The Apple Creek Orthodontics Blog

February is American Heart Month

2012-02-10T12:44:00.000-08:00

Did you know February is American Heart Month? It’s a great time to take notice of the health of your heart, says Drs. James J. Tomassetti, Edward Y. Lin. Cardiovascular disease remains American's number one killer, according to the American Heart Association. Studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, underscoring the importance of good oral health care.

Visiting our office on a regular basis can help prevent gum disease or at least catch it in its early stages. And because people with dental insurance are more likely to visit their dentist when they should, a healthy mouth begins with a visit to Apple Creek Orthodontics. In observance of Heart Month, Drs. James J. Tomassetti, Edward Y. Lin says it’s also important to know your numbers: blood pressure (less than 120/80), cholesterol (less than 200) and BMI (less than 25). If you have any questions about heart health, or about your treatment at Apple Creek Orthodontics, please give us a call today.

Apple Creek Orthodontics, supporting National Children's Dental Health Month

2012-01-30T20:04:00.000-08:00

We can't believe it's almost February! Each February for the past 62 years, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

For kids wearing braces, brushing and flossing can become more difficult, requiring extra time and vigilance to remove food particles that accumulate on and between the teeth and in braces. If the health of your teeth is ignored during treatment with braces, the results can be significantly compromised. Both Drs. Tomassetti and Lin are available and happy to explain why effective brushing and flossing is one of the most critical actions needed from patients during orthodontic treatment. Have you visited our Appleton office lately? Give us a call and schedule an appointment!

We also invite you to connect with us on Facebook!

Dreaming of a dazzling smile? We can help!

2012-01-23T06:46:00.000-08:00

The fact is, most of us aren’t born with a red carpet smile. And that’s where our team at Apple Creek Orthodontics can help. Of course, orthodontic treatment help make your teeth stay strong, healthy and become perfectly-aligned. But did you know you can get the beautiful straight teeth you've always wanted — without braces?

Our team at Apple Creek Orthodontics are proud to offer an adult-friendly option for straightening teeth called Invisalign, which uses a series of invisible, removable and comfortable aligners that no one can tell you're wearing. So, you can smile more during treatment as well as after. Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment. Plus, brushing and flossing are no problem. They are also comfortable, with no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment. And no metal and wires usually means you spend less time at our office getting adjustments. Invisalign also allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan when you start so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, we would love to have you in for a visit. Please give us a call to set one up! A consultation at our Appleton office can determine if Invisalign is right for you. See you soon!

How did you spend MLK Day?

2012-01-16T13:30:00.000-08:00

In the 1950s and ’60s, civil rights champion Martin Luther King, Jr. recognized the need to bring about social justice, strengthen America’s communities and move the nation forward. Today, thousands of people of all ages and races in the Appleton area spent their day building, giving and renovating our communities to help celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Did you have the day off? If so, what did you do to help your local community?

We’d love to know about your activities and events this MLK Jr. Day. If you have any video or pictures you’d like to share, please share them on our Facebook page!

Our entire team at Apple Creek Orthodontics are proud of your work in our community! Happy MLK Day!

The benefits of a dazzling smile

2012-01-11T20:59:00.000-08:00

At Apple Creek Orthodontics, we know having an attractive smile puts a spring in your step—or two—as well as increases your self-confidence, no matter if you’re 14 or in your late forties.

Smiling not only makes people happy and puts them in a good mood, doing it often can even help you live longer, according to previous studies!

If you’ve been hiding your smile because you have crooked teeth or gaps between your teeth, it’s time to consider orthodontic treatment at our convenient Appleton office. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn how quickly and efficiently today’s most advanced correction techniques can straighten your smile!

Don’t hide your smile any longer—give us a call today to schedule yours or your child’s orthodontic consultation. See you soon!

Happy new year from Apple Creek Orthodontics!

2012-01-03T06:40:00.000-08:00

At Apple Creek Orthodontics, the New Year is a time to look back to the past, and more importantly, forward to the coming year. Our wish is that our patients continue to keep their teeth healthy, as well as wear their rubber bands, headgear and appliances as prescribed during their treatment.

We look forward to meeting those patients who are planning to begin their orthodontic treatment this year - we think it's a great resolution!

Happy New Year from all of us at Apple Creek Orthodontics!

Happy New Year from Apple Creek Orthodontics

2011-12-30T08:59:00.000-08:00

The year is almost over, so we wanted to ask what was memorable about 2011 for you, and what are you looking forward to in 2012? Do you have a new year's resolution, or any exciting plans for the coming year?

Have a safe and happy New Year, from Apple Creek Orthodontics!

Season’s Greetings from Apple Creek Orthodontics!

2011-12-19T09:49:00.000-08:00

In this season given to tidings of comfort and joy, and as our team at Apple Creek Orthodontics reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What do you love about the holidays this year? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for 2012? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food? Also, what gift are you most looking forward to getting this year?

We’d love if you shared with us all the things you love about the holidays. Stay warm, and don’t forget to stay away from those sweets!

Happy Holidays from our entire team at Apple Creek Orthodontics!

Ask Drs. Tomassetti & Lin: “I’m 34 – am I too old for braces?”

2011-12-12T10:27:00.000-08:00

Great question, and you are absolutely not "too old" for braces! At Apple Creek Orthodontics, nobody is “too old” for braces! In fact, we read a fascinating statistic recently: adults getting braces has actually jumped 24 percent since 1996! Also, one of every five patients in orthodontic treatment nowadays is over the age of 21. Of course, braces help make your teeth stay strong, healthy and become perfectly-aligned. But we’d like you to know orthodontic treatment with Drs. Tomassetti or Lin can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

In fact, we are proud to offer an adult-friendly option for straightening teeth called Invisalign, which uses a series of invisible, removable and comfortable aligners that no one can tell you're wearing. So, you can smile more during treatment as well as after.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, we would love to have you visit for a consultation at our Appleton, Wisconsin office. Please give us a call at 203-227-6061 to set one up and have a wonderful rest of the week!

Happy Holidays from all of us at Apple Creek Orthodontics!

In love with your new smile? Tell us about it!

2011-12-05T08:17:00.001-08:00

At Apple Creek Orthodontics, our goal is to create a comprehensive team approach to treatment, focusing on personalized patient care in an atmosphere that patients of all ages can enjoy. It is our intent to make every visit a pleasant experience.

Whether you've visited our convenient Appleton office for a week, months or even years, we'd love to hear your feedback about how our doctors and staff have fared during your orthodontic treatment! There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts about our practice on the Web, but we encourage you to head to our Google Local page and write a review there.

After all, your generous reviews help us create more beautiful smiles in Appleton and surrounding communities. Thanks in advance, and we hope you have a terrific week!

You may write your review here.

How important is your smile? From Apple Creek Orthodontics

2011-11-28T10:27:00.001-08:00

We hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving! At Apple Creek Orthodontics, our goal is to create a comprehensive team approach to treatment, focusing on personalized patient care in an atmosphere that patients of all ages can enjoy. It is our intent to make every visit a pleasant experience. It is also our intent to build for you a great-looking smile you can wear for the rest of your life!

And speaking of smiling, in a poll conducted by Glamour Magazine earlier this year, people were asked, “If you had to pick between having perfect teeth, eyesight or hair, which would you choose?”

Well, 44 percent of folks out there chose teeth! In addition, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, or AACD, conducted a study and found that 99.7 percent of those polled believed a smile is an important social asset. Respondents said straightness, whiteness, cleanliness, as well as the sincerity and sparkle of one’s smile were all important factors not only socially, but career-wise as well. Come visit us at our Appleton, WI Orthodontic Office. See you soon!

