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. 

REVIEW US & WIN!

We will be giving away $5 Dutch Bros gift cards to the first 5 people to leave us a review on Google every Friday this Summer! It's simple to enter, check our Facebook page on Friday's to see what time the contest begins! We will be announcing the winners on the following Monday right here on Facebook! 

ENTER AS SOON AS YOU SEE THE POST ON FACEBOOK! To make your life a little easier, WE'VE INCLUDED THE LINK to our Google review page! 

READY, GO! https://goo.gl/maps/xFMf9ZvRRG42

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. 

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.

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.

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!

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

DIY: Braces Travel Kit

If you are wearing braces and are planning a vacation, our team at Bailey Orthodontics would suggest that you be prepared. We put together a list of items that will be handy to have with you at all times while you are out of town. 

DIY Braces Travel Kit includes:

• Toothpick, flosspick, or other interdental cleaners
• Travel toothbrush
• A water bottle or a mini bottle of mouth rinse
• Orthodontic wax to help with discomfort from protruding wires
• A small mirror for examining any possible issues in your mouth

Putting these items together in a “braces travel kit” may be wise. You may even buy pre-made braces kits. Please ask us for more information.

If you happen to be on vacation and experience problems reaching our office, we suggest going online and searching for orthodontic practices in the area you are visiting. Most orthodontists will lend a helping hand to another orthodontic patient and get him or her out of pain or discomfort.

We also suggest avoiding the following foods to prevent broken brackets and/or wire distortion while you are on vacation:

• Chewy, sticky, or gummy food
• Apples, pears, and other whole fruits (cut fruit into wedges before consuming)
• Bagels and hard rolls
• Corn on the cob
• Hard candies
• Hard cookies or pretzels
• All varieties of nuts, including peanuts, almonds, and cashews

Finally, if you are wearing clear aligners and happen to lose your tray, don’t worry! Simply put in either the previous tray or the next tray and contact us as soon as you get home!

Please give us a call if you have any questions!

Tips For Retention

When we remove your braces, we will begin the retention stage of your treatment. The retention phase lasts for a minimum of 24 months. When it comes to caring for your retainer, we're keeping it short, sweet, and simple. The rule of thumb is to wear it at all times, until Dr. Bailey instructs you otherwise. It's important to remember these other tips on retainers too. Check them out now!

• Take your retainer out when eating, and always put it back in its case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunchrooms or restaurants.)
• Clean the retainer thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Use warm but not hot water. Brushing retainers removes the plaque, and eliminates odors. Efferdent® or other orthodontic appliance cleaners can be used but do not take the place of brushing.
• When your retainer is not in your mouth, it should ALWAYS be in its case. Pets love to chew on them!
• Initially, you may find it difficult to speak. Practice speaking, reading, or singing out loud to get used to it faster.
• Retainers are breakable, so treat yours with care. If your retainer gets lost or broken, call Bailey Orthodontics immediately.
• If you have any questions or concerns about your retainer, or you believe it needs adjusting, call us. Do not try to adjust it yourself.
• Always bring your retainer to your appointments.
• Retainer replacements are expensive, but with proper care they will last for years!
• Remove your retainer when you go swimming.
• Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.

For more information, or general questions, call Bailey Orthodontics at 623-977-0707.

What is the Damon System?

Bailey Orthodontics is pleased to offer our patients passive self-ligating Damon Smile braces. Damon braces use a slide mechanism to hold the archwire, reducing the amount of pressure exerted on the teeth and allowing the teeth to move more freely, quickly, and comfortably. Thanks to these innovative new braces, achieving your perfect smile can be faster and easier than you ever thought possible!

What makes the Damon System different?

• Tie-less braces that don't need to be "tightened" and are gentle to the teeth and tissues. 
• High-technology, memory-shape wires that quickly move teeth and require fewer adjustment. 
• A clinically proven treatment approach that aligns teeth and enhances facial aesthetics - usually without extractions or rapid palatal expanders.

What is the best age for to get the Damon System for? It's great for people of all ages!

Straight teeth and a beautiful smile can enhance self-esteem and self-confidence at any age, plus improve overall oral health. Ask Dr. Bailey how you can benefit from the Damon System. It's never too late to look and feel great.

Watch this video to see how Damon System works.

