SureSmile featured on CNN!

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!

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?

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

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!

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 rest of the weekend!

You may write your review here.

Back to school with Apple Creek Orthodontics

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!

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.