Healthy Habits For Your Teeth

Seeking orthodontic treatment is a great way to make sure your oral health is in good shape. However, there are other factors that affect the status of healthy teeth. Brushing, flossing and eating habits are just as important.

When treating your teeth Bailey Orthodontics staff want to be sure they are working with healthy teeth; developing healthy habits starts at a young age.

Did you know that the baby teeth that appear in the first 3 years of a child's life have been there since birth, in the baby’s jaw-bones? Those baby teeth are key for chewing, speaking, and appearance. They also hold space in the jaws for upcoming adult teeth. Even though they fall out, baby teeth are important and you need to take good care of them.

For healthier teeth, good breath and fewer cavities kids need to remember to brush their teeth for 2 minutes, twice a day. Adopting these healthy brushing habits can help save children from a lifetime of tooth pain.

Helpful Brushing Tips

•     Brush with a fluoride toothpaste.
•     Place the toothbrush at an angle against the gums.
•     Make sure to move the toothbrush back and forth, gently, in short strokes.
•     Brush the tongue to remove germs and freshen breath.

At Bailey Orthodontics we care about the overall oral health of all of our patients. If you have any questions about your oral health, please contact our office today.

Causes of Crooked Teeth

There are a number of reasons that cause crooked teeth, ranging from genetics to mouth deformities and serious oral diseases. When extra teeth or abnormally large teeth create a malocclusion (crookedness), it’s usually genetic in nature. Other inherited traits involve jaws that are too small to accommodate a full set of teeth and misaligned jaws that did not form properly in the womb.

Can crooked teeth be prevented?
In most cases, underbites, overbites, and crooked teeth are genetically derived and can’t be avoided. Orthodontic treatment with braces will be necessary to correct the condition once the child is old enough to wear them. However, certain early childhood behaviors may also contribute to the development of crooked teeth that can be avoided. These include:

• Thumb sucking and tongue thrusting
• Losing baby teeth to decay before permanent teeth have naturally pushed them out of their sockets
• Allowing pacifier use to continue after front teeth have erupted

Permanent teeth underneath baby teeth are directly affected by the health of baby teeth. If baby teeth are prematurely lost due to decay or trauma, permanent teeth will shift when they start moving upward. Baby teeth are like anchors for permanent teeth that help guide them as they erupt through the gums.

When to Start Orthodontic Treatment for Crooked Teeth
Dr. Bailey and our staff suggest that parents bring their child to Bailey Orthodontics around age seven to rule out potential issues with permanent teeth eruption. If problems are discovered, it is not unusual to begin orthodontic treatment at that age. In fact, specific conditions such as crowding and gaps between teeth are easier to correct at an early age.

Early treatment also benefits from the growth process of the jaw, which helps move teeth to normal positions.

4 Easy Smoothies For New Braces

One of the most common questions we get from new patients is “what can I eat after I get my braces?”  Aside from the typical checklist of approved and nonapproved foods to eat during your orthodontic treatment at Bailey Orthodontics, we like to go above and beyond and provide you with recipe ideas, too.  We want to show you that eating healthy, delicious food is still possible after you’ve started your braces journey.  Yes, there are certain points in your treatment process when your mouth might be more sensitive than usual, but that doesn't mean you don't get to enjoy a delicious meal or snack. Smoothies are the perfect solution for when chewing just doesn’t sound all that fun!

Here are 4 office-approved smoothie recipes that taste great and help you get the nutrients you need. You can prep and freeze these 4 super quick and easy smoothie recipes. Choose your own base of yogurt, juice, milk, tea, or water and some ice to blend these ingredients up into something spectacular for your tastebuds!

BERRY BLAST

1C Raspberries

1C Blueberries

1C Strawberries

1C Spinach

SWEET SUNRISE

1C Raspberries

1 Orange

1/2 Banana

1C Mango

KIWI REFRESH

1 Kiwi

1& 1/2C Watermelon

1 &1/2C Grapes

GREEN MONSTER

1 Grapefruit

1 Banana

1C Pineapple

1C Spinach

Spring Recipe Alert: Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizzas

Sugar cookie fruit pizzas are delicious and fun to make. Start with a soft sugar cookie and top it with a cheesecake layer! Finish with some fresh fruit of your choice.

