Learn More About Two-Phase Orthodontics

Are you aware of Two-Phased orthodontics? If not, don’t worry you’re not alone. Two-Phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized process that involves facial and jaw changes along with straightening teeth. This process allows Appletree Orthodontics to create a healthy functional smile with results that remain stable after treatment. One benefit of two-phase orthodontics in certain cases, it can prevent adult tooth extractions or major jaw surgery.

How does it work?

Two-Phase orthodontics starts with interceptive orthodontic care. This is a process where Appletree Orthodontics intercepts an oral problem before it continues to get untameable. Typically, treatment starts with younger children in order to manipulate teeth and growth before it’s too late. The best age for this is between 7 and 10-year-old. With interceptive orthodontics, treatment is about 4 to 12 months with monitoring of the child after that to discuss is possible second phase treatment.

Once a majority of the adult teeth have erupted, second phase can begin. The average treatment time of second phase is about 12 months of braces on the teeth. Retainers are worn after treatment to hold the correct position of the teeth.

If you are interested in learning more about Two-Phase Orthodontics, contact Appletree Orthodontics to discuss it more. We love answering questions and providing a solid foundation of information to those who are interested in treatment for their children or themselves.  Call us at 603-434-0190.

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

Fun Dental Facts About Animals

We're testing your knowledge about dental trivia this month with our latest lobby contest at Appletree Orthodontics. As we grill you on dental trivia at the office, we thought it would be fun to share some dental facts with you on our blog...only these facts aren't about humans! Our team gathered some very interesting dental facts about animals. Keep reading to learn about some of your favorite wildlife's' dental facts.

Did you know...

• Dogs have 42 teeth, cats have 30 teeth, pigs have 44 teeth, and an armadillo has 104 teeth
• A snail's mouth is no larger than the head of a pin, but it can have over 25,000 teeth!
• The Blue Whale is the largest mammal on earth, but it eats only tiny shrimp because it has no teeth
• The Crocodile Bird flies into the open mouth of a crocodile and cleans the crocodile's teeth!
• Scientists count rings on a dolphin’s teeth to determine its age. The long-snouted spinner dolphin has as many as 252 teeth
• The Great Barracuda (wolf of the sea) can grow more than six feet long
• Groundhogs have four large incisor teeth for biting off vegetation and gnawing through roots. They also have 19 teeth for chewing
• A hippo can bite a small boat in half with its 20-inch-long teeth
• Insects’ teeth are called fangs or mandibles. Some insects also have teeth in their gizzard to help grind up food.
• Spiders have fangs, instead of teeth
• If a sheep’s teeth become too worn down, the sheep can die from starvation
• The bacteria-filled mouths of Komodo dragons can cause fatal infections in their victims
• Swallows, like all modern birds, have no teeth. They “chew” their food by swallowing tiny bits of gravel
• Turtles today do not have teeth
• Lions don’t chew their food because their jaws can’t move from side to side.

Data collected from a variety of sources online. We hope you have enjoyed these fun dental facts about animals from Appletree Orthodontics.

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