Giving thanks this holiday season

2011-11-21T06:58:00.001-08:00

Our entire orthodontic staff at Apple Creek Orthodontics extend our best wishes to you, our patients and referring doctors, for a wonderful Thanksgiving.

We appreciate the opportunity to work together with you in the creation of your ideal smile, and would like to know: what are you most thankful for this year? Leave us a comment, or if you have any photos or stories to share with us, we encourage you to post them on our Facebook page.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Are you wearing your mouth guard?

2011-11-15T14:46:00.000-08:00

With fall sports close to wrapping up and winter sports right around the corner, many patients here at Apple Creek Orthodontics will once again pick up the ball, bring the cleats out of seasonal retirement and hit the fields for the return of sports action! During this time, however, Drs. James J. Tomassetti, Edward Y. Lin and our team urge our young athletes to play it safe when out on the field. Here are a few ways to ensure your mouth’s safety this fall and winter, courtesy of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists:

1. Wear mouth guards for contact sports such as basketball, wrestling and hockey
2. Wear a helmet
3. Wear protective eyewear
4. Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
5. Be alert, even as a spectator

We hope that helps! Drs. Tomassetti, Lin and team will tell you protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth-threatening activities. If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact our office or ask us on Facebook.
Stay safe!

Happy Veteran's Day from Apple Creek Orthodontics

2011-11-11T09:09:00.000-08:00

Happy Veteran's Day! We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the veterans and those currently on active duty who have put their lives on the line for the freedoms we all enjoy.

Thanks to all of you who have given us so much.

- Apple Creek Orthodontics

Halloween tips from Apple Creek Orthodontics

2011-10-31T06:59:00.000-07:00

Trick-or-treat! In the spirit of today's sweet and spooky holiday, our team at Apple Creek Orthodontics would like to remind all of our patients to be safe while celebrating with friends and family tonight. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists were kind enough to provide trick-or-treaters with some tips for a ghoulishly good time.

• Young children should always be accompanied by an adult
• Carry a flashlight
• Wear a light-colored or reflective costume
• Choose face paint over masks for young ghosts and goblins
• Have an adult inspect all treats before the children dig in

We suggest looking for foods that are soft, such as soft chocolate that can melt in one’s mouth or peanut butter cups. Otherwise, candies that aren’t sticky, chewy, hard or crunchy are generally acceptable.

Emergency care with Apple Creek Orthodontics

2011-10-25T19:36:00.000-07:00

At Apple Creek Orthodontics, we know true orthodontic emergencies are very rare, but when they do occur we are available to you. As a general rule, you should call our Appleton office when you experience severe pain or when you have a painful appliance problem that you can't take care of yourself. We'll be able to schedule an appointment to resolve the problem.

You might be surprised to learn that you may be able to temporarily solve many problems yourself until you schedule an appointment with our office. When working with your appliances, you need to know the names of the parts of your appliances so you are able to identify what part is broken or out of place. After alleviating your discomfort, it is very important that you still call our office as soon as possible to schedule a time to repair the problem. Allowing your appliance to remain damaged for an extended period of time may result in disruptions in your treatment plan. Click here for video instructions or give us a call to learn more! We hope you're off to a great Halloween season!

Cold season is here, from Apple Creek Orthodontics

2011-10-17T15:53:00.000-07:00

Cold and flu season is here - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that a common cold usually includes sneezing, runny nose, sore throat and coughing. Symptoms can last for up to two weeks.

To promote a healthy and clean environment, Drs. James J. Tomassetti, Edward Y. Lin and our entire staff give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our Appleton office at all times, as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces. For the protection of other patients and our staff at Apple Creek Orthodontics, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others.

And remember to constantly wash your hands and avoid contact with those who are ill! Stay Healthy!

Year-end insurance reminder from Apple Creek Orthodontics

2011-10-10T18:41:00.000-07:00

Now that October is upon us, we wanted to send you a friendly reminder to schedule your orthodontic appointment prior to the end of the year to take full advantage of any flex spend, health savings or insurance benefits that you may have.

We tend to get busy towards the end of the year—do don’t wait to give us a call!!

October is National Orthodontic Health Month!

2011-10-03T10:29:00.001-07:00

October is National Orthodontic Health Month, and our staff at Apple Creek Orthodontics wanted to remind all our patients to be careful when they bite into their treats this month. Remember, caramels, taffy, nuts, bubble gum, popcorn kernels and suckers are some of the foods you should be avoiding this Halloween Season! Indulging in these foods can break your braces and lengthen your treatment time with Drs. Tomassetti or Lin!

Also, in honor of “Orthodontic Health Month,” we’d thought we’d ask: What do you love about your braces? Share your story on our Facebook page!

Join Apple Creek Orthodontics on Facebook!

2011-09-28T13:43:00.001-07:00

At Apple Creek Orthodontics, we value the relationships we’ve developed with our patients in Appleton and surrounding communities over the years. Even if you visit our office on a regular basis, did you know you can always connect with us on Facebook and other social networks?

By “Liking” us on Facebook, you will receive regular updates and contest announcements from our office – all through your news feed! Besides our Facebook page, we have our own YouTube channel, where we hope to post happy patient testimonials in the future!

See you on Facebook!

-The Apple Creek Orthodontics team

September is Self-Improvement Month, from Apple Creek Orthodontics

2011-09-22T12:22:00.000-07:00

These days, Americans everywhere are putting greater emphasis on health, fitness and self-improvement, and more people are seeking orthodontic treatment to improve their smile. September happens to be Self-Improvement Month, and our team at Apple Creek Orthodontics know that orthodontic treatment is an investment in self-improvement that will reap benefits for a lifetime. And, recent advances in orthodontia, such as Invisalign and more effective brackets and wires, now make orthodontic treatment more palatable for many interested in obtaining that beautiful smile.

Not only does orthodontic treatment give you that beautiful smile, it can also benefit your dental and general health. If teeth are poorly aligned, removing plaque and tartar by brushing and flossing alone may be difficult. A poor bite may result in fractured or excessively worn tooth surfaces, and the extra stress caused by a poor bite may even result in problems with your jaw joints.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Drs. Jim Tomassetti and Edward Lin would love to have you visit for a consultation. Please give us a call to set one up!

See you soon!

Connect with Apple Creek Orthodontics on Facebook!

2011-09-13T21:07:00.001-07:00

Tips for a successful school year, from ACO

2011-09-05T19:46:00.000-07:00

At Apple Creek Orthodontics, we know a new school year brings a lot of stress for many kids. New classes, new teachers, new friends and new academic challenges can be overwhelming! That’s why we thought we’d provide a few steps for our patients to enjoy their time in school and succeed this upcoming school year!

• Get plenty of sleep every night. Eight hours is recommended.
• Eat a healthy breakfast as it’s the most important meal of the day.
• Pack a healthy lunch or make healthy choices when selecting your school lunch. Try to avoid the vending machine and limit your intake of junk food.
• Stay on top of your homework and reading assignments.
• Stay active. Limit the time in front of the TV or playing video games. Instead, try to get outside to get some exercise—go for a walk or ride your bike.
• Ask for help. When you are having a hard time understanding a concept, ask your teacher or your peers for guidance.
• Always have a positive attitude and a smile on your face!

We hope everyone has a productive and fun school year!

Congrats, Garrett!

2011-08-29T16:11:00.000-07:00

CONGRATS to Garrett S., our Super Hero contest winner! Great job, Garrett - you walked away with a great prize!