SUGAR COOKIE FRUIT PIZZAS

Ingredients
For the Sugar Cookies

• ½ cup butter
• ½ cup shortening
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 3 egg yolks
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• 2 and ½ cups all-purpose flour

For the Cheesecake Spread

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• ½ powdered sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• Fresh fruit for topping the cookies. Anything you like, we recommend raspberries, blueberries, kiwi and mango.

Directions

1. To make the cookies, preheat the oven to 300 F. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the butter and shorting. Cream in the sugar, baking powder and salt until fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat in well. Stir in the flour.
2. Roll the dough into 1 inch balls and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 12-14 min. Do not let them brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes. Remove from the tray and let cool completely.
3. Meanwhile, make the cheesecake spread. Beat the cream cheese with the sugar until light and smooth. Pour in the heavy cream. Beginning with the mixer on slow speed, start to beat in the cream. Increase the speed of the mixer gradually until the mixture thickens.
4. Spread the cookies with a bit of the cream cheese and top with fresh fruit. These are best within a day or two of making them.

Review Us!

At Bailey Orthodontics we remain committed to giving all our patients the care and comfort that make them feel special all year round. Our team strives each day to provide all our patients with the finest personal services and treatment as we combine our clinical expertise and the latest high technology with a warm, caring, and skilled staff.

Since we work hard each day to make our patients feel that their experience with our office is remarkable, we always appreciate the occasions when our patients take the time to tell us that they recognize the special level of care and treatment they receive at Bailey Orthodontics. Do you love being a patient at Bailey Orthodontics as much as we love having you as a patient? If you do, then would you take just a moment to let us hear about your experience by leaving a review.

Where can you leave a review for Bailey Orthodontics?
GOOGLE

Leaving a review on Google is easy. Simply type in the Google search tab “Bailey Orthodontics Surprise” or "Bailey Orthodontics Buckeye" depending on the office you're seen at. Under the maps option on the right hand of the screen, click “write a review” to leave your comments and rate us. Google makes it a fast and easy process. It is so easy you can leave a review using your smartphone or tablet.

Ready to leave a review right now? 

CLICK THIS LINK TO REVIEW OUR SURPRISE OFFICE!

CLICK THIS LINK TO REVIEW OUR BUCKEYE OFFICE!

FACEBOOK

Are you connected with Bailey Orthodontics on Facebook? LIKE our page and leave a review and rating. It’s easy, fast, and you can share it with all of your Facebook friends. Click here to LIKE us on Facebook right now.

We appreciate all reviews and look forward to seeing the positive things you have to say about Bailey Orthodontics.

Do You Still Need To See A Dentist?

If you’re a patient at Bailey Orthodontics you are used to visiting us for your regular adjustment appointment every 6-8 weeks. While our hygienist is in your mouth making those adjustments, it’s important for you to remember our team is working on your braces and trips to your general dentist are still very much needed.

When we work on your braces, we are not looking specifically for any cavities and anything we do notice is a by-product of monitoring your oral health from an orthodontic perspective. Even if we did find something suspicious we don’t have the facilities to correct it.

For this reason, we tell you to maintain your regular dental checkup schedule of once every 6 months.

Another important thing to remember is that your oral hygiene needs to be flawless. The appliances that are in your mouth are, unfortunately, a magnet for plaque buildup. If you are a bit lax with brushing and rinsing out your mouth after eating, you may just find that you have a beautiful straight smile with stained teeth.

While having braces does not increase the risk of cavities, not caring for your teeth and having braces does. If you have any questions regarding your oral hygiene click here to visit our website or contact Bailey Orthodontics at our Surprise or Buckeye locations.

5 Fun Spring Activities

Spring is in the air! As the flower buds are peeking out and birds are starting to chirp, it's time to leave those thoughts of snowstorms behind. Spring can be a wonderful time in Surprise, Arizona to explore the outdoors or go for a walk around town. Get your family moving together and establish some healthy habits, away from the electronics indoors.

We have 5 fun ideas to get you in the mood for the loveliest season of the year.

1. Dust off the sports gear. Find a kick a ball, throw a Frisbee, shoot hoops, whatever sports activity that you and your family enjoy doing.

2. Get dirty in the yard. Mow the grass. Pull weeds. Till flower beds. Replant. Cut back. Find the fun in getting sweaty, and teach your kids how to manage the landscaping while you do it.

