. Another good idea is to rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after eating to wash away high-acidity particles.

Although enamel damage is common, it does not have to be an inevitable occurrence. Knowing the foods that harm your teeth gives you the tools to prevent discoloration and decay. With some easy preventive measures, your teeth will stay strong and white for years to come!

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.

Halloween Recipes for a Fun Night

If you just received braces or looking for something different to try this Halloween, here are two incredibly delicious alternative to sweet treats and hard candy that can harm your teeth if you have braces.

Halloween Parfait:
What You Need:

• 3 boxes instant vanilla pudding 
• 1 teaspoon red food coloring  
• 1/2 teaspoon yellow food coloring 
• one 9-ounce package plain chocolate wafers  
• 6 cups milk chocolate syrup to taste  
• One 8-ounce can mandarin oranges, drained 

Directions:

• Combine pudding mix and milk in a large bowl as directed on the package. 
• Refrigerate until firm. 
• Crush chocolate wafers into crumbs, using a food processor, or put the wafers into a plastic food storage bag and crush with a rolling pin. 
• Combine red and yellow food coloring in a small bowl. 
• Stir into pudding thoroughly, until pudding is orange. 
• Alternate layers of pudding with layers of chocolate crumbs in a parfait cup or glass for a total of three layers of pudding. 
• Top each layer of crumbs with chocolate syrup to taste before adding the next pudding layer.
• Top each parfait with mandarin oranges and additional chocolate wafer crumbs. Makes eight 8-ounce servings.

Invisalign for Teens: Apple Tree Orthodontics

Invisalign has remained a top choice for people seeking orthodontic treatment because of its functionality. 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. There are no wires, metal or bracket!

Now teens don’t have to worry about embarrassing metal braces in their yearbook photos or Instagram selfies! Invisalign Teen is the clear way to straighten teeth without metal braces, using aligners.

What is Invisalign Teen?

• A 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 1 to 2 weeks.
• Remove only to eat, drink, brush and floss.
• Your teeth will move gradually each week.
• Visit us every 6-10 weeks.
• Elastics may be used with the clear aligners to align the bite.
• Most cases require 1-3 refinements or fine tuning of the final alignment and bite.

Utilizing Invisalign, we can treat a broad range of dental and orthodontic conditions such as, overly crowded teeth, widely spaced teeth, crossbite, overbite and underbites. Give us a call to schedule your complimentary appointment 603-434-0190

Back to School: Apple Tree Orthodontics

Back to school season is officially here! 

Kids are back in school and the abnormal summer routines are no more. As summer comes to an end and fall season returns, it can be a busy time for parents and their children. New activities and new routines, it’s easy to forget simple check-ups to the orthodontist (and other health related appointments).

Why is it important for a check-up during back-to-school season? This is the time to schedule an appointment to measure the progress of your child’s orthodontic treatment. This will ensure your child's treatment is on schedule. If your child is playing fall sports, be sure to get a mouth guard specifically designed for your child. This is the perfect time to ensure your child is on the road to a healthy beautiful smile.

Whether you are an adult, adolescent or child, our knowledgeable team is committed to helping you achieve the smile you deserve – a healthy, beautiful, self-confident one that will last a lifetime

#ThrowbackThursday to twinning smiles😀! #appletreeortho

A post shared by Apple Tree Orthodontics (@appletreeortho) on Jul 19, 2018 at 5:30am PDT

Braces and Cavities

If you’re a patient at Appple Tree 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 Apple Tree Orthodontics at our office. 

Be sure to stay connected with us and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

Bad Breath & Braces

Appletree Orthodontics

After getting braces, new patients may develop bad breath from not cleaning their teeth properly. Simply doing a quick job brushing your teeth is not enough to keep your teeth in great shape, especially when you wear braces. Bacteria feeds on food particles leftover after you eat, and this sneaky bacterium creates an unpleasant odor.

We certainly understand bad breath can be uncomfortable to talk about, but it happens to most of us. The important thing to do if you’re experiencing bad breath is to determine the root of the problem. The most common factor for bad breath our patients is almost typically caused by poor oral hygiene.  It's important to brush immediately after every meal or snack or at least rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash if you aren’t able to brush. Bad breath-causing odors and bacteria can also cling to removable orthodontics (like a retainer or clear aligners), so be sure to remove them before eating, even if you're only having a snack.

Ask us for a few tips at your next appointment to keep your Appletree Orthodontics smile sparkling! 