And be sure to visit our Facebook page to learn about our latest contest!

A few helpful webisodes about orthodontics

2011-08-26T09:10:00.000-07:00

Drs. James Tomassetti, Edward Lin, and our team at Apple Creek Orthodontics would like to point you to a few interesting webisodes about orthodontics, located on the YouTube page of the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO.

There, they tend to post some very pertinent videos about orthodontic treatment, as well as state-of-the-art technology in orthodontia. These include "Orthodontic Treatment Basics," "Common Bite Problems Seen in Children" and "Does My Child Need Braces?"

We think you may find these webisodes interesting, as well as enlightening. If you have any questions about the videos, or your treatment here at Apple Creek Orthodontics, please give us a call.

Tell us about your summer!

2011-08-15T13:27:00.000-07:00

The dog days of summer are upon us, and what better time for our team at Apple Creek Orthodontics to ask our patients about their summer!

Whether you visited our nation’s capitol, went on a camping trip, visited the state fair or just stayed in Appleton and hung out with friends, we want to know how you’re all spending your summer! Please feel free to share your summer plans and experiences with us below or on our Facebook page as the summer comes to an end soon for a lot of our patients!

We look forward to reading all about your adventures! Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Smile Week at Apple Creek Orthodontics

2011-08-10T09:29:00.000-07:00

It’s National Smile Week, and a GREAT time to remind our patients at Apple Creek Orthodontics to practice good oral hygiene to keep those teeth shining during your orthodontic treatment!

Here are a few simple steps you can take to improve your oral health so that you may celebrate National Smile Week for many, many years to come:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth and braces.
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks during your orthodontic treatment
* Visit your dentist regularly (every 6 months or as recommended by your dentist)!

And remember to smile at people you come across throughout the week, whether you know them or not. Smiles are contagious, and are a good thing to give and to get. We hope you’re all having a relaxing summer!

- The team at Apple Creek Orthodontics

Love your smile? Tell the world ALL ABOUT IT!

2011-08-03T07:41:00.000-07:00

At Apple Creek Orthodontics, our goal is to create a comprehensive team approach to treatment, focusing on personalized patient care in an atmosphere that patients of all ages can enjoy. It is our intent to make every visit a pleasant experience.

Whether you've visited our convenient Appleton office for a week, months or even years, we'd love to hear your feedback about how our doctors and staff have fared during your orthodontic treatment! There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts about our practice on the Web, but we encourage you to head to our Google Places page and write a review there.

After all, your generous reviews help us create more beautiful smiles in Appleton and surrounding communities. Thanks in advance, and we hope you have a terrific rest of the weekend!

You may write your review here.

Ask Drs. Tomassetti & Lin: “I’m 34 – am I too old for braces?”

2011-07-26T15:47:00.001-07:00

Do we have your contact info?

2011-07-18T16:31:00.001-07:00

We hope you’re having a great week and a great summer so far! If you are planning on traveling with family this summer or think you might not be able to make it to yours or your child’s scheduled appointment at Apple Creek Orthodontics, please let us know ahead of time so that we may be able to accommodate you, as well as schedule another patient during that time.

Also, we ask that you give us a call and let us know if you have any new phone numbers or if your contact information has changed! Please call us with any updates to phone numbers and addresses, so we may be able to reach you. Thank you! Enjoy the rest of your week!

New summer contest!

2011-07-09T23:01:00.001-07:00

Head to our Facebook page to learn about our new contest - THE SUPER HERO SUMMER CONTEST! If you think you know the superheroes on our poster, come in to our office to pick up an entry form and to see if your superpowers will help you win a Philips Sonicare electric toothbrush!

Our entire team at Apple Creek Orthodontics hope you're having a fun & relaxing summer!

Patriotic Fun Facts with Apple Creek Orthodontics

2011-07-03T22:59:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow, our staff at Apple Creek Orthodontics - including Drs. Lin and Tomassetti - will be busy celebrating America's 235th birthday. And because we know our patients love fun facts, we thought we'd provide you with some fun facts about Independence Day! Have a great Fourth of July weekend everyone, and we'll see you next week!!

- Independence Day was first celebrated in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.

- An estimated 2.5 million people lived in America in July 1776. Today, an estimated 309 million people reside in the United States.

- The major objection to being ruled by Britain was taxation without representation, which meant that people didn't want to be taxed by a government that did not represent them.

- In 1941, Congress declared 4th of July a federal legal holiday. It is one of the few federal holidays that have not been moved to the nearest Friday or Monday.

- The stars on the original American flag were arranged in a circle to ensure that all colonies were equal.

- America's mascot, the bald eagle, can achieve speeds of up to 200 miles per hour when making a predatory dive. During a normal flight, bald eagles can travel up to 30 miles per hour.

- The American flag patch is backwards on U.S. Army uniforms. The reason? The blue field on the flag (the part with the stars) faces forward to symbolize carrying the American flag into battle.

- Someone who specializes in the history of flags is called a vexillologist.

- The word ‘patriotism’ comes from the Latin patria, which means ‘homeland’ or ‘fatherland.’

- According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, Americans consume over 150 million hot dogs during their Independence Day festivities.

- Speaking of food, there's a 1-in-6 chance the beef on your backyard this Independence Day weekend grill came from Texas. The Lone Star State is America's leader in the production of cattle and calves.

Summer plans?

2011-06-27T21:20:00.000-07:00

It's summer here at Apple Creek Orthodontics, which means a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories is finally upon us. Whether you're headed to an exotic destination, barbecuing, hitting the open roads with family, or just having fun in the backyard here in Appleton this summer, we'd like to hear about it! Drop us a comment on our Facebook fan page and share your summer plans and adventures with our staff as the summer rolls along!

Happy (and safe) travels!

Drs. Tomassetti and Lin, helping you save face this summer

2011-06-19T20:21:00.000-07:00

With summer 2011 almost here, our staff at Apple Creek Orthodontics thought this would be a great time to remind all our young athletes in treatment to take care of both their mouth and appliances while participating in contact sports this summer.

Remember, only by using a mouth guard can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. So the next time you're in for a visit at our convenient Appleton office, be sure to ask us for a mouth guard, and we'll provide one for you! In addition, the American Association of Orthodontists has five quick tips for keeping kids safe during sport activities.

• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eyewear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant even as a spectator

We hope you're enjoying your summer, and invite you all to share your summer photos on our Facebook page!

Love your smile? Tell the world ALL ABOUT IT!

2011-06-12T17:15:00.000-07:00

Has your experience at Apple Creek Orthodontics been GREAT?

Would you like to let others know?

Whether you've visited our convenient Appleton office for a week, months or even years, we'd love to hear your feedback about how our doctors and staff have fared during your orthodontic treatment! There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts about our practice on the Web, but we encourage you to head to our Google Local page and write a review there.

After all, your generous reviews help us create more beautiful smiles in Appleton and surrounding communities. Thanks in advance, and we hope you have a terrific rest of the weekend!

You may write your review here.

Smile! June marks National Smile Month!

2011-06-05T22:17:00.001-07:00

At Apple Creek Orthodontics, we're having a difficult time believing that it's already June! As it turns out, today is a great day for Drs. Tomassetti and Lin to remind our patients that June is National Smile Month, which means it's not a bad time to get serious about practicing good oral hygiene between your visits to our office.

Here are a few simple steps you can take to improve your oral health so that you may celebrate National Smile Month for many, many years:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Here's a helpful video showing you how to brush with your braces on.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth.
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks during your orthodontic treatment.
* Visit your dentist regularly (usually every six months apart) in addition to visiting our office.

