The Bitter Truth About Sweets

Not only is maintaining proper oral hygiene important to your dental health while having braces but what you eat is important too. Sugar is the ingredient for all sweet treats, and as good as that sounds it is actually harmful to your teeth.

How is sugar harmful?

Sugar particles spark overproduction of acid in our mouths and creating tooth decay. Acid breaks down enamel in teeth causing erosion that can cause pain and cause teeth to become very sensitive. The more sugar in your mouth, the more acid that is produced, and the bigger problem you have.

In addition to being harmful oral health, when eating lots of sweet treats while having braces you may find that your teeth have white spots. Those whites sports are  called decalcification. When sugar is left on the teeth you can be left with a buildup of grim under your braces, thus causing white spots called decalcification. And those white spots may take a while to fade away. So it is important to limit the sugar in your diet, which includes candy, treats and sugary drinks.

Examples of sugary treats and drinks:

Remember you want healthy teeth after your braces are off, so consume sugar moderately and always brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water after the consumption of sugar.

Can Adults Wear Braces?

Braces do the job of straightening teeth, regardless of age. More common than ever these days, you see adults wearing braces, and when you do, one question instantly pops into your head - do braces work for adults? The answer is YES. In fact, adults aged 20 to 40 years represent at least 40 percent of the population of people wearing braces. The reason why so many current adults skipped wearing braces during their youth is that they often feared of being bullied and teased because back in the 80's and 90's, braces we not as aesthetically pleasing as they are now. Trust us, braces have evolved since then now more than ever adults are wearing braces or aligners to get a picture perfect smile.

Nowadays, wearing braces has become more socially acceptable, affordable, and routine for our adult patients. We even have patients with close to straight teeth that want to try out braces just too perfect minor flaws. Adults can skip the traditional metal braces and opt for Invisalign clear aligners, ceramic braces, or other less obvious orthodontic treatment when being seen at Bailey Orthodontics.

For more information about braces for adults, you can always contact Bailey orthodontics located in Surprise and Buckeye, AZ.

Early Evaluations For A Perfect Smile

Orthodontics deals with the correction of teeth and jaws that are not in the right position. Bailey Orthodontics has been a versatile help in creating a straight and healthy smile to patients who are affected with crooked teeth and other oral problems such as:

• Overbite: In which the front teeth lie so much far forward, protruding quite the lower teeth.

• Underbite: In which the lower teeth lie too far forward, sticking out more than the upper teeth.

• Crossbite: In which there is a wide opening between the upper teeth and the lower teeth in front.

• Crowding: This is when there are too many teeth growing on a dental ridge more than it can accommodate.

These problems are easily solved with orthodontics through the use of Invisalign aligners, traditional braces, and various appliances to mention a few.  It is factual that orthodontics effectively manages oral problems when discovered early, especially when the patient is a child and yet to develop a permanent tooth. A recommendation from the American Association of Orthodontists, the ideal age for a child’s first orthodontic exam is age seven when the orthodontist is fortunate enough to monitor closely the eruption of their permanent teeth and follow the growth of the jaws through its critical years of development. It is obvious that early evaluation enables us to catch the problem while it is at its metamorphosing stage, rather than after the patient has already developed, thus making it much more effectively managed with imminent invasive treatment needed in the future avoided.

When orthodontic problems are left undiagnosed and untreated, many of these issues can result in severe and permanent oral health problems. These may include abnormal wear of the tooth surface or enamel, inefficient chewing, and even excessive stress on gum tissues and supporting bones which can lead to gum recession or bone loss. Early treatment of these problems not only protects the teeth but can be more cost effective to fix the problems before they cause damages

Early treatment phase is provided from ages 7 and older when the treatment is majorly aimed at eliminating bite problems which can damage the teeth or gum tissues, treating down the road less invasive thus minimizing tooth extraction or jaw surgery.

Orthodontics patients of Bailey Orthodontics are advised to see Dr. Bailey early so that they can attain the best oral health and have a nice straight, healthy smile with a strategized treatment plan.

For more questions and information, you can contact Bailey Orthodontics today.

Donation Drive At The Annual Pool Party

Bailey Orthodontics has made it a point to help contribute to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Phoenix every year at our annual patient appreciation pool party! This year, we are asking that you join just once again in giving back to the community. During our annual pool party, we will be hosting a donation drive collecting items for the Ronal McDonald House.