3. Explore the outdoors. Hike a trail and check out the plants budding out of the ground.

4. Go to a baseball game. The beginning baseball season is one of the annual markers that warm weather is just around the corner. If you don't have it in your budget for pricey pro tickets, look into local league games, college, or even high school games to watch.

5. Make Something. Whether you're experimenting with a new recipe or creating a new craft, making something new will give your kids a sense of satisfaction.

After being cooped up all winter, everyone's ready for some fresh Spring air. Bailey Orthodontics hopes you will step into the warm weather with suggestions of fun activities for the entire family.

NEW RECIPE ALERT | BANANA BREAD DONUTS

BANANA BREAD DONUTS WITH BROWNED BUTTER GLAZE

Donuts

• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup canola or vegetable oil (liquid-state coconut oil may be substituted)
• 1/4 cup cup sour cream (lite is okay; or Greek yogurt may be substituted)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, optional and to taste

Glaze

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, browned (half of 1 stick)
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 3 tablespoons half-and-half or cream, plus more as necessary for consistency
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted (must be sifted)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, optional and to taste

DIRECTIONS:

1. Donuts - Preheat oven to 350F. Spray one 6-count non-stick donut pan and two mini muffin pans with floured cooking spray, or grease and flour the pans; set aside. Alternatively, use the pans you have available including mini donuts, full-size muffins, etc. and adjusting baking times accordingly.
2. To a large bowl, add the the egg, sugars, oil, sour cream, vanilla, and whisk to combine.
3. Add the bananas and stir to combine.
4. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and fold with spatula or stir gently with a spoon until just combined; don't overmix.
5. Turn batter out into prepared pans, filling each cavity about 2/3 to 3/4 full. I dollop the batter into the donut pan with a spoon but you can transfer to a large ziptop back, seal, cut one of the corners with a scissors, and pipe into the pans if that's easier. For the donut holes, I use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop filled with about 1 heaping tablespoon batter.
6. Bake for about 13 to 14 minutes, or until donuts and donut holes are cooked through, set, and springy to the touch. Both the donuts and donut holes each baked for about 13 1/2 minutes in my oven but all pans, climates, ovens, etc. vary so bake until done. Allow donuts and donut holes to cool in the pans while you make the glaze.
7. Glaze - This is a fast moving recipe. Have everything in place before beginning. Brown the butter (click for a detailed tutorial) by cooking butter over medium heat in a medium saucepan until it's amber to brown in color, about 5 minutes depending on pan size. I swirl the pan in the last minute or so to make sure I can really see the color changes. Butter will go through stages of hissing, sputtering, and making noise until the water cooks off at which point the browning occurs. Butter will smell nutty and aromatic.
8. Turn the heat to medium-low, add the brown sugar, and cook for about 1 minute, stirring nearly continuously.
9. Remove the pan from the heat, allow it to cool for about 1 minute, and add 3 tablespoons cream, vanilla, and salt, taking caution because the mixture will bubble vigorously. Whisk aggressively to incorporate the cream and calm the bubbling.
10. Add the confectioners’ sugar and whisk to combine. I absolutely recommend using sifted sugar so the glaze whisks up smooth, silky, and free from lumps. As necessary, add additional cream (or confectioners' sugar) to reach desired glaze consistency.
11. Dip the top of each donut and donut hole in glaze and allow to cool momentarily before enjoying. The glaze sets up fairly fast so you'll want to dip fairly quickly, adding a splash of additional cream if necessary to thin it out. Donuts and donut holes are best warm and fresh but will keep airtight at room temp for up to 4 days. Extra glaze will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Reheat gently before using.

All You Need To Know About #BAILEYHUNTERGAMES

This Spring Break you can volunteer as tribute for the Bailey Orthodontics Hunter Games starting Monday, March 20th.

What is #BaileyHunterGames?
#BaileyHunterGames is the ultimate Spring Break scavenger hunt in Suprise, Arizona. Bailey Orthodontics will be hiding 8 signs around the community at local hotspots and it's your job to find them!

Who Can Enter?
Anyone and everyone are invited to participate in #BaileyHunterGames! This is a fun community scavenger hunt for kids and adults of all ages!

How To Enter:
STEP 1: Get the clues! The first thing you need to do is head to our website and click on "Our Office." From there, you will scroll down to "Practice Events" and be taken to the page with the contest flyer & all the clues to help you find the hidden signs! You can download the clues & print them out if you'd like or screen shot them on your phone! CLICK HERE TO SEE THE CLUES NOW.