We hope these tips help! Go out there and show everyone your great smile!!

What’s on your reading list this summer?

2011-05-31T09:36:00.000-07:00

With a lot of our patients almost out of school for the summer, some of us at Apple Creek Orthodontics wanted to remind all our patients about the importance of reading. Sure it’s easy to keep putting off reading this time of year, but reading during the summer is actually a vital step in brain development and warding off the dreaded “summer slide.” Plus, reading is always fun and stimulating!

Today, we thought we’d ask: What's on YOUR summer reading list? What are some of your all-time favorites? Out of ideas for great summer reads? Ask us for suggestions, and we'd be happy to provide some good suggestions. You may also ask a local librarian here in Appleton for some ideas or check out these summer reading ideas that we came across on Friday, from Barnes & Noble.

Happy reading! Be sure to share with us your summer picks or your all-time novels on our Facebook page!

"My son is turning 7 - when should we visit Apple Creek Orthodontics for a consultation?"

2011-05-22T19:29:00.000-07:00

Great question! Our team at Apple Creek Orthodontics will tell you that braces were originally considered to be best appropriate for teens. But these days, kids as old as seven are beginning their orthodontic treatment. Because preadolescent kids are typically not self-conscious, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists suggest it could be a good idea to start early.

Experts, however, say it depends on the treatment required. Some children who get braces at an early age end up in a second phase of treatment, and end up having braces well into their teenage years despite starting young.

Most orthodontic treatment begins between ages nine and 14, and the folks at AAO estimate most orthodontic treatment lasts from one to three years, with two years being the average. It’s important, however, that children be screened no later than age seven for Drs. Tomassetti and Lim to assess what the best age for treatment is.

Hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions about your child’s orthodontic treatment at Apple Creek Orthodontics! We hope you have a WONDERFUL rest of the weekend!

What's your story? What made you choose Apple Creek Orthodontics?

2011-05-14T08:08:00.000-07:00

May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month!

2011-05-05T08:34:00.000-07:00

Did you know the month of May is designated National Physical Fitness and Sports Month? In 1983, President Ronald Reagan encouraged Americans to incorporate more physical activity into their lives, and the reminder is even more significant in this day and age, as kids everywhere are distracted more and more by television, social networking and video games. Kids living an active lifestyle can improve their health, productivity and overall well-being, and best of all? It doesn’t have to take a lot of time!

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has provided these public health guidelines for your convenience. The guidelines call for children and teens to exercise for at least one hour each day of moderate intensity physical activity (such as playing sports or brisk walking) or one hour and 15 minutes of vigorous activity (jogging, dancing and jumping rope).

At Apple Creek Orthodontics, we always encourage our patients to stay fit by exercising or participating in sports. However, we want to remind you to always wear a mouth guard or other forms of facial protection when playing sports. To learn more about how often your child should exercise, we recommend you check out this series of helpful articles about kids and exercise, courtesy of our friends at KidsHealth.org.

Is Invisalign® really customized for each patient?

2011-04-26T14:46:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is, and that’s part of what makes it work, says Drs. James Tomassetti and Edward Lin. To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing we do is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.

Next we use special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. The best thing about it all? Nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

Dr. Tomassetti is a Certified Invisalign® Provider in Appleton, WI. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, please give us a call.

Apple Creek Orthodontics, taking steps to become more green

2011-04-21T13:07:00.000-07:00

We are living in an age with a renewed commitment to conservation, and are frequently reminded to recycle, reduce and reuse. Earth Day is tomorrow, April 22nd, and we thought this would a great time to discuss the things that Apple Creek Orthodontics does to conserve our natural resources and the environment.

Did you know that we offer patients account access 24 hours a day, seven days a week? Our office has convenient and secure online services with Sesame 24-7™. Patients can also receive appointment reminders through email or text messages. Since this information is submitted electronically, we eliminate the use of large amounts of paper and printing materials.

You, too, can sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button on our homepage.

Drs. Tomassetti and Lin & our team would love to hear how you minimize your impact on the environment. Leave us a comment below or you can also visit our Facebook page and post something on our wall.

Happy Earth Day!

Play it safe this spring, from Apple Creek Orthodontics

2011-04-13T08:51:00.000-07:00

Wouldn’t you believe it, it’s already springtime! The spring months, however, bring an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of kids damaging their precious mouths and pearly whites. If you play sports, it’s important that you consult Drs. Tomassetti and Lin for special precautions, such as wearing a mouth guard. A protective mouth guard is advised for playing spring sports such as baseball, soccer, lacrosse and others. Be sure, however, to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements we are trying to achieve.

In case of any accident involving the face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, please schedule an appointment with Apple Creek Orthodontics. And don’t forget to ask us—Drs. Tomassetti and Lin will provide a mouth guard for any patient in active treatment.

Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at Apple Creek Orthodontics.

Easter trivia contest at Apple Creek Orthodontics!

2011-04-06T08:19:00.000-07:00

Here comes our new patient contest, just in time for Easter!

Talking retainers with Apple Creek Orthodontics

2011-04-04T08:51:00.000-07:00

If you've recently completed treatment at Apple Creek Orthodontics, we’d like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Dr. Tomassetti or Dr. Lin will provide—or have provided you by now—with retainers. After braces are removed, teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers provide that stabilization. They are designed to hold teeth in their corrected, ideal positions until the bones and gums adapt to the treatment changes. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed by Drs. Tomassetti and Lin is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime.

To learn more about the advantages of wearing retainers after your orthodontic treatment, please visit our website for retainer instructions and check out this helpful article about retainers from KidsHealth. You may also give us a call at 920-268-4331!

Happy Monday!

How important is your smile?

2011-03-27T13:15:00.001-07:00

Our goal is to create a comprehensive team approach to treatment, focusing on personalized patient care in an atmosphere that patients of all ages can enjoy. It is our intent to make every visit a pleasant experience. It is also our intent to build for you a great-looking smile you can wear for the rest of your life!

And speaking of smiling, in a new poll conducted by Glamour Magazine, people were asked, “If you had to pick between having perfect teeth, eyesight or hair, which would you choose?

Well, 44 percent of folks out there are choosing teeth! In addition, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, or AACD, conducted a study and found that 99.7 percent of those polled believed a smile is an important social asset. Respondents said straightness, whiteness, cleanliness, as well as the sincerity and sparkle of a person’s smile were all important factors not only socially, but career-wise as well.

Come visit us at our Appleton, WI Orthodontic Office. See you soon!

How will your smile look after you get your braces off?

2011-03-20T08:30:00.000-07:00

At Apple Creek Orthodontics, we know it's sometimes difficult to believe or imagine the transformation your smile undergoes during orthodontic treatment at our Appleton, WI office. Dr. James J. Tomassetti and Dr. Edward Y. Lin love to see our patients’ smiles light up when they see their new smile in the mirror for the first time. For those of you who haven’t yet started or finished your orthodontic treatment at Apple Creek Orthodontics, have you ever wondered what your new smile might look like after treatment?

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists has recently launched a new tool called “Virtual Smiles,” which shows what your smile might look like after orthodontic treatment.

Check out the Virtual Smiles tool, and call Apple Creek Orthodontics to get started on improving your smile!

Ask Drs. Tomassetti & Lin: Who benefits from braces?

2011-03-10T21:57:00.000-08:00

Braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! Dr. James J. Tomassetti and Dr. Edward Y. Lin will tell you that anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic treatment, whether it’s correcting a problem not treated in your younger years, or catching a problem early.