About the Ronald McDonadl House of Phoenix
Ronald McDonald House of Phoenix (RMHC) is truly “the House that Love Built,” thanks to the outstanding commitment of volunteers and the generosity of donors.” Through the generous support of our community, RMHC has been able to serve more than 37,000 families since 1985. The families who benefit from RMHC travel far from home to receive treatment for their child at world-renowned pediatric centers located in Phoenix. Their child’s treatment may last a day, a month, or even longer. It’s a long time to be away from home or to divide a family, and often times commuting or staying at a hotel is either impossible or financially challenging for a family. RMHC is able to help families overcome these obstacles by providing low-cost, temporary housing that is near their child’s hospital. (source: www.rmhcphoenix.com/ronald-mcdonald-house)

What Donation Items Should You Bring?

We are asking that when you come out to enjoy the pool party you please try to bring at least one of these items. All items donated must be new, for any questions regarding the annual pool party or our donation drive contact our office. Can't wait to see you there!

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

Tips For Invisalign Patients

Invisalign straightens your teeth without wires and brackets, using a series of clear, customized, removable appliances called aligners. It's virtually undetectable, which means hardly anyone will know that you're straightening your teeth. To ensure the best possible results we decided to compile a list of a few tips for our patients currently using Invisalign.

• Wear your aligners for a minimum of 2 weeks, before moving into the next aligner. 
• Sharp or rough edges can be smoothed with an emery board. 
• Change into your next aligner before going to bed so they settle in overnight. 
• Keep your aligners in their case while eating to avoid losing them. Keep the out of reach of any household pets, especially dogs! 
• If you need to, you can soak your Invisalign aligners in a mix of 50/50 white vinegar and cold water to brighten them.
• Wear your aligners for at least 20 hours a day.
• Always carry a toothbrush. 
• Only drink water when you're wearing your aligners. 
• Don't put your aligners in hot water.
• Don't use toothpaste to clean your aligners.

If you have any further questions about Invisalign please don’t hesitate to call us at our convenient Buckeye or Surprise offices. 

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.

Are You Ready For Spring Sports?

Spring break has passed and once again our patients are ready to begin the spring sports season! April is National Facial Protection month and because many of our patients are active athletes in the Surprise, Arizona area, the staff at Bailey Orthodontics encourages spring sports safety. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or parent we want to remind everyone to play it safe during organized sports to help prevent serious facial injuries that can take the fun out of the game.

Here are 4 pieces of equipment you can add to your sports bag to stay safe during the sports season.

1. Remember to wear a mouth guard. A mouth guard is less expensive than an injury, and not painful to your mouth or wallet. Keep your smile safe and prevent your orthodontic appliances from injury by habitually wearing a mouth guard during sports.

2. Wear a helmet when needed. Helmets can greatly prevent damage to the head so be sure to always wear one when necessary.

3. Protective eyewear can make a difference. Keep your 20/20 vision with sports eyewear that will keep your vision clear and your game at its best.

4. Face shields may be necessary. If you are a hockey, football, or baseball player face shields can prevent severe damage to your face.

For more information on facial protection, ask Dr. Bailey or a staff member at Bailey Orthodontics. We are conveniently located in Buckeye and Surprise, Arizona. 

Play It Safe, Protect Your Face

A mouthguard is an essential piece of athletic gear that should be part of your standard equipment from an early age when it comes to protecting your mouth

Contact and collision sports such as boxing and martial arts are higher-risk sports for the mouth. Any athlete can experience a dental injury in non-contact activities too, such as gymnastics and skating.

Types of Mouthguards

Mouthguards can be custom made for your mouth by your dentist or orthodontist. However, if you can’t afford a custom-made mouthguard, you should still wear a stock mouthguard or a boil-and-bite mouthguard from the drugstore.

Protecting Your Braces

A properly fitted mouthguard may be especially important for people who wear braces. A blow to the face could damage the brackets or other fixed orthodontic appliances. A mouthguard also provides a barrier between the braces and your cheek or lips, which will help you avoid injuries to your gums and cheeks.

If you're an athlete and a patient at Bailey Orthodontics, talk to Dr. Bailey about selecting a mouthguard that will provide the right protection for you. Although some mouthguards only cover the upper teeth, Dr. Bailey may suggest that you use a mouthguard on the lower teeth if you have braces on these teeth.