At #BaileyOrthoAz Smiles Are Contagious

At Bailey Orthodontics our friendly staff develops a relationship with our patients on a more personal level. Our patients aren’t the only ones proud of their smiles, but we are too.

Check out some contagious smiles from a few of our recent patient visits!

During treatment it's important to remember that great results don’t just come from our efforts, but they are achieved by a team effort of our patients and staff combined. Are you ready to get the smile of your dreams? Request an appointment for a complimentary initial evaluation now by contacting our office. Visit our website for more information or Like us on facebook!

#NationalChocolateCakeDay

Today we can all rejoice because it’s National Chocolate Cake Day. If you’re typically not the type to get excited over random food holidays, today might be a little different because really, who doesn’t love chocolate cake? The smooth creamy dark frosting drizzled over a fluffy, moist rich chocolate cake is appealing to almost every taste bud; and we’re not resisting this dessert today here at Bailey Orthodontics! If you happen to be a fan of chocolate cake, and want to celebrate by baking your own tonight, check out these delicious recipes we found to give your cake a little flare.

Keep reading for your new favorite chocolate cake recipes:

Hershey's Chocolate Cake 

This cake needs no introduction, as it’s been around for almost a century. If you’ve never made it, you’re in for a treat.

Click here for the recipe.

Mini Chocolate Caramel Layer Cakes

Do you love chocolate? Do you love caramel? Do you love cake?

If you answered “YES” to all 3 questions above, these mini chocolate caramel layer cakes are for you!

Click here for the recipe. 

Don’t miss out on your chance to celebrate chocolate cake, try out one of these recipes tonight! Do you have a yummy recipe to share? Post it below or post it on our Facebook wall!

Turkey & Pumpkin Are Healthy Choices For Teeth

It’s pretty safe to say the words Thanksgiving and Healthy don’t pair up when you think about the delicious foods flowing around the table on Turkey Day.  But, believe it or not, you’ll have reason to feel less guilty when you indulge in the feast this season because of the benefits some of these traditional foods will have on your teeth.

At Bailey Orthodontics, we want you to know you can now be extra thankful for turkey and pumpkin pie!

Turkey

Not only is turkey the main attraction at the table on Thanksgiving day, but it benefits your body and teeth in several ways due to the high protein content. Protein helps build strong bones and healthy teeth; just another reason to keep smiling!

Pumpkin

Not only are pumpkins decorative and delicious, but they’re filled with magnesium too! Magnesium is a nutrient known for strengthening teeth. Also, pumpkin pulp is a good source of Vitamin A, potassium, and fiber, all which help build enamel.

So when it’s time to sink your teeth into your holiday meal, go ahead and grab a big helping of turkey and an extra slice of pumpkin pie, as these are great foods in achieving a healthy smile.

What's The Deal With Invisalign?

Dr. Spencer S. Bailey and his knowledgeable staff look forward to helping you and your family achieve beautiful, healthy smiles that will last a lifetime. Bailey Orthodontics offers many solutions to suit your personal needs.

One option we offer is the Invisalign System, a series of clear overlay templates—called aligners—that have been generated by computer simulation to gradually move the teeth. Most people are use to traditional metal braces and have reservations about choosing Invisalign. Here are a few answers to common concerns about Invisalign. 

Is there any discomfort with Invisalign® treatment?

There will be some pressure and minor discomfort for a day or two after each initial insertion. This is a sign that your teeth are moving sequentially into their final position

Will wearing the aligners affect my speech?

Like any orthodontic treatment, there is a short adjustment period. The more you speak with the aligners on, the quicker you will adjust.

How long does Invisalign treatment take?

Treatment time varies depending on the severity of the misaligned teeth. Treatment time can be shorter than traditional braces, between six and 18 months.

Are there any restrictions to what I can eat while in treatment?

No. Unlike braces, you may eat whatever you like as long as you remove the aligners before eating. Prior to placing the aligners back on, it is important to brush your teeth and the aligners after you eat.

Will my insurance cover Invisalign?

Because medical benefits differ significantly from policy to policy, you should review your personal coverage plan. However, in general, if a patient has orthodontic coverage, Invisalign should be covered to the same extent as conventional braces.

The Invisalign system is available to adult patients with certain orthodontic bite problems. Ask us if you are a candidate for the Invisalign system.

