When Should Treatment Start?

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends an orthodontic evaluation at the age of 7. This is the recommended age because typically the first of the adult teeth appear, and when some of the more important problems of dental development can require treatment. Treatment for young children is usually aimed at dealing with functional problems that immediately threaten the health of the teeth. The conditions that we treat in early childhood are problems of tooth eruption, crossbite, overcrowding, jaw growth problems, snoring, thumb sucking, tongue thrust and open bite.

Orthodontic issues can develop very early in childhood, which is why early treatment is important for a number of specific conditions to prevent damage to the adult teeth or to limit the effects of a developing growth problem. One of our guiding principles at Bailey Orthodontics is to keep the amount of treatment required to produce a great smile to an absolute minimum. For more information on orthodontic treatment for children, click here to visit our website or give us a call.

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.

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.

Are You Going Back To School With Braces?

Caring for braces especially for students in school can be quiet hectic due to the restrictive devotions to maintain the braces and for this reason, Bailey Orthodontics has decided to put up an article which will make caring for orthodontic braces easy in school. As a student who just had an orthodontic treatment, you should be rest assured that it is the best that can happen to give you the perfect smile again but the care for your teeth and gums help make it very effective. Take a look at your new braces, you can notice a lot of nooks and crannies that can trap food and plaque and that means a great risk of tooth decay is imminent if not properly cared for, therefore you need to pay special attention to cleaning your teeth. This might look hectic but right here the team of Bailey Orthodontics has few great tips to keep your braces in top condition.

1. WATCH YOUR DIET
As an orthodontic patient with braces, it is very important for you to select your diet with caution. We know that there are several foods in school which tastes great but don't look great in your braces. Certain foods can either break a bracket or some foods are sugary and can have negative effects on the natural ability to brush behind the bracket. Be sure to make decisions on foods based on what is healthy, tasty, and won't harm your brackets.

Food to avoid: As an orthodontic patient we would advise that you desist from:

• Sticky or gooey foods 
• Hard foods 
• Sugary foods 
• Acidic drinks 

2. WEAR A MOUTHGUARD
With braces on your teeth, you might be wondering if you should desist from sports or retire from being the captain of your favorite sports team, but the truth is orthodontics does not affect your ability to play sports. You can keep on with your braces and sports if and only if you have your mouth guard on. Mouth guards are safety measures that can mean the difference between just a bruised, fat lips and thousands spent in orthodontics repair work. While you are in any kind of physical activity (including gym classes), it is advisable that you wear a mouth guard which can protect your teeth and braces from flying sports balls, swinging elbows or an accidental fall or hit.

3. BRUSH AND FLOSS REGULARLY
Braces can easily trap food, and this trapped food can lead to other inimical dental problems. Because of this, it is very important to brush your teeth after every meal and to floss at least once a day.

4. DON'T CHEW ON PENCILS
Pencils, pen, and rulers are all hard objects and most times when you get bored, anxious or plainly destructive you are tempted to chew on them in class. Obviously, this can be destructive in the moment and can be grossly inimical over time. It is important that you don't practice these habits while wearing braces.

We know that maintaining braces in school is can be tough. That is why we ensure to give you the best plans of action to help you out.

For more questions and inquiries that you may have, we are always at your service. You can always contact Bailey Orthodontics.

New Summer Recipe | Strawberry Dole Whip

At Bailey Orthodontics we believe nutrition and a healthy smile go hand in hand. From snacking and eating on the go, to making sure kids have access to healthy snacks at home, Bailey Orthodontics wants to help you keep your snack choices healthy this summer with braces-friendly healthy summer snack recipes.

By avoiding sticky sweets and sugary beverages, we will provide you with snack choices that are fit for orthodontic patients and promote overall wellness and health! All summer long, check here for healthy new summer snack recipes! 

Learn how to make STRAWBERRY DOLE WHIPS

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sliced frozen strawberries 
• 1 cup frozen raspberries or more strawberries 
• 1/4 cup milk of choice or canned coconut milk 
• Pinch stevia OR 1 1/2 tsp sugar or sweetener of choice
• 2 tsp lemon juice (lemon might sound strange, but it really makes the recipe!)
• 1/16 tsp salt

Strawberry Dole Whip Recipe: 

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. 
2. Scoop out and eat OR put in a plastic bag and freeze ten minutes, then cut a hole in the bag’s edge and squeeze out in a swirl.