To ensure the best overall treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven. If a problem is evident, taking action early with Apple Creek Orthodontics can spare a lot of treatment and expense down the road.

If you never received orthodontic treatment when you were young, don’t worry! You’re never too old for a beautiful smile at Apple Creek Orthodontics. Set up an appointment for a free consultation at our Appleton office and find out how orthodontics will transform your smile, as well as your life!

See you soon! Have a great weekend!

Access your account—any day, any time, anywhere!

2011-03-04T07:35:00.000-08:00

At Apple Creek Orthodontics, we embrace new technology, whether it's through the innovative orthodontic treatments that Drs. Tomassetti & Lin offer, our high-tech web site and social networks, or our modern office conveniently located in Appleton.

Did you know that patients at our office have access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our website? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! And, because we know folks sometimes forget, you can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You, too, can sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started!

Enter our March contest!

2011-02-24T14:47:00.000-08:00

We are excited to announce our new contest! Are you feeling lucky? Tell us which items on our entry form are thought to bring good luck and you could be the winner of a gift card to Badger Sports Park. Our contest ends 3/31 so enter today!!

Also our last "Couples Contest" winner was Jacob Zoromski; he won a gift certificate to Cold Stone Creamery and Marcus Theaters, along with a bunch of candy. Great job Jacob!

Presidents' Day Fun Facts!

2011-02-20T20:49:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow marks Presidents’ Day, a day known for celebrating both George Washington’s and Abraham Lincoln’s combined February birthdays. Presidents’ Day was created in 1971, when President Richard Nixon combined the birthdays of two of our most well-known presidents into one single federal holiday. Presidents' Day also marks a hard-earned day off from work and school for a lot of our patients at Apple Creek Orthodontics.

Here are a few fun facts about our nation’s presidents we thought you might enjoy:

*Abraham Lincoln, our 16th president, carried letters, bills and notes in his tall stovepipe hat.

*George Washington is the first president to be featured on a postage stamp.

*Ronald Reagan, our 40th president, broke the so-called "20-year curse," in which every president elected in a year ending in 0 died in office.

*Harry S. Truman was the first president to have his Inauguration and speeches televised.

*Fourteen presidents served as vice presidents: J. Adams, Jefferson, Van Buren, Tyler, Fillmore, A. Johnson, Arthur, T. Roosevelt, Coolidge, Truman, Nixon, L. Johnson, Ford, and George H.W. Bush.

*Abraham Lincoln was the tallest of the U.S. presidents measuring 6’ 4” tall.

*Virginia is the birthplace of more United States presidents than any other state, followed by Ohio and Massachusetts.

Complimentary Consultations at Apple Creek Orthodontics

2011-02-14T14:14:00.000-08:00

At Apple Creek Orthodontics, we are committed to providing the highest quality orthodontic treatment and service in a professional, caring and comfortable environment, whether it be for adult orthodontics or children orthodontics.

One of our commitments is meeting with you to help you explore all or the options available to you or your child. We offer complimentary consultations for those interested in orthodontic treatment. During this time, you'll have time reserved with Dr. James J. Tomassetti and Dr. Edward Y. Lin, who will assess your particular needs as well as discuss treatment options available and answer any questions you may have. We place a high value on making sure you have complete information before beginning treatment.

If you have been thinking about obtaining the dazzling smile you’ve always wanted, we invite you to give us a call at 920-738-7600.

See you soon!

Apple Creek Orthodontics, supporting National Children's Dental Health Month

2011-02-07T16:10:00.000-08:00

Each February for the past 61 years, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

For kids wearing braces, brushing and flossing can become more difficult, requiring extra time and vigilance to remove food particles that accumulate on and between the teeth and in braces. If the health of your teeth is ignored during treatment with braces, the results can be significantly compromised. Both Drs. Tomassetti and Lin are available and happy to explain why effective brushing and flossing is one of the most critical actions needed from patients during orthodontic treatment. Have you visited our Appleton office lately? Give us a call and schedule an appointment!

We also invite you to connect with us on Facebook!

Are you wearing your mouth guard?

2011-01-31T14:57:00.000-08:00

At Apple Creek Orthodontics, we know spring sports are just around the corner, and we would like to remind our young athletes in treatment to take care of both your mouth and appliances while participating in contact sports (and non-contact sports) as well this spring. Both Drs. Tomassetti and Lin will tell you that only by using a mouth guard can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. And don't forget to ask us for a mouth guard - we will provide a mouth guard for anyone in active treatment!

If you have further questions or are ready to schedule your consultation, just give us a call at our Appleton office. We hope you had a great weekend!

The Apple Creek Orthodontics Valentine's Day Contest

2011-01-25T15:06:00.000-08:00

At Apple Creek Orthodontics we enjoy creating a caring and comfortable environment, through not only providing the highest quality of orthodontic treatment, but also by offering creative contests and games. In celebration of Valentine’s Day, our office would like to spread the love through our Famous Animated and Cartoon Couples contest.

Match 7 out of 9 animated and cartoon characters with their correct partner, and you could win two tickets to Marcus Theaters for a movie of your choice and a bucket of delicious goodness. As always, please give us a call if you have any questions.

Thank you to everyone for being our Valentine!

What are patients saying about Apple Creek Orthodontics lately?

2011-01-18T16:26:00.000-08:00

Last week, you may remember, we asked you, our wonderful patients, what you most liked about your experience at our convenient Appleton office. Well, we received some pretty great testimonials, and thought we’d share them with you today!

“Very kind and professional. I don't feel nervous when I need work done because I trust him to do things correctly. Appointments are done quickly and efficiently.” J.H.

“How he interacts with (my daughter). She is never afraid to come to her appointments and is actually looking forward to the upcoming procedures.” C.J.

“Great doctor, easy to get to, good location, family friendly.” L.L.

“On time, friendly, professional, clean office.” J.R.

Love your smile? Then we encourage you to tell the world about it on Google!

2011-01-12T09:59:00.000-08:00

Connect with the Braces Brigade!

2011-01-06T09:06:00.000-08:00

At Apple Creek Orthodontics, we know our patients want to get as much out of their treatment as possible. That includes asking a lot of questions and making sure they take care of both their appliances and oral health.

Would you like to learn more about what to expect during orthodontic treatment, from someone with firsthand experience? Well, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recently developed the Braces Brigade blog, where past, present, as well as future orthodontic patients from coast to coast document their (or their child’s) orthodontic journeys. The blog will serve as a source of guidance for others as the patients undergo orthodontic care.

We encourage you to visit the Braces Brigade blog to read these great and informative blogs—who knows, maybe you’ll learn a thing or two! As always, don’t hesitate to give us a call at our Appleton, Wisconsin office if you have any questions about the Braces Brigade or your own orthodontic treatment with Drs. Tomassetti and Lin!

Happy New Year!

What's your New Year's resolution?

2010-12-29T09:57:00.000-08:00

The year is almost over, so Drs. Tomassetti and Lin & our team at Apple Creek Orthodontics thought we’d ask: what was memorable about 2010 for you, and what are you most looking forward to in 2011? Do you have a new year's resolution, or any exciting plans for the coming year?

Have a safe and happy New Year, to all our patients, friends, family, and all our dental and medical colleagues in Appleton and surrounding areas.

See you in 2011 everyone!

What is Invisalign, and is it right for me? [Video]

2010-12-17T09:40:00.000-08:00

We've discussed Invisalign treatment in the past, and thought we'd share with you a helpful video that walks you through the process of Invisalign a bit "clearer."