Bailey Orthodontics

14997 W. Bell Rd., Suite 150 

Surprise, AZ 85374 

Phone: 623-977-0707 

Eat Your Veggies Everyday, but Especially Today

For good oral health and even protecting your orthodontics appliances, there are foods Dr. Bailey doesn't recommend you eat and foods we tell you to avoid all togehter. However, one food group we promote consistently as being beneficial is vegetables.

Today, June 17th, is Eat Your Veggies Day. This day was created to promote including vegetable in your diet. Vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet. We've all remember being told by our parents “you better eat your vegetable if you want to be strong”, well your parents were right. There are a large variety of foods included in the vegetable food group that are tasty and healthy

What foods are in the Vegetable Group? source: USDA
Any vegetable or 100% vegetable juice counts as a member of the Vegetable Group. Vegetables may be raw or cooked; fresh, frozen, canned, or dried/dehydrated; and may be whole, cut-up, or mashed.
Based on their nutrient content, vegetables are organized into 5 subgroups: dark-green vegetables, starchy vegetables, red and orange vegetables, beans and peas**, and other vegetables.

Here are some examples:

Dark-green vegetables

• bok choy
• broccoli
• collard greens
• dark green leafy lettuce
• kale
• mustard greens
• romaine lettuce
• spinach

Beans and peas

• black beans
• black-eyed peas 
• kidney beans
• pinto beans
• soy beans
• split peas

Red and orange vegetables

• acorn squash
• butternut squash
• carrots
• pumpkin
• red peppers
• sweet potatoes
• tomatoes

Other vegetables

• artichokes
• asparagus
• avocado
• bean sprouts

Today put down the sweets and pick up a healthy veggie! Leave us a comment letting us know what are your favorite or favorite recipes including veggie.

5 Tips for Children's Dental Health #NCDHM

It’s still February so and you know what that means… IT’S STILL NATIONAL CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH and dental professional all over the world are promoting health oral hygiene habits for children. 

National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM) began as a one-day event in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 3, 1941. The American Dental Association held the first national observance of Children’s Dental Health Day on February 8, 1949. The single day observance became a week-long event in 1955. In 1981, the program was extended to a month-long observance known today as National Children’s Dental Health Month. Since 1941, the observance has grown from a two-city event into a nationwide program. NCDHM messages reach thousands of people in communities across the country and at numerous armed services bases. Local observances often include displays of posters provided by the ADA, coloring and essay contests, health fairs, free dental screenings, museum exhibits, classroom presentations by dentists and other members of the dental team, and dental office tours. (souce: ADA.org)

When good habits are developed early on it is more likely that the child will able to look forward to a lifetime of health teeth gums. Here are 5 healthy tips for children's dental health.

Brush and floss: Brushing and flossing is essential all that all ages, but good habits start early. Your child should be brushing twice a day to remove plaque, bacteria and food particles in their mouth. Also flossing two a day to remove anything left behind after brushing.

Visit the dentist regularly: Visiting the dentist every 6 months, twice a year is important. Even if your child is under orthodontic treatment and make all scheduled appointments with Dr. Bailey, while visiting the dentist they check for your cavities and make sure teeth are healthy.

Drink water: Make sure that your children's drinking water is fluoridated, fluoride is a natural mineral found in water and Earth's crust. Helps prevent cavities by hardening the enamel.

Eat well balanced meals: Eat a well-balanced diet that limits starchy or sugary foods, which produce plaque acids that cause tooth decay.

Early intervention: The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age 7. At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but vigilant examination can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment.

At Bailey Orthodontics we are constantly promoting healthy teeth and habits for all of our patients, especially our younger patients. We strive to provide the best care for your child and help create good habits. Please visit ADA.org National Children’s Dental Health Month For more information.

Treats for your Sweet this Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is a special day observed by many people around the world. This day promotes love, affection and friendship. Also, Valentine’s Day is a day filled with the sharing of sweet treats. We do want all of our patients to minimize the intake of sugary foods, so we want to provide you with a few V-Day treats you can make that your braces will absolutely. 

Heart Shaped Fruit Bowl

Strawberry Parfait

Cake Pops

Fun Frosting Chocolate Cupcakes

Candy Heart Cheesecake

With Valentine season is here and heart shaped treats are popping up everywhere, remember if you are under Orthodontic Treatment make sure all foods you consume are safe for your braces. Also, after eating sweet treats you should brush and floss!