Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Love your Smile, Love your Selfies

You may have noticed that at times our office looks like a patient photoshoot, and if you’ve glanced at our Instagram you’ll see it’s pretty much the Bailey Orthodontics gallery of smiles. We love to capture our patients during their proud smile moments, like first day in braces and debands. Whether you’re having your photo taken in our office or smiling for a photo with your friends, we want you to have a selfie-ready smile!

Need some help figuring out how to bring out your best smile? No worries we have a few tips for you!

1. GET IN FRONT OF THE MIRROR - Take time to practice your smile in front of a mirror. See how it looks when you hold your shoulders back and strike a natural, unforced smile. Play around with turning your head and finding your best angle. Figure out which smile you like best, then practice, practice, practice 'til you get right. Remember how great that smile feels so that you'll be able to replicate it without looking in a mirror.

2. SMILE WITH YOUR EYES...or as Tyra Banks would say, Smize - A genuine smile will naturally draw in the eyes. And a natural smile is not something you can fake. The eyes are essential for a genuine, warm smile. When you are practicing your smile in the mirror, focus on your eyes and
which muscles are working and how.

3. MAINTAIN GOOD ORAL HYGIENE - One thing that can cause you to fear flashing your pearly whites, is when they might not be that pearly. Dr. Bailey is adamant about making sure you know to brush your teeth after each meal and carry floss with you...just in case you need it. We all know that good oral hygiene is important, but the fact is a healthy mouth will make you feel more confident about your smile.

Whether you’re in treatment or rocking your new braces-free look, we want you to be proud of your smile! Smiling has many positive benefits including reduced stressed and better moods. We love to see our patients smiling, show off your smile on social media and tag us and us the hashtag #BaileyOrthoSmile!

Post pictures on our Facebook wall 
Tag us on Instagram @BaileyOrtho_AZ
Or Tweet us @BaileyOrthoAZ

Thursday, May 21, 2015

You've Got Questions and We've Got Answers

Whether you’re considering treatment or your a current patient, questions will always arise pertaining to treatment. Dr. Bailey wants to make your treatment process as worry free as possible so we are always here to answer questions you may have. Being that Dr. Bailey has been treating patients for over 10 years, quite often we hear the same questions from parents and patients concerning braces treatment.

Here’s our top 10 frequently asked questions:


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Common questions from patients considering braces treatment

How do I know if I need braces? 
It is usually difficult for you to determine if treatment is necessary because there are many problems that can occur even though the front teeth look straight. Also, there are some problems that look intimidating and complex which will resolve on their own. Asking your general dentist is a good reference, but we are your best resource since orthodontics is all we do. Our initial exam is comprehensive and informative, and we would be more than happy to see your child and make any recommendations necessary

Is getting braces going to be expensive?
When orthodontic treatment is implemented at the proper time, treatment is often less costly than the dental care required to treat the more serious problems that can develop years later. Orthodontic fees have not increased as fast as many other consumer products. Financing is usually available, and our office offers many payment programs that will meet your needs. In addition, many insurance plans now include orthodontics.

Is getting braces painful?
Braces make your teeth tender and sore for a few days, but it is not painful. This annoyance can be relieved with an over-the-counter analgesic. Today’s braces are more comfortable and use technology that reduces the discomfort. We use the latest in biocompatible braces, the advanced technique with light force and the highest quality of orthodontic materials, in order to reduce discomfort and treatment time.

How long will I have to wear braces?
Braces may be on between 6 to 30 months or, in rare instances, longer. This depends on the development of the dentition, the severity of the problem, patient cooperation, and the degree of tooth movement required.

What options do I have for braces?
We offer metal braces, gold braces, Clarity braces, Damon braces and Invisalign. We provide you with multiple options allowing us to find a treatment plan that fits your orthodontic needs and your aesthetic wants.

Common questions from patients who have braces

What do I do if I have an emergency?
We make sure our patients are informed of problems that may occur, and understand how to solve them, at least temporarily, until it is possible to return to our office. Visit the Emergency Care section of our website to find out how you can take care of an emergency at home. If the problem cannot be resolved at home you can contact our office for assistance.

What can’t I eat with braces?
For most situations, common sense will tell you what to avoid. Hard foods, sticky foods and foods high in sugar must be avoided. Hard foods can break or damage wires and brackets. Sticky foods can get caught between brackets and wires. Minimize sugary foods; they cause tooth decay and related problems. Nail biting, pencil and pen chewing and chewing on foreign objects should be avoided.