STEP 2: Search for 8 signs that look like the one above posted at some of your favorite local businesses and strike a pose with each of them for a picture!
STEP 3: Share your picture on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter with the tag #BAILEYHUNTERGAMES for a chance to WIN $100 CASH! The more signs you find, the more drawing entries you get. Each photo will count as one entry; up to 8 entries per person.

There Is A Bonus Prize?
That's right everyone, we added a little twist to give you an opportunity to WIN MORE! When you post your picture on our Facebook wall and tag #BaileyHunterGames, get your friends to LIKE your picture. The picture with the most LIKES will WIN $100 CASH!

Do you have more questions about #BaileyHunterGames? Check out the flyer below, visit our website, or give us a call! Please share this with your family and friends and lets get the entire community involved!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE CLUES NOW!

MAY THE ODDS BE EVER IN YOUR FAVOR!

Need Advice On Adjusting To Your Braces?

Are you a new patient at Bailey Orthodontics? You may or may not be excited about wearing your braces, but regardless we know you will be thrilled with the result of your new smile. As with any change, adjusting to something new can be a little confusing and overwhelming sometimes, so we decided to help you out with a few tips on adjusting to your braces.

The first tip is to give yourself some time. Your braces may not be what you expected or wanted, but after a while when your teeth start shifting you will notice how incredible your teeth and smile alignment look. Pain may occur after your appointments, just give it a few days after each adjustment and you should feel more comfortable.

Another thing to remember is to be confident. Don't worry about how your braces look and don't be afraid or embarrassed to smile with your braces. Depending on the type of braces you're treated with, people may not even know you're wearing braces. Be proud and flash those pearly whites often!

Lastly, be sure you know what to do if you're experiencing pain or problems with your braces. Before you leave checkups, feel for any wires poking out so you can have us correct the agitation and avoid pain. If a problem arises after your appointment, don't be afraid to call us; chances are it's a simple fix. For more information about adjusting to your braces, visit our website or give us a call.

New Recipe Alert: UNICORN ICE CREAM

Are you ready for the most magical Ice Cream recipe you’ll ever find? Not only is it cute, but it’s great for all ages.  Best of all, it's braces friendly & taste buds approved! Unicorn Ice Cream is magic on a cone! 

UNICORN ICE CREAM

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups whipping cream
• One 14 sweetened condensed milk

Gel food coloring:

• Electric Blue
• Electric Green
• Egg Yellow
• Magenta
• Purple
• Star Sprinkles
• Purple Disco Dust (optional)
• Green Disco Dust (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the whipping cream until medium peaks form.
2. Pour the can of sweetened condensed milk into the whipped cream, and fold the whipped cream and condensed milk together until completely combined.
3. Separate the ice cream base into 5 bowls. Add 2-4 drops of food coloring to each bowl (1 color per bowl). Use a spoon to mix in the food coloring until it is evenly distributed in the ice cream base. You can add more food coloring as needed to reach your desired color.
4. Using a standard loaf pan, layer the ice cream. Place ½ of each color in the pan in big dollops. (I layered the blue, green, and purple first, and then the yellow and pink on top of that.) Then repeat the color layering.
5. Run a butter knife through the ice cream a few times in each direction to swirl the colors together. You don't want to completely mix the colors, just swirl them a bit.
6. Top the ice cream with star sprinkles and sprinkle with disco dust. Because everyone knows unicorns are glittery.
7. Cover the loaf pan with plastic wrap and freeze for 8 hours to overnight, or until the ice cream has set up.

Invisalign Special Event

Invisalign is virtually undetectable, which means hardly anyone will know that you're straightening your teeth. Get started with Invisalign at Bailey Orthodontics and take advantage of our February special! Call us now to schedule your FREE CONSULTATION.

Contact us at 623.977.0707.

Looking for An Invisalign Premier Provider In Surprise, AZ?

Do you want to straighten your teeth without spending years with traditional metal braces on? Well at Bailey Orthodontics in Surprise, Arizona it is possible with the Invisalign system. Invisalign uses clear plastic trays rather than traditional metal brackets and wires to reposition your teeth.

