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.

Curious About Wisdom Teeth & Braces?

Some people require their wisdom teeth to be removed following orthodontic treatment with braces. Often the timing of the eruption of wisdom teeth coincides with the removal of braces. It is often difficult to determine if someone will have space in their mouth for their wisdom teeth to erupt or if the wisdom will become impacted.

Many people have their wisdom teeth emerge as healthy, effective back molars. In this case, the tooth has grown in straight and is not affecting the person’s bite and any dental work will be unaffected. There is nothing stopping a person with healthy wisdom teeth from getting braces either.

Wisdom teeth are a leftover trait from when humans had larger jaws and chewed hearty leaves. Wisdom teeth tend to overcrowd already corrected molars or emerge only half way. In fact, wisdom teeth statistically have the highest chance of growing in sideways, an issue known as an impacted wisdom tooth, which can affect the nearby teeth. However, wisdom teeth cannot cause front teeth to become crooked. From the back of the mouth, the pressure they exert on the other molars is not strong enough to reach the front.

This has led people to believe that wisdom teeth can ruin their current or previous dental work. There are a number of other factors that have led to this. Around 20 years old, the jaw performs its last growth spurt, which can leave teeth crooked. This is also the age when many former braces wearers begin to neglect their retainers at night.

Each set of braces is unique for the wearer, as is the decision on what to do about wisdom teeth. Talk with the doctors of Appletree Orthodontics as soon as you notice any discomfort or wisdom teeth appearing. While they may not affect your braces, wisdom teeth can change your overall oral health.

Perfect Spring Recipe| Fruit Pizza

Making fruit pizza during this time of year is the best because it embraces the Spring. The bright colors of the fresh fruit seem to brighten menus as well as spirits. Fruit pizza seems to say, “Summer is on it’s way!” Get the details and make your version of a fruit pizza this Memorial weekend!

INGREDIENTS

• (1) 17.5 oz sugar cookie mix pouch
• ½ C butter at room temperature
• 1 egg
• (1) 8 ounce block cream cheese at room temperature
• (1) 7 oz package marshmallow cream
• 2-3 C fruit of your choice, chopped into small pieces

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Prepare the sugar cookie dough according to package directions, mixing in the butter and egg.
3. Using your hands, spread the dough evenly on a cookie sheet. Dot the dough with a fork to prevent air bubbles.
4. Bake until lightly browned, about 12 minutes. Remove from oven, and cool completely.
5. Mix the marshmallow cream and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
6. Frost the cookie dough "crust" with the marshmallow cream mixture.
7. Cover the pizza with fruit. Refrigerate until serving. Slice into squares.
8. Enjoy!

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!

Are you experiencing bad breath?

We understand bad breath can be uncomfortable to talk about but unfortunately it happens to most people for several different reasons. The important thing to do if you’re experiencing bad breath (or know someone who is) is to determine the root of the problem. Bad breath, or halitosis, can be caused by poor oral hygiene, personal habits such as smoking or eating certain foods, or medical problems. The most common factor for bad breath in patients with braces at Appletree Orthodontics is almost certainly caused by poor oral hygiene.

After getting braces, new patients may develop bad breath from not cleaning their teeth correctly. Brushing your teeth is simply not enough, especially when you wear braces. Bacteria feeds on food particles left in your mouth, and this bacterium creates odor. It’s important to remember to brush, floss, and use mouthwash as tiny bits of food can get stuck in brackets or between teeth which can contribute to bad breath.

Because braces contain so many small spaces to trap food, the habits that worked great for cleaning your teeth before braces may no longer be enough. It's important to brush immediately after every meal or snack or to at least vigorously rinse your teeth with water or mouthwash if you absolutely can't 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 eating a small amount.

For more information on bad breath with braces visit our website or give us a call at 603-434-01900

Are You Considering Invisalign?

Whether you’re considering Invisalign treatment for yourself or someone else, knowing more about the entire process can help you be more confident in your decision to choose Invisalign.

During your initial consultation, the doctors at Appletree Orthodontics will discuss your concerns in detail to determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign. We will take x-rays, pictures and impressions of your teeth to help us determine this. From this our doctors will map out a precise treatment plan, including the exact movements of your teeth and tell you the approximate length of treatment. While every case is unique to each patient, treatment typically takes approximately 18 to 24 months.

Based on your individual treatment plan, a series of custom-made, clear aligners is then created specifically for you. These aligners are made of a smooth, comfortable, BPA-free plastic that won't irritate your cheeks and gums. Simply wear your aligners throughout the day and remove them when you eat or brush and floss your teeth. As you wear each set of aligners, your teeth gently and gradually begin to shift into place.

