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.

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.

Contest Alert: Dental Trivia Challenge!

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

How To Prevent White Spot Lesions

As you may have discovered, braces can make it extra-challenging to keep your teeth really clean, because the brackets and wires may get in the way of your brush and floss. That’s why Appletree Orthodontics always stresses how important it is to make the extra effort. While you’re wearing braces, there are several things that can be done to prevent white spots. First, keep up a high level of oral hygiene. In addition to normal brushing and flossing, there are special brushes that can be used to clean around orthodontic brackets and wires, and floss threaders to help you work with dental floss. You can also try using a “water flosser” to flush material from between teeth and beneath the gums. This works by pulsating water at high pressure through a handheld device that looks something like a power toothbrush.

There are also some professional therapies that may help if you are at high risk for developing WSLs. These include at-home use of prescription fluoride toothpastes or rinses, or in-office application of fluoride gels, sealants or varnishes. While these methods can produce improvement, the effectiveness of particular treatments is still being studied.

There’s yet another way to keep white spots from forming, and even potentially reverse their damage: Keep the environment of your mouth healthy! It’s well known that acidic and/or sugary foods and beverages cause demineralization and erode tooth surface enamel. If you choose to consume these products at all, it’s essential to limit them to mealtimes and avoid between-meal snacking. That gives your saliva — nature’s own acid neutralizer — enough time to do its work. You can help here, too: Keep your mouth moist by drinking plenty of water, and by avoiding tobacco, alcohol and caffeine. If your mouth does get dry, try mints that contain xylitol; these promote salivation, and can help reduce the risk of tooth decay.

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.

It's National Donut Day!

It's a great day at Appletree Orthodontics, and not just because it's Friday, because it's National Donut Day! This is definitely a day we can't say NO to celebrating! Did you know this day even existed? If you are one of the several unfortunate citizens that was not aware that today is your chance to get free donuts at participating shops, and indulge in one of America's favorite sweet breakfast treats, then keep reading to learn a few facts about National Donut Day!

What is it about donuts that are so special? Learn a few facts about Donuts & National Donut Day!

• National Donut Day started in 1938.
• It was started as a fund raiser for Chicago's Salvation Army during the Great Depression.
• It is always celebrated on the first Friday in June.
• There are 3 other donut days on our calendar.
• Donuts date back to prehistoric times.
• Some people spell it doughnut. Both are correct. 
• Boston has the most donut shops in the world.
• Clark Gable made donut dunking fashionable. 

You DO-NUT want to miss out on this delicious day to have an excuse to eat a donut, or two! Enjoy!