Also, be sure to remember if you have a retainer or other removable appliance, do not wear it during any contact sports. For more information give us a call at 623-977-0707 or visit our website.

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.

Meet Alyssa!

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

Spinach Apple Smoothie | NEW RECIPE

Your kid’s diet should have fruits and veggies for complete nutrition. But when he does not eat them in their solid form, you might want to consider smoothies. Smoothies are great for both kids and adults, and even better for new patients being treated at Bailey Orthodontics as they are braces friendly. The trick is to make the idea of smoothies exciting – get your children involved in the process. Let them make smoothies with fruits of their choice, on the condition that they will drink it.

To help get you started on your smoothie journey, we're sharing a delicious recipe with you below! Try it out this weekend and let us know how you liked it! 

Spinach Apple Smoothie
If someone in your household hates spinach, disguise its flavor with apple and banana with this recipe.

You Will Need:

• 1 cup chopped spinach leaves
• 1 ripe banana
• 1/2 apple, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup grapes, preferably seedless
• 1 tub vanilla yogurt

How To:

• Slice the banana (without peel) and remove the seeds from the grapes, if any.
• Put the banana, chopped spinach leaves, grapes, yogurt, and apple in a blender and blend for two minutes, or until you achieve a smooth mixture.
• Serve fresh.

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes
Servings: 2
Nutritional Value: calories – 205, carbohydrates – 45g, protein – 6.1mg, fat – 1.9g, cholesterol -4mg

Find Out Why Adults Are Getting Braces In 2017

Orthodontics has evolved enormously in the last two decades and there is now less pain, time and cosmetic detriment when having orthodontic treatment. This is one reason we are seeing so many adult patients getting braces. Are you considering orthodontic treatment as an adult? If so, keep reading to find out why your timing is right.

Why do adults choose to get braces?

• Overcrowding of teeth
• Shifting of teeth
• Poor bite
• Jaw pain
• Headaches
• Self-consciousness
• Align teeth before crown and bridge work
• Improve gum and teeth health
• A beautiful smile they have always dreamed of

What are the benefits of having braces in your adult years?

• You are having treatment by your own choice and on your own terms.
• Maximize function and health of your gums and teeth.
• Improve your bite and alleviate issues such as grinding and headaches.
• Straight teeth help to provide a beautiful smile and a boost in confidence.
• Alignment options are vastly improved on what they were when you were a child.

The bottom line is, it is never too late for braces or to achieve the smile you've always wanted. If you are ready to learn more about treatment and live in the Suprise, AZ or surrounding areas, give Bailey Orthodontics a call at 623-977-0707.

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!

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

In October WE WEAR PINK

Join us in supporting Breast Cancer Awareness this month! Wear pink ties to your October appointment at Bailey Orthodontics and get 10 rewards points!

Patient Appreciation Movie Night - DETAILS HERE

Movie: "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”

Date: Friday, November 18, 2016

Time: 5:00 PM

Location:Surprise Theatre

Who's invited: Active patients plus 1 guest.

How to get tickets:  ACTIVE PATIENTS will need to call our office on Monday, November 14, 2016 starting at 9:00AM to reserve the tickets. 

The wristbands must be picked up by 5:00PM on Wednesday, November 16, 2016. If wristbands are not picked up they will be forfeited. The wristbands are the only way they will be able to enter the theater.

Our Office: 623-977-0707

Meet Mindy

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

Learn About Early Orthodontic Treatment

As a father himself, Dr. Bailey understands children can be intimidated by dental environments and believes it's important to make them feel comfortable and safe. Many children end up loving their visits to Bailey Orthodontics!

To help your child achieve a healthy beautiful straight smile for life, it is advised that they visit our practice at around age seven for an orthodontic assessment. By this age, many problems can be identified and dealt with.

Areas of orthodontic treatment for children include:

• Cross bites (reversed bites)
• Missing teeth
• Extra teeth
• Thumb and finger sucking habits
• Crowding
• Spacing
• Ectopic teeth
• More

Is your child a candidate for early orthodontic treatment? If you think so or aren't sure, contact us to schedule an examination at Bailey Orthodontics. We're located in Surprise, Arizona, we treat patients from the Surprise, Waddell, Phoenix, Peoria, Glendale, El Mirage, Buckeye, Verrado, Wickenburg, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Wittman and Avondale areas. We strive to help patients of all ages achieve beautiful, healthy, confident smiles! Call 623-977-0707.