Benefits Beyond Your Smile

Happy New Year! We hope you enjoyed the holiday season and are as ready as we are to charge forward into the new year. As we reflect on the last year, we can't help but smile thinking about all of the lives we've been a part of! Creating beautiful, healthy smiles is truly a joy but your orthodontic health is much more than straight teeth. When Drs. Timmeny and Polgrean create beautiful smiles for our patients, they place all the elements of the face into their perfect alignment for a healthy as well as beautiful smile. Orthodontic treatment at Apple Tree Orthodontics also provides many additional health benefits. Here are just a few you might not realize:

Prevent TMJ: TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Disorders occur from stress on the jaw joint. Often, people who suffer from TMJ have an incorrect bite pattern or a misalignment of their bite. Orthodontic treatment can align the teeth and bite to remove the stress on the joints that causes TMJ Disorder.

Aid Digestive Health: Perfectly aligned teeth help you chew your food more effectively, which helps your digestive health.

Avoid Tooth Decay and Gum Disease: Crowded and misaligned teeth make it difficult to clean your teeth and gums, which can lead to food and bacteria build-up. It's much easier to brush and floss your teeth when they are in healthy alignment.

Correct some speech impediments: Sometimes when your teeth and joints are misaligned, it can cause speech impediments. The teeth and tongue are important tools in our speech process, and it is extremely important that these tools be in their perfect alignment to speak our best.

If you have any questions about the health and aesthetic benefits of orthodontic treatment, feel free to contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation. Whether you are an adult, adolescent or child, our knowledgeable team is committed to helping you achieve the smile you deserve – a healthy, beautiful, self-confident one that will last a lifetime!

The Tooth Truth

Our dedication to providing extraordinary personal service with compassion and consideration to the unique needs of each of our patients is our top priority. We feel open communication is extremely important in creating a positive environment for our patients and insuring a successful treatment outcome. Here at Apple Tree Orthodontics, we consider dental health to be an integral part of overall good health. We believe that good dental health can instill a sense of well-being, provide a lifelong smile, and promote good overall health.

To that note, let’s talk about the truth about our teeth. Our bone and gum tissues are supported by our teeth. If this support is lost or is poorly aligned, then our bone and gums can begin to erode. If the teeth are properly aligned the bone and gums are less likely to erode.

Your teeth play an important role in digestion. Before your food ever enters your stomach, it has to be chewed by your teeth. This process is called mastication. The food has to be partially broken down before entering your stomach to be properly digested. Braces straighten your teeth and give you the alignment you need to properly chew your food. 

If you are concerned about your alignment, or simply have questions on how to improve your dental health, let’s talk! Our caring team takes pride in providing exceptional care to patients of all ages. You can call us at (603) 434-0190 or click here to schedule a complimentary consultation right on our website.

A New Smile for the New Year!

Invisalign clear aligners are specifically designed to give you the smile you want without any of the lifestyle changes you don’t. With unique advances such as SmartTrack® material, Invisalign clear aligners can shape your smile more precisely and comfortably than ever before.

So what are you waiting for? Start moving towards the next amazing version of yourself. Ask Dr.'s Timmeny & Polgrean how Invisalign clear aligners can give you the smile you want.

• $400 OFF Invisalign Treatment
• FREE Vivera Retainers with Invisalign Treatment
• Ask About our Patient Referral Program

Space is limited to the first 10 appointments.

Schedule a consultation with Apple Tree Orthodontics today! Call us at 603-434-0190. If you'd like to learn more about treatment with Invisalign, click HERE to head to our website!

Thanksgiving Countdown!

It seems like the month of November has really flown by! Thanksgiving is just a week away and we’re all looking forward to time with family and friends – not to mention all of the delicious food! While some holidays spotlight foods that might traditionally be a challenge to manage when you have braces, Thanksgiving is typically filled with foods that are braces approved!

If you’re looking to add a new side dish or two to your Thanksgiving table this year, we’ve found two contenders that will not only look spectacular but might also become a new favorite for your family. Both of these would be perfect to bring to a potluck meal since they can both be assembled in advance and each takes less than 30 minutes to heat.  

Maple Cranberry Sweet Potatoes

• 4 lbs. sweet potatoes
• 1 cup maple syrup
• 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries
• 3 tbsp. butter
• 1 ½ tsp. salt

Place whole sweet potatoes in a large pot with just enough water to cover and one teaspoon of salt. Heat to a rapid boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer covered about 30 minutes or just until potatoes are fork-tender. Drain. Set aside until cool enough to handle.

Meanwhile, in a saucepan, heat maple syrup to boiling on high. Reduce heat to medium, and boil gently for 10 to 15 minutes or until reduced to 1/2 cup. Stir in cranberries, butter, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook just until cranberries pop, typically about 5 minutes.

When ready to bake:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut cooled sweet potatoes into 1-inch-thick slices and arrange in shallow 3-quart ceramic or glass baking dish, overlapping slices if necessary. Spoon maple-cranberry syrup evenly over potatoes and bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until hot.