The Invisalign system at Apple Creek Orthodontics is a state-of-the-art system of clear, removable aligners that we proudly offer at our Appleton office. We are Certified Invisalign Provider, offering Invisalign for teens and adults.

Here's how it works: You wear each set of aligners for about two weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move — little by little, week by week — until they have straightened to the final position Dr. Tomassetti has prescribed. You'll visit our office about once every six weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time averages 9-15 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case.

If you've been wanting to straighten your teeth but are unsure about going through traditional orthodontic treatment, please give us a call to learn if Invisalign is the right option for you!

Happy Holidays everyone!!

What helps you relax at Apple Creek Orthodontics?

2010-12-10T15:38:00.000-08:00

Drs. Tomassetti & Lin and our team understand not everyone is always thrilled to see their orthodontist. But at Apple Creek Orthodontics, we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We’d like to know: What is it about our Appleton office that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant environment? Our friendly and professional staff? Is it something about our doctors?

Let us know by posting on Facebook or by giving us a call! Have a wonderful weekend!

Ask Dr. Tomassetti: “I’m 29 – am I too old for braces?”

2010-12-02T12:08:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving from Apple Creek Orthodontics!

2010-11-23T10:38:00.000-08:00

Do we have your current contact info?

2010-11-17T16:10:00.000-08:00

We hope you’re having a great week so far! There is nasty weather ahead this fall and winter in Appleton and across the entire Midwest region.

Please help Drs. Tomassetti & Lin and our team at Apple Creek Orthodontics get prepared by calling us and letting us know if you have any new phone numbers or if your contact information has changed!

At times of power outages and inclement weather, we need to be able to get a hold of you. Please call us with any updates to phone numbers and addresses, so we may be able to reach you. Thank you and Happy Holidays from our entire staff!

New patient contest: "Happy Holidays Around the World"

2010-11-11T10:03:00.000-08:00

Happy Veteran's Day! Today we thought we'd get the word out on our NEW PATIENT CONTEST! Starting Monday, November 15th, we are launching our "Happy Holidays Around the World" contest - come in to our office and pick up one of our multiple choice entry forms and have some fun learning five new ways to say “Happy Holidays”! All YOU have to do is match the ways different languages say "“Happy Holidays” and you can win a Flip Video Camera! Our contest will run until December 23, 2010.

You only have to get one correct to qualify. One lucky patient will be our winner.

GOOD LUCK!

Apple Creek Orthodontics want to know: How was your Halloween?

2010-11-02T10:48:00.000-07:00

November is here, and—believe it or not—we’re almost in full holiday mode! But before we forget about the spooky month that just wrapped up, we’d like to know how you celebrated Halloween! What did you wear? How much candy did you get? Did you have fun?

If you have any photos or videos that you would like to share with us, please send them our way or feel free to post them on our Facebook page! We hope you all had a happy and safe Halloween! Also, what are you up to this month? Anything exciting happening in your life? If so, we’d love to hear all about it.

Lastly, have you been in for a dental checkup lately? It’s important that you see your general dentist, as well as visiting Apple Creek Orthodontics. If you have questions about your orthodontic treatment or just want some general information, give us a call or stop by for a visit at our Appleton office!

Happy Tuesday!

Connect with Apple Creek Orthodontics on Facebook!

2010-10-26T10:14:00.000-07:00

Your turn! From Apple Creek Orthodontics

2010-10-15T13:50:00.000-07:00

Each week, our creative team at Apple Creek Orthodontics blog about important topics pertinent to orthodontic treatment care and your well-being, including innovative orthodontic techniques Drs. Tomassetti and Lin offer at our office in Appleton.

Today, however, we thought we’d step back and ask you, our wonderful patients and readers: what’s on your mind? What would you like to know about the always-changing field of orthodontics? What would you like us to focus on our blog in the coming months? Perhaps there’s something you’ve wanted to ask us for a while now? Let us know by posting here or on our Facebook page!

Take it away and our staff will try to answer any questions you may have! Have a wonderful weekend!

At Apple Creek Orthodontics, October is National Orthodontic Health Month!

2010-10-07T14:31:00.000-07:00

SureSmile featured on CNN!

2010-09-30T10:14:00.000-07:00

We've blogged about SureSmile treatment at Apple Creek Orthodontics in the past, and today wanted to share with a clip of SureSmile being discussed by Dr. Sanjay Gupta on CNN recently!

In the video, Dr. Gupta profiles Jessica Thompson, a Maryland teen who wasn't all that excited about getting regular, traditional braces - Jessica chose SureSmile as a method of straightening her teeth instead.

Jessica is not alone - more and more people in Appleton are choosing SureSmile as their treatment option, including patients at our office.

With SureSmile treatment at Apple Creek Orthodontics, getting braces sure isn’t what it used to be. Our patients see fantastic results and need fewer office visits with this remarkable technology. They also experience less discomfort and ultimately achieve greater results.

To learn more about SureSmile, we invite you to give us a call at 920-738-7600.

More happy smiles at Apple Creek Orthodontics!

2010-09-22T10:08:00.000-07:00

At Apple Creek Orthodontics, our goal is to create a comprehensive team approach to treatment, focusing on personalized patient care in an atmosphere that patients of all ages can enjoy. Check out what our current patients have to say about Drs. Tomassetti, Lin and our office! Happy Wednesday!

"Dr. Tomassetti takes the time to make sure the patient is comfortable and understands procedures." ~ Eric S.

"How he interacts with Caitlin. She is never afraid to come to her appointments and is actually looking forward to the upcoming procedures." ~ M. James

"We like Dr Lin's experience with SureSmile and that they use the latest in technology." ~ Chayne S.

"Dr. T is very good with the kids. Jensen chose him over all the the others we met with." ~ Anonymous

"Appointments are on time- not much time in the waiting room." ~ Kent and Ellen S.

Ask Dr. Tomassetti: Which foods should I avoid during treatment?

2010-09-13T11:12:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday! Let's talk about what you shouldn't eat while wearing braces! If you've been wanting to drop a few pounds, the first week wearing braces is just your chance! For the first day or so, stick to soft foods.

Avoid tough meats, hard breads, and raw vegetables. Before long, you'll be able to bite a cucumber again. But you'll need to protect your orthodontic appliances when you eat for as long as you're wearing braces.

Also, try and stay away from these foods:

• Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice
• Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice, chips
• Sticky foods: caramels, gum
• Hard foods: nuts, candy
• Foods you have to bite into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots
• Chewing on hard things (for example, pens, pencils or fingernails) can damage the braces. Damaged braces will cause treatment to take longer.

If you have any questions on which foods you should be avoiding and why, we invite you to give us a call or ask our staff at Apple Creek Orthodontics during your next visit!

Drs. Tomassetti & Lin talk two-phase treatment

2010-09-07T13:58:00.000-07:00

Typically, patients in orthodontic treatment already have their permanent teeth. But in some cases Drs. Tomassetti and Lin have to start treatment earlier, even before the patient’s permanent teeth come in. Our staff at Apple Creek Orthodontics call this “two-phase treatment.”

When we have patients with clear developmental problems at an early age, it’s best to start work when they are young, before the problems get bigger and more difficult to treat. Examples include an upper or lower jaw that is not growing correctly, or a mouth growing in a way that doesn’t leave enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in.

In these cases we will start early and do one round of treatment – phase one – while the patient still has “baby teeth.” Phase one usually does not involve braces, but can include a different type of appliance that helps the jaw grow into place properly, such as a retainer. We’ll follow up with phase two usually a few years later, when permanent the patient’s permanent teeth have come in. Phase two often does involve braces and sometimes headgear.