Approximately every two weeks, you will begin wearing a new set of aligners, advancing you to the next stage of your treatment. To monitor your progress, you will also have occasional checkups with our office, usually only every six weeks or so. For best results and a timely outcome, you should wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, throughout your entire treatment.

Happy Thanksgiving

There is always something to be thankful for, and at Appletree Orthodontics we are thankful for you! Thank you to our wonderful patients who have made it possible to be serving the Londonderry area for over 30 years! Happy Thanksgiving!

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 

Get a Straighter Smile Today

The embarrassment of having braces is already slowly disappearing as many people now opt for orthodontic treatment for problems like crooked teeth, misaligned teeth, and irregular bites. The most important thing is not to think of the discomfort and cost but the benefits of a perfect smile that will last a lifetime. At Appletree Orthodontics, we offer a range of treatment options sure to satisfy the needs of children, teens, and adults.

Get a straighter smile today

Appletree Orthodontics has a team of specialist and two orthodontists who have been helping people get a healthier smile with the help since the 1980s.

For questions and inquiries, you may visit our website or give us a call at 603-434-0190.

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.

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.

Play it Safe. Protect Your Face!

It’s National Facial Protection Month so we’re spreading the word to our patients to remind everyone to protect your faces this spring. As many children and adults gear up to start a new sports season, it’s important to keep faces and heads protected from injuries that can be potentially be deadly.

Did you know spring is one of the busiest times in emergency rooms for mouth and facial injuries? Several of these injuries happen in the spring because they are sports-related accidents that can be easily prevented with the use of sports safety equipment. By utilizing equipment like helmets and mouth guards, children and adults can avoid serious facial injuries.

Just by wearing a mouth guard or helmet, patients can reduce the risk of concussions, knocking out teeth, or breaking jaw bones. Most coaches recommend a mouth guard or helmet, but unfortunately several athletes stray away from these two very important pieces of equipment because they don’t comprehend the importance of wearing them.

Facial injuries aren’t just painful for patients, they’re also costly. Repairs for injuries can cost up to thousands of dollars, which we understand many people don’t have. As so many of these injures can be easily prevented, we can’t stress enough the importance of simply wearing a mouth guard or helmet during organized sports and activities. Lastly, this is a good rule of thumb to abide by all year long, and not just in the spring time. If you have any questions regarding facial protection, please contact Appletree Orthodontics at 603-434-0190.

#AppleTreeOrtho Before & After Patient Photos

The following before and after photos feature actual patients of Apple Tree Orthodontics. Take a glimpse at some of our patients photos, and don't forget to ask us how we can help you achieve an amazing smile with orthodontic treatment.

Please feel free to book your first visit at Apple Tree Orthodontics. We look forward to being a part of your wonderful journey to a beautiful healthy new smile!

It's National Soup Month

Did you know that January is National Soup Month? We love this idea and encourage you to celebrate by making and eating some savory soups. Not only is soup perfect for keeping warm in January, but they’re also braces friendly so all of our patients can indulge in this meal. Whether you want a soup that is low calorie or hearty, we found some recipes that are great for any diet, or lack thereof.

Here are some soul-warming soups you must try this month!

Chinese Hot & Sour Soup

Click here for the recipe.

Savory Vegetable Beef Soup

Click here for the recipe.

Chicken Pozole Soup

Click here for the recipe.

These soups are the perfect meal for the family on a cold winter day, as well as nutritious and low-cal. Expand your pallet this month and try some new recipes that are body and teeth friendly. Let us know what your favorites are by leaving a comment below or posting on our Facebook page.

Malocclusions Should Be Treated

A Malocclusion is abnormal contact between teeth, defined as the misalignment of the upper and lower teeth when biting or chewing.  Malocclusions are most often inherited, but may be acquired. Inherited conditions include too many or too few teeth, too much or too little space between teeth, irregular mouth and jaw size and shape, and atypical formations of the jaws and face, such as a cleft palate . Malocclusions may be acquired from habits like finger or thumb sucking , tongue thrusting, premature loss of teeth from an accident or dental disease, and possibly from medical conditions such as enlarged tonsils and adenoids that lead to mouth breathing.

According to studies by the American Association of Orthodontists, untreated malocclusions can result in a variety of problems:

• Crowded teeth are more difficult to properly brush and floss, which may contribute to tooth decay and/or gum disease.
• Protruding teeth are more susceptible to accidental chipping.
• Crossbites can result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear.
• Openbites can result in tongue-thrusting habits and speech impediments.

Are you a candidate for orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontics is not merely for improving the aesthetics of the smile; orthodontic treatment improves bad bites (malocclusions). Malocclusions occur as a result of tooth or jaw misalignment. Malocclusions affect the way you smile, chew, clean your teeth or feel about your smile.

Ultimately, orthodontics does more than make a pretty smile – it creates a healthier you.