In comparison to standard orthodontic treatment, Invisalign offers patients a great deal of convenience, as the trays can be removed at mealtime so that you don’t have to forego your favorite foods while straightening your smile! Furthermore, it’s easier for patients to keep their smiles clean and healthy with Invisalign because there are no appliances blocking access to your gumline. Patients can brush and floss normally with Invisalign rather than using extra tools to navigate around archwires.

Additionally, Invisalign is easier on your smile’s appearance during treatment. You can smile with confidence, and it’s unlikely that a casual observer will even notice that you’re wearing the trays. You also can begin to see some progress in just a few months since you don’t have to wait for any appliances to be removed.

As an Invisalign Premier Provider, our practice is well-positioned to help you achieve your smile goals with this treatment option. Stay connected with us to learn about a special Invisalign promotion coming this February. Call 623.977.0707 for more information.

OH SNAP! We're On Snapchat

Do you want to go behind the scenes with all things Bailey Orthodontics? Then add us on Snapchat @baileyorthoaz! We'll be sharing sneak peek snaps of our newest contests and upcoming events as well as exclusive behind the scenes action, patient testimonials, and more.


We look forward to seeing you there!

Holiday Foods To Avoid With Braces

The holiday season is here and before you know it, holiday parties and family gatherings will soon be upon us! With winter holidays come favorite winter treats we eagerly await year after year. Before you reach for that candy cane or toffee this year, Bailey Orthodontics wants you to stop and think about your braces. Just because the holiday season is here, doesn’t mean you should indulge in treats that are harmful to your braces. This Christmas, please remember to review the foods that can damage your braces and do your best to avoid them.

To ensure you don’t have to make an emergency visit to Bailey Orthodontics, please avoid:

1. Crunchy foods – Crusty breads (like some pizza crusts), pretzels, ice, and chips can all cause wires and brackets to break, so stay away from anything that is too crunchy. 
2. Hard foods – Before you reach for the veggie plate, cut any hard vegetables into bite sized pieces. Avoid things like nuts, popcorn, hard candies, etc. that can break or bend the brackets or wires. 
3. Sticky, chewy foods – Caramel, licorice, taffy, toffee, etc. can all pull on your brackets and cause damage. 

Feeling a little down about missing out on some of your favorite holiday foods? We have good news; there are still plenty of treats and holiday foods that you can enjoy. Soft foods such as puddings, ice cream, pies, and cakes as well as mashed potatoes and dinner rolls, are just a few holiday favorites that are A-OK!

Slight damage to braces can happen to the best of us, but it’s important to get them repaired in a timely manner. Your braces can’t efficiently move your teeth if they’re broken, so take note of Bailey Orthodontics holiday hours this season too.

Happy Holidays from Bailey Orthodontics!

Happy Thanksgiving! We are closed!

There is always something to be thankful for, and at Bailey Orthodontics we are thankful for you! Thank you to our wonderful patients for letting us work on those gorgeous smiles! Happy Thanksgiving!

Also, Don't forget our office is closed Thursday & Friday this week!

Meet Zhetannah!

We asked our Bailey Orthodontics team some quick, fun questions to show a little spotlight on the staff that makes you smile. Meet Zhetannah, our Lead Clinical Assistant! ‪#‎baileyorthoaz‬

RAFFLE INFORMATION for Patient Appreciation Movie Night NOVEMBER 18

If you are attending our patient appreciation movie night on November 18th, then be sure to enter our raffle at the event for a chance to win amazing prizes! 

Get all the details you need below! #BaileyOrthoAz

www.baileyorthoaz.com

It's National Jersey Day!

Fall means autumn leaves, warm clothes, and most importantly, FOOTBALL. If you're like thousands of Americans, chances are you look forward to watching your favorite football teams every weekend throughout Fall and Winter. Did you know that so many people love football, that a national day was created to recognize wearing jerseys? That day is today, and it's called National Jersey Day!

Sport your favorite football jersey today whether you are heading in for an appointment at Bailey Orthodontics or not! Also, we want to know what your favorite teams are and who your favorite players are! Post your favorite teams and players on our Facebook page!

ANNUAL Candy Buy-Back TOMORROW

Join us tomorrow, Tuesday, November 1st from 9am-5pm for the Annual Candy Buy Back! 

We will be paying $2 per pound with a 5-pound limit! The candy will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Phoenix, Inc.! #BaileyOrthoAz#CandyBuyBack #SurpriseAz