Green Bean Cheddar Casserole

• 3 lbs. green beans
• 2 cups stale bread
• 3 tbsp. olive oil
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 3 tbsp. cornstarch
• 2 ½ cups milk
• ¼ tsp. nutmeg
• 1 cup cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
• Salt & Pepper to taste

Bring a large saucepot of salted water to boil. Add green beans to the boiling water and cook for 2 minutes. Drain well and set aside.

In a food processor, pulse bread into coarse crumbs. Transfer to a bowl and add olive oil and sliced green onions. Toss to combine and set aside.

In a saucepan, whisk cornstarch and 1/2 cup milk until all cornstarch is dissolved. Add nutmeg and a little salt and pepper. Heat slowly over medium heat, and slowly whisk in remaining 2 cups of milk. Allow sauce to boil for 2 minutes, keep whisking! Reduce heat to low, and add in cheeses one handful at a time, waiting until cheese melts before adding the next handful. Once all cheese has been added and the sauce is smooth, remove from heat. Toss with green beans until well coated with sauce. Transfer mixture to a 3-quart baking dish until ready to bake.

When ready to bake:

Sprinkle reserved breadcrumb mixture over green beans. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until breadcrumbs are golden brown.

Recipe Swaps:

·         To save time, purchase fresh green beans in a microwaveable bag and skip the boiling all together!

·         Use your favorite store-bought breadcrumbs to save additional time in lieu of making them yourself. Panko breadcrumbs are also an excellent substitution, adding even more crunch to the topping of this dish.

We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving! All of us at Apple Tree Orthodontics are thankful for each and every patient we’ve had the pleasure of serving. Now, what are you going to make with all of the leftovers?

Four Fall Flavorful Smoothies

With Fall in full swing and with it the hectic holidays just a step further down the road, we thought we’d put together a list of a few fall-themed smoothies that can serve as a great (and easy!) breakfast or after school snack.

Pumpkin Banana Smoothie
If you’re a pumpkin fan, this smoothie is for you! While pumpkin is a trendy item, especially this time of year, what you might not know is pumpkin has both fiber and protein which makes for a healthy and filling smoothie.

2 tablespoons canned pure pumpkin

5 tablespoons milk

2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt

1 banana, frozen

½ teaspoon honey

⅛ teaspoon cinnamon

pinch of nutmeg

¼ cup ice

Helpful tip: If you’re finding that you have several over ripened bananas that you aren’t able to eat in time, toss them in a freezer bag! Frozen bananas are the perfect addition to smoothies and help make preparation even easier for those hectic weekday mornings. 

Cranberry, Pear, & Orange Smoothie
That’s quite a mouthful, and trust us, you’ll love this nutrient-packed smoothie!  It chocked full of filling fiber from the pear, Vitamin C from the orange, and antioxidants from the cranberries. If you’re using whole cranberries for the first time, this smoothie might be a bit tart! Add a bit of extra honey to tone down the tart zing.

¾ cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)

1 pear, core removed & chopped

1 small orange

½ cup low-fat plain yogurt (or Greek yogurt)

1 teaspoon honey

Feeling adventurous? Add in any of the items below to give this smoothie even MORE flavor!

A handful of fresh spinach

A frozen or fresh banana

A few frozen strawberries, blueberries, mango, or pineapple

1 teaspoon of chia seeds

Caramel Apple Smoothie
This smoothie is a great alternative to the traditional sticky treat and delivers all of the delicious flavor! Smoothie staples Greek yogurt and almond milk add filling protein and frozen banana adds plenty of sweetness.

1 cup almond milk

1 frozen banana

½ cup vanilla Greek yogurt

½ cup applesauce

¼  tsp caramel extract

Caramel sauce & cinnamon for topping

Recipe swap: This recipe is very adaptable - the trick is to use what you have! Experiment with different types of milk and yogurt. If you don’t have caramel extract on hand, add a bit of caramel sauce right to the blender! Many of the applesauce pouches that are so popular with kids come in fun flavors too. The options are endless, have some fun with it!

Green Monster Smoothie
When you are ready to move on from using spinach in your green smoothies, Swiss chard is a great next step. Swiss chard has a delicate flavor and softer leaves that blend well in most blenders. It is actually in the same family (amaranthaceae) as spinach and beets!

2-3 cups Swiss chard, destemmed and chopped

2-3 ripe bananas, fresh or frozen

1 tart green apple, chopped

1 medium whole grapefruit, peeled and chopped

1 cup white cranberry juice or water

2 cups ice

This recipe makes plenty, so freeze individual portions for those extra hectic mornings!