Do I have brush and floss more often with braces?
With braces, it is necessary that you brush your teeth at least three times a day to main good oral health. Brushing regularly will help remove any food that may be caught between the wires and brackets of your braces. You should also floss daily to get in between your braces where your brush isn't able to reach. Need us to show you how to properly brush and floss once your braces are placed? Just ask during your next appointment.

Do I still need to go to the dentist?
Yes, you must visit the Dentist twice a year for your regular check-ups.

Why do I have to wear a retainer?
When we remove your braces, we will begin the retention stage of your treatment. The retention phase lasts for a minimum of 24 months. Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers.

We’re always happy to answer any questions that you may have. To see more orthodontic questions visit the "Common Questions" section of our website or if you have a question of your own just give us a call and ask! 

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Great Mother's Day Gift Ideas

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Mother’s Day is only 4 days away! Have you figured out how you’re going to show appreciation for the number 1 lady in your life? Mother’s Day is the when we take time to say “Thank You Mom” in an extra special way. Cards and flowers are just fine, but how about a new way to show Mom you care. Can’t think of a great gift? We are here to help you out. Check out our ideas for Mom below.

Here are 5 great gift ideas for the #1 Mom:

Spa Day 
bailey orthodontics

Send Mom on a beautiful spa day where she can relax and get pampered. Find a great Spa where Mom can have some quality “Me Time” and enjoy her day to the fullest.

Shopping Spree
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Take your Mom to her favorite clothing store and let her pick out what items she likes and you pick up the tab. Mom is sure to enjoy adding to her wardrobe.

Salon Trip
bailey ortho

Book a hair and nail appointment for your Mom with her favorite stylist and let her feel pretty as can be on her honorary day.

DIY

Nothing says I love you more than a gift you’ve taken time to make yourself. Visit this link "Mothers Day DIY" and check a ton of fun Do-It-Yourself ideas. From custom picture frames to home-décor ideas, you’ve find something to make that your Mom will adore.

Gift Card
spencer bailey

Know where to shop but having trouble thinking of what exactly to get your Mom? Gift cards are a simple solution, most store offer gift cards with price range that’s sure to fit your budget.

Happy Mother’s Day to our patients and parent of patients, we appreciate you all! Let us know how you spent your Mother’s Day share your photos on our Facebook page!

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Teach Kids to Go Green

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Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22nd. This day is used to spread environmental awareness and show support for environmental protection. The Earth and its natural resources are important to allowing all living organism, from plants to humans, to thrive in the world. However, the environment isn't going to protect itself. We must take action to make sure Earth is in a clean and healthy state. Since Earth Day was launched in 1970 there has been progress with legal acts being put in place to support environmental safety. Let’s celebrate this Earth Day by getting the entire family involved.

Just like all good habits if you start young it is more likely these habits will last a lifetime. Children are the future, so teaching kids to go green is investing in the longevity of Earth. Going green simply means implementing certain lifestyle changes designed to help you live in a more eco-friendly way. It means becoming more environmentally aware and changing your behavior and lifestyle to reduce the amount of pollution and waste you generate.

Here are 5 easy ways for kids to “Go Green”:

Never Let the Water Run: Teach kids that they should never let water run. For example while brushing teeth you should only run the water when necessary, not the entire 2 minutes you are brushing your teeth.

Recycle or Reuse: Recycle paper, plastics, glass and metal. You can do this easily by creating dedicated bins within your household labeled for each material.

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Don’t be a Liter Bug: Teach kids the importance of not littering the streets with trash, also getting your child involved in community projects promoting cleaning up public areas like parks is a great way to support good going green habits.

Turn it Off and Unplug:  Even when electronics and appliances are turned off, they still consume energy if plugged in the electrical outlet. Conserve energy by children to unplug their game systems, computers, chargers, or audio equipment. Also, turn off lights and TVs once exiting a room.

Get a Green Thumb: Get in the backyard and try planting and growing your own garden. Grow your own flowers, or take it a notch up and even grow you own vegetables.

dr bailey

Every little action you take to protect the Earth helps, start today and help save the planet. To learn more about Earth Day visit Earthday.org

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Keep Your Teeth Healthy On The Road