In order to catch early problems, Drs. Tomassetti & Lin recommend that children have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven (and so does the American Association of Orthodontics). However, if your dentist or pediatrician sees any sign that early treatment might be necessary, he or she may recommend your child visit an orthodontist even sooner. For more information about two-phase orthodontics, or to schedule a complimentary consultation at our convenient Appleton office, please give us a call at 920-738-7600.

In love with your smile? Then we encourage you to recommend us!

2010-08-29T15:20:00.000-07:00

Back to school with Apple Creek Orthodontics

2010-08-21T18:48:00.000-07:00

With many of the schools here in Appleton back in session, Drs. Tomassetti and Lin would like to remind all our patients about the importance of scheduling appointments at Apple Creek Orthodontics in advance this August and September. With school, clubs and sports to consider, we know that it can be challenging to find time to visit our office this fall. In order to accommodate all of our patients' busy schedules, it is important that you plan ahead for your appointments so that we are able to provide you with an appointment time that is convenient for you.

As always, please remember to give us advanced notice if you're unable to make your regularly-scheduled appointment. If we receive enough notice, we might be able to schedule another patient for that time. Feel free to give us a call at 920-738-7600 if you have any questions, or if you'd like to schedule your fall appointment.

Have a great weekend - our staff look forward to seeing you soon! :)

Fun facts with Apple Creek Orthodontics!

2010-08-15T14:37:00.000-07:00

At Apple Creek Orthodontics, it's no secret our patients love fun facts - LOVE THEM, in fact. The American Association of Orthodontists has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that Dr. Tomassetti and Dr. Lin thought you might get a kick out of. Have a great rest of your weekend!

• There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States. Three out of four are younger than 18.

• The first mechanical treatment for correcting irregular teeth was suggested by Gaius Plinius Secundus (A.D 23-79).The American Association of Orthodontists is comprised of more than 12,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad.

• The time required to complete orthodontic treatment ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem.

• Of the 160,000 dentists in the United States and Canada, 8,000 are practicing orthodontists.

• The cement that attaches the braces to the teeth is now made with a special fluoride-releasing substance.

• Wires activated by body heat used in today's braces originally were developed by NASA for use in the space program.

• In addition to alleviating or preventing physical health problems, orthodontics can boost self-esteem as treatment aligns teeth, jaws and lips.

• Famous orthodontic patients include: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes and Brandi.

This summer, wear those mouth guards!

2010-08-07T19:57:00.000-07:00

With summer here for another six full weeks, our staff at Apple Creek Orthodontics thought this would be a great time to remind all our young athletes in treatment to take care of both their mouth and appliances while participating in contact sports this summer.

Remember, only by using a mouth guard can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. So the next time you're in for a visit at our convenient Appleton office, be sure to ask us for a mouth guard, and we'll provide one for you! In addition, the American Association of Orthodontists has five quick tips for keeping kids safe during sport activities.

• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eyewear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant even as a spectator

We hope you're enjoying your summer, and invite you all to share your summer photos on our Facebook page!

Apple Creek Orthodontics, helping dispel the myths about braces

2010-08-02T10:47:00.001-07:00

Trust us when we say our staff at Apple Creek Orthodontics are well-aware that there are quite a few myths about orthodontics (and orthodontists) flying around nowadays. But before you buy into those myths, we want you to get the facts! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists set the record straight (no pun intended) and have provided some information that sheds some light on the myths and facts of orthodontics. We encourage you to check them out today!

If you have any questions about braces or your orthodontic treatment at our office, please feel free to give us a call at (920) 268-4331 or ask Drs. Lim or Tomassetti during your next visit!

We hope you had a GREAT weekend!

What are you reading this summer?

2010-07-25T21:54:00.000-07:00

With summer in full swing, some of us at Apple Creek Orthodontics wanted to remind all our patients about the importance of reading. Sure it’s easy to keep putting off reading this time of year, but reading during the summer is actually a vital step in brain development and warding off the dreaded “summer slide.” Plus, reading is always fun and stimulating!

Today, we thought we’d ask: What's on YOUR summer reading list? What are some of your all-time favorites? Out of ideas for great summer reads? Ask us for suggestions, and we'd be happy to provide some good suggestions. You may also ask a local librarian here in Appleton for some ideas or check out these summer reading ideas that we came across on Friday, from Barnes & Noble.

Happy reading! Be sure to share with us your summer picks or your all-time novels on our Facebook page!

Drs. Tomassetti and Lin want to know: Do you know where your retainer is?

2010-07-18T15:34:00.000-07:00

The advantage of SureSmile® at Apple Creek Orthodontist

2010-07-10T15:15:00.000-07:00

We hope you're having a relaxing weekend! Our creative staff at Apple Creek Orthodontics have yet to blog about the advantage of SureSmile treatment at our convenient Appleton office, so today we thought we'd share a video about the power of SureSmile treatment. Thanks to state-of-the-art technology, Drs. Tomassetti and Lin can now get a 3-D image inside your mouth that helps them decide exactly how they'd like to align your teeth.

Through the use of SureSmile technology, Drs. Lin and Tomassetti can offer you a "braces experience" that provides shorter treatment times, fewer office visit, less overall discomfort and high-quality results. In fact, your average treatment time with SureSmile is almost 40 percent faster than traditional braces.

Check out what patients are saying about SureSmile!

For more information on SureSmile, please visit our website or give us a call at 920-268-4331! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!!

Apple Creek Orthodontics present: Patriotic fun facts!

2010-07-02T08:44:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, our staff at Apple Creek Orthodontics - including Drs. Lin and Tomassetti - will be busy celebrating America's 234th birthday. And because we know our patients love fun facts, we thought we'd provide you with some fun facts about Independence Day! Have a great Fourth of July weekend everyone, and we'll see you next week!!

- Independence Day was first celebrated in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.

- An estimated 2.5 million people lived in America in July 1776. Today, an estimated 309 million people reside in the United States.

- The major objection to being ruled by Britain was taxation without representation, which meant that people didn't want to be taxed by a government that did not represent them.

- In 1941, Congress declared 4th of July a federal legal holiday. It is one of the few federal holidays that have not been moved to the nearest Friday or Monday.

- The stars on the original American flag were arranged in a circle to ensure that all colonies were equal.

- America's mascot, the bald eagle, can achieve speeds of up to 200 miles per hour when making a predatory dive. During a normal flight, bald eagles can travel up to 30 miles per hour.

- The American flag patch is backwards on U.S. Army uniforms. The reason? The blue field on the flag (the part with the stars) faces forward to symbolize carrying the American flag into battle.

- Someone who specializes in the history of flags is called a vexillologist.

- The word ‘patriotism’ comes from the Latin patria, which means ‘homeland’ or ‘fatherland.’

- According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, Americans consume over 150 million hot dogs during their Independence Day festivities.

- Speaking of food, there's a 1-in-6 chance the beef on your backyard this Independence Day weekend grill came from Texas. The Lone Star State is America's leader in the production of cattle and calves.

Summer plans?

2010-06-26T21:26:00.000-07:00

At Apple Creek Orthodontics, access to your account any day, any time

2010-06-19T15:26:00.000-07:00

At Apple Creek Orthodontics, patients have access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week - all through our website. Patients can look up their appointments and all their account details at their convenience, all from the comfort of their own home! Patients can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

If you're a patient of Dr. Tomassetti's or Dr. Lin's, you too may sign up for this convenient service known as Ortho Sesame on our website by clicking the "Patient Login" button at the top of our homepage. Please give us a call at our convenient Appleton location if you have any questions about getting started with Ortho Sesame!

