What is Dental Wax?

When it comes to braces, your first few days may be uncomfortable. It may even feel as if your braces are sticking out. Your gums may be sore and tender, but that does not have to stop you from living your life.

An important item to use for relief is dental wax. Dental wax is “a soft, harmless gum protector for children and adults with braces that can be used in a pinch to cover brackets and protruding wires with a smooth surface,” according to Colgate. Dental wax can provide relief when a wire breaks and pokes out. Just add some dental wax on your gums and can help prevent pain while your wait for your next appointment.

Dental wax is completely safe.

Step 1: Be sure you have dental wax, you can ask us for recommendations on which we feel is best.
Step 2: Wash your hands.
Step 3: Brush your teeth, where you want to apply the dental wax
Step 4: Pinch off a piece of wax about the size of a small pea
Step 5: Squeeze until it softens and roll it into a ball, then flatten the ball slightly
Step 6: Gently push the wax onto the problem area of the braces


If you want to remove the dental wax, you can use floss. Be gentle, not to damage your teeth or gums. If you have any questions over dental wax, or any other orthodontic questions, please feel free to call us at (603) 434-0190

2 Smoothie Flavors for those with Braces

Congratulations on getting braces! Your on your way to a healthier beautiful smile. At first you may notice that your teeth and mouth feel a little tender or sore. This is perfectly normal and we promise your mouth will not be sore forever! The discomfort and soreness you are feeling is perfectly normal. Your teeth may be tender to biting pressures, which can make it tough to chew and eat solid food. Here are 2 delicious smoothie recipies that are delicious, healthy and filling.

1. Delicious Red Fruits and Oats Smoothie

This delicous smoothis will make it easy for you to consume, especially in your first few days after getting braces. The added oats, will fill you up.

1 cup sliced strawberries
1 sliced banana
1/4 cup raw almonds
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
1 teaspoon maple syrup

2. Peanut Butter, Banana and Flax Smoothie
This delicious combination will have you feeling full of creamy goodness. The yogurt and peanut butter will have you feeling full and the honey combined with bananas will leave you craving for more.

1/2 cup 1% low-fat milk
1/2 cup vanilla fat-free yogurt
2 tablespoons ground golden flaxseed
1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ripe banana, sliced

Right Age for Orthodontics:

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.

Children: The magic number is 7! The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that all children have a check-up with an orthodontist by the time they reach age 7, for early detection of any potential problems. At this stage, we can spot potential orthodontic problems related to jaw growth and eruption of adult teeth.

Teenagers: Most orthodontic problems are ideally treated during this time. Usually, all or most permanent teeth are present 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.

Adult: As we grow older, our teeth may shift and it may be necessary for an improved smile through orthodontic treatment. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, and it is never too late to improve your smile.

Learn more about the right age for orthodontics, and give us a call if you have any questions at (603) 434-0190

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.

Dental Health is Orthodontic Health

There are major differences between a dentist and an orthodontist. While all orthodontist are dentist, only a small percentage of dentists are also orthodontists. However the dental health benefits are the same for everyone. When you care for your teeth, it benefits your smile and helps your orthodontic treatment go as planned.

• Achieve a balanced diet. This can be achieved by eating a variety of foods preferably from each of the five major food groups: breads, cereals and other grain products; fruits; vegetables; meat, poultry and fish; milk, cheese and yogurt. 
• Limit the number of snacks that you eat. If you do snack, choose nutritious foods, such as cheese, raw vegetables, plain yogurt or a piece of fruit. Each time that you eat foods that contain sugars or starches, brush your teeth. 
• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. 
• Clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners. 
• Maintain your regularly scheduled check-ups with your dentist.

Two Candies to Avoid this Halloween

Happy Halloween from everyone at Apple Tree Orthodontics!

We believe that Halloween is the perfect opportunity to talk to your child and remind them about the importance of sticking to their health routine. This includes brushing your teeth, flossing, wearing your retainers, using mouthwash and other health tips. If you recently received orthodontic treatment such as braces or in the middle of your treatment, we recommend you avoid these sweet treats.

1. Hard Candies: You want to watch out for hard candies on Halloween and beyond. These can break your teeth and can be damaging if you have braces. On top of that, hard candies can cause the sugar to wash all over your teeth. This is due to having the hard candy for longer periods in your mouth.

2. Sour Candy: It’s no secret how important the enamel on your tooth is. Acidic foods are harmful to your enamel and can cause it to erode, exposing your tooth to being more vulnerable to cavities. You can pass on sour candy because of the acidity.

National Orthodontic Health Month: 3 Benefits of Orthodontics

October is National Orthodontic Health Month! The importance and benefits of Orthodontics exceeds beyond just a beautiful smile. Here are 3 benefits of orthodontics.

1. Prevent Cavities – Orthodontic treatment is the process that straightens teeth through various treatment plans such as braces and Invisalign. Straight teeth are easier to clean and therefore prevent bacteria that can cause cavities. 
2. Prevent Gum Disease – Orthodontic treatment allows your teeth to be spaced out better. This makes it easier for people to floss and clean their teeth. Without straight teeth, it is easier for food to hide between teeth, causing bacteria, turning into gum disease. 
3. Helps Bad Bites – Orthodontic treatment can fix bad bites such as overbites and under bites that make it difficult to eat, chew and sometimes speak.