For more braces-friendly recipes, tips, and tricks LIKE Bailey Orthodontics on Facebook and follow @baileyorthoaz on Instagram. 

More On Wisdom Teeth And Braces

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that usually come in anywhere from 17 to 25 years old. Coincidentally, this age bracket is a popular time for orthodontic work, and many people are in braces or will soon have them taken off. It can be disconcerting in this time period to see completely new teeth emerging.

Wisdom teeth are a leftover trait from when humans had larger jaws and chewed hearty leaves. Wisdom teeth tend to overcrowd already corrected molars or emerge only half way. In fact, wisdom teeth statistically have the highest chance of growing in sideways, an issue known as an impacted wisdom tooth, which can affect the nearby teeth. However, wisdom teeth cannot cause front teeth to become crooked. From the back of the mouth, the pressure they exert on the other molars is not strong enough to reach the front.

This has led people to believe that wisdom teeth can ruin their current or previous dental work. There are a number of other factors that have led to this. Around 20 years old, the jaw performs its last growth spurt, which can leave teeth crooked. This is also the age when many former braces wearers begin to neglect their retainers at night.

Many people have their wisdom teeth emerge as healthy, effective back molars. In this case, the tooth has grown in straight and is not affecting the person’s bite and any dental work will be unaffected. There is nothing stopping a person with healthy wisdom teeth from getting braces either.

Each set of braces is unique for the wearer, as is the decision on what to do about wisdom teeth. Talk with Dr. Bailey as soon as you notice any discomfort or wisdom teeth appearing. While they may not affect your braces, wisdom teeth can change your overall oral health.

At Bailey Orthodontics in Buckeye and Surprise, we offer orthodontic treatment to patients of all ages. Whether you’re looking for braces, Invisalign or other orthodontic options, we can help you get the smile you want. Contact Bailey Orthodontics today to schedule your consultation. We can answer any questions you may have, including how wisdom teeth affect your treatment.

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. 

More On Fluoride

The team at Bailey Orthodontics wants you to know that there are several ways you can protect your smile throughout your orthodontic treatment. If you follow the rule of thumb and brush your teeth twice a day, floss often, and protect your appliances from damage, your treatment should be very successful.

One thing we’d like to add, is did you know there is another way to keep your teeth healthy and bright during your treatment with braces?

How is this possible? One word: fluoride. Fluoride is the mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay. This mineral also helps keep your teeth strong. Fluoride comes in two varieties: topical and systemic. Depending on your oral health or the recommendation of Dr. Bailey, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six, or 12 months.

If you have any other questions about fluoride or your orthodontic treatment, please don’t hesitate to give Bailey Orthodontics a call! Conveniently located in Buckeye and Surprise, Arizona.

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.

This Valentine's Day, Live Happily EverSmile

Whether you're planning a romantic night with your significant other or going out on the town with the girls, we know looking good on Valentine's Day is a must! If you're getting ready for Valentine's Day next week and want a kissable smile under your clear aligners, Bailey Orthodontics has the perfect solution for you! We recommend using EverSmile White Foam to keep your teeth fresh, clean, and sparkling white.

What is EverSmile White Foam?

EverSmile White Foam is the only aligner cleaner you wear all day long that cleans and gradually whitens your teeth, all while keeping your breath minty fresh. Using EverSmile White Foam is easy, just pump the foam into your clear aligners and pop the trays into your mouth. You can use EverSmile all day, up to four times a day. It kills bacteria while whitening your teeth.

Pick up your EverSmile White Foam at Bailey Orthodontics in Surprise, Arizona and start whitening your teeth just in time for Valentine's Day!

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

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!

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.

DIY: S'more Bars Recipe

If you want to celebrate National S'mores Day today, we encourage you to do so! Take our s'mores challenge and try something different by adding some flare to your s'mores! Try out this new s'more recipe and let us know what you think!

Do you have a s'more recipe you'd like to share with us? Post it on our Facebook wall!

S'more Bars Recipe

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 5 milk chocolate candy bars (1.55 ounces each)
• 1 cup marshmallow creme

Directions

1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine the flour, cracker crumbs, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Set aside 1/2 cup for topping.
2. Press remaining mixture into a greased 9-in. square baking pan. Place candy bars over crust; spread with marshmallow creme. Crumble remaining graham cracker mixture over top.
3. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Store in an airtight container. Yield: 1-1/2 dozen.