Happy Father's Day to all you dads out there!

Hollywood stars get braces, too!

2010-06-14T16:13:00.000-07:00

Did you know that just eight years ago, Tom Cruise had braces? During this time, he was 40 years old and filmed Minority Report, Austin Powers in Goldmember and the Last Samurai. Check out his smile in Jerry Maguire, Rain Man or The Firm and compare to the post-braces Tom Cruise in Valkyrie or Tropic Thunder. The fact is, movie stars need to look their best for the silver screen, and it wouldn't be possible without orthodontists like Drs. Tomassetti and Lin.

In fact, lots of Hollywood stars have had orthodontic treatment. Check out this slideshow of famous faces with braces. If you’ve thought about getting the perfect smile you’ve always wanted, please give us at Apple Creek Orthodontics a call at 920-738-7600.

The benefits of regular checkups, from Apple Creek Orthodontics

2010-06-08T10:42:00.000-07:00

Drs. Tomassetti and Lin want to know: Are you brushing twice a day? If yes, that’s always great! But, don’t forget that it’s also vital for you to visit your dentist every six months (or as recommended) in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing (and visiting Apple Creek Orthodontics, of course). Our team will tell you regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral hygiene.

Your dentist can check for problems that might not be seen or felt, detect cavities and early signs of decay, treat oral health problems early and show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth.

During an oral exam your general dentist can check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, please schedule an appointment or ask us for a recommendation - our staff will be happy to provide a list of some great dentists!

Apple Creek Orthodontics, supporting National Smile Month

2010-06-03T14:52:00.000-07:00

Drs. Tomassetti & Lin, parsing through the myths and facts about orthodontics

2010-05-26T16:08:00.000-07:00

Drs. Tomassetti and Lin, as well as our entire team know there are plenty of myths about orthodontics (and orthodontists) floating around these days. But before you buy into those myths, we at Apple Creek Orthodontics think you should get the facts! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists set the record straight (no pun intended) and have provided some information that sheds some light on the myths and facts of orthodontics. We encourage you to check them out today!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment here at Apple Creek Orthodontics, feel free to give us a call at 920-738-7600 and enjoy the long Memorial Day weekend!

Talkin' Invisalign® with Dr. Tomassetti

2010-05-17T11:56:00.000-07:00

Last week, we discussed the importance of straight teeth. Today, we thought we'd follow-up and discuss one of the best ways you can accomplish a straight, beautiful smile: Invisalign.

If you're wondering what Invisalign treatment is really like, and what effect it will have on your day-to-day activities, you're not alone - folks always ask: Will it slur my speech? Will people know I'm in treatment?

To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing Dr. Tomassetti does is take an impression of your teeth as they are now - and digitizes it. Using special software, he looks at the current positioning of your teeth and compares it to the way your teeth should look.

Next we use special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. The best part about it all? Nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

Dr. Tomassetti is a certified Invisalign provider in Appleton and surrounding communities. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment at Apple Creek Orthodontics, please give us a call.

Ask Apple Creek Orthodontics: Why are straight teeth so important?

2010-05-13T14:28:00.000-07:00

Some people wonder why Appleton orthodontists Drs. Jim Tomassetti and Edward Lin work tirelessly to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth at Apple Creek Orthodontics can keep them healthier? Straight teeth - and do - lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime!
Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque—the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and they are easier to keep clean!

At Apple Creek Orthodontics, we utilize the latest digital technological and advanced techniques, including SureSmile, Invisalign, self-ligating braces, and digital x-rays, to ensure that you receive the most precise and efficient care possible.

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, please give us a call to set up a consultation. Drs. Tomassetti and Lin can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment here at Apple Creek Orthodontics.

What are patients saying about Apple Creek Orthodontics?

2010-05-06T12:59:00.000-07:00

Last week we posed a question to our current and former patients and aked them what they liked most about Apple Creek Orthodontics. Well, we received some pretty great responses, and thought we'd share a few with you today! Drs. Tomassetti and Lin love hearing from their patients!

"Doctor Tom is wonderful with our daughter Savannah. He has been very informative with the ongoing process with her." ~ Deb R.

"Dr. Lin has a unique personality. He is very knowledgeable, as well as, personable. He goes above and beyond what I would expect from any orthodontist. I have absolutely no regret in choosing Dr. Lin and would recommend him without hesitation." ~ Jay J.

"Friendly, explained treatment well, great staff." ~ Hayes G.

"The relaxed atmosphere in the office." ~ Sheri H.

"Personable and informative about all aspects of treatment. Helped us to feel comfortable with proceeding." ~ Sari S.

What do you love about Apple Creek Orthodontics?

2010-04-26T16:09:00.000-07:00

From the very first time you visit to Apple Creek Orthodontics, our team strives to provide you superior orthodontic treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. We utilize the latest digital technological and advanced techniques, including SureSmile, Invisalign, self-ligating braces, and digital x-rays, to ensure that you receive the most precise and efficient care possible.

Our goal is to create a comprehensive team approach to treatment, focusing on personalized patient care in an atmosphere that patients of all ages can enjoy. It is our intent to make every visit a pleasant experience.

Today, we thought we’d ask you, our phenomenal patients: Have you been especially impressed by Drs. Tomassetti or Lin? Did our team go out of their way to make your day? Are you in love with your new smile?

Whether you’ve just come in for a consultation or your family has been visiting our office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. Or, you can tell us by posting on our Facebook page or by giving us a call!

We hope to post some reviews next week!!

Meet Dr. Lin

2010-04-22T09:26:00.001-07:00

Dr. Lin graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Chicago. He continued his dental education and orthodontic residency at Northwestern University Dental School, and he has lectured at the Marquette University Orthodontic Residency Program. Dr. Lin is board certified with the American Board of Orthodontics.

Dr. Lin is a nationally recognized speaker of advanced orthodontic procedures specifically with SureSmile and 3D Imaging. He involves himself in the American and Wisconsin Dental Associations, the American Association of Orthodontists, the Midwestern and Wisconsin Society of Orthodontics, and the World Federation of Orthodontists, as well as local and national study clubs. Dr. Lin also volunteers at the Northeast Wisconsin Technical College at the Community Dental Clinic.

Dr. Lin enjoys spending his free time with his wife, family, and friends. Having grown up in Green Bay, he is a lifelong Packers fan and follows the Packers very closely throughout the NFL season.

Meet Dr. Tomassetti

2010-04-12T14:54:00.001-07:00

Dr. Tomassetti is board certified with the American Board of Orthodontics and has extensive experience in both general dentistry and orthodontics. He completed his pre-dental requirements, majoring in Biology, at Juniata College in Pennsylvania. He then attended The University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, earning his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree in 1993.

Dr. Tomassetti then served eleven years on active duty in the U.S. Army. He spent the first six as a general dentist including a stint as the Officer-In-Charge of the NATO Dental Clinic in Brussels, Belgium. In 2001, he completed his two year orthodontic residency training and earned his certificate to specialize in orthodontics at Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, TX.

Dr. Tomassetti is active in the community. He sponsors numerous local youth soccer and Little League teams and he coaches youth baseball, basketball, soccer and flag football. He is an active member of the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce and has participated in the annual Fox Valley Health and Youth Expos, lectured to Appleton North High School students, volunteered at the Career Connections 8th grade student Passport for Success, and visits local elementary schools during National Dental Health month. He enjoys spending his spare time with his wife and their four children.