S'more Bars Recipe & photo by Taste of Home

Donation Drive At Bailey Orthodontics Annual Pool Party

Dr. Bailey's Annual Pool Party is coming up on August 5th and we can't wait to see you there!Just a friendly reminder, we will be taking donations for one of our favorite charities, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Phoenix.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Phoenix has tree houses in Arizona, two being in Phoenix and one in Mesa, and has been providing families a "home away from home" for over 30 years.

In the past we have made it a point to help contribute to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Phoenix and 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.

Here is a list of recommended items:

Snack bars
Fruit snacks
Instant oatmeal packs
Soup bowls
Spoons
Pillows (standard)
All Purpose Cleaner
Nylon Mesh Laundry Bags 2ftx3ft

So when you join us at the pool party, please try to bring at least one of these items to contribute to our donation drive. 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!

Save The Date: Bailey Orthodontics Annual Pool Party

Are you ready to cool off this summer? How about cooling off at Bailey Orthodontics Annual Pool Party? Check out the details below and SAVE THE DATE!

There will be a live DJ, Snow Cones, and Prizes given away every 15 minutes. Also, we will be doing another donation drive to support one of our favorite charities, the Ronald McDonald House! More details regarding the donation drive to come!

Fun Facts About Friday The 13th

Happy Friday the 13th! Do you believe that something bad is going to happen to you today?  Well a lot of people around the world do! Why is that?  Today is the first and last Friday the 13th of 2016. With that being said, we thought we would have a little fun with this very superstitious day and fill you in on some fun facts about Friday the 13th that you might not be aware of!

Fun Facts From Bailey Orthodontics about Friday the 13th! 

Did you know...

• There are 12 movies made about Friday the 13th!
• It is estimated that up to 900 million dollars is lost in business on this day because people will not fly or do business that they would normally do because they're scared.
• The fear of Friday the 13th is called Friggatriskaidekaphobia...yes, there is actually a term for those who are afraid of Friday the 13th!
• Friggatriskaidekaphobia affects 17-21 million people in the United States, making it the most feared day!
• Fear surrounding the number 13 is as ancient as the act of counting. 
• There is no written evidence for a Friday the 13th superstition before the 19th century.
• Celebrities born on Friday the 13th include Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Julia Louis Dreyfus, Steve Buscemi, Max Weinberg and Peter Tork.

Whether you think it's unlucky or not, cross your fingers and enjoy the fun on this fabulous Friday the 13th!

St. Patrick's Day Selfies At #BaileyOrthoAz

Happy St. Patrick's Day from #BaileyOrthoAz! To celebrate here at our office we decided to have a fun office photo shoot decked out in our St. Patty's Day best! Check out our pictures and let us know which one is your favorite!

Photo 1:  "Strike A Pose"

 Photo 2: "Silly St. Patty's Day Face"

 Photo 3: "St. Patty's Day Smile"

Help us decide which photo came out the best by posting your vote on our Facebook page! Also, if you dressed up in green today, post a picture on our facebook wall & use #BaileyOrthoAz! We love seeing our patients & friends being festive! We hope you all have a wonderful St. Patrick's Day!

Join Our March Madness Bracket Challenge Now!

It’s almost time to fill out your bracket! Join us on CBSsports.com. It’s free to play so sign up now.

This contest to open to all of Bailey Orthodontics patients; in treatment, in retainers, or in growth and development

Here is how:

1. Click on or copy and paste the link below to be directed to our group through CBS sports
2. Sign in or register for a free account
3. Enter the group password: braces

You will then be directed to our group: BaileyOrthodontics2016 

Next Steps:

1. Create a bracket, using your first and last name as the bracket name
2. Keep picking winners until you reach the Championship game and pick a final score as well

The final score will be used as a tie breaker & the top three points leaders will win!  Patients will receive 10 Rewards points for submitting a completed bracket!

You will play for 3 prizes:

3rd Place: $30 Amazon Gift Card

2nd Place: Whitening Kit

1st Place: FitBit Flex

Your bracket needs to be completed after Selection Sunday, March 13th and prior to the first games Wednesday, March 16th.

If you have any questions, contact the office at 623-977-0707.  Have fun and good luck!

COPY & PASTE THIS LINK OR CLICK TO ENTER:
http://baileyorthoaz.mayhem.cbssports.com/e?ttag=BPM16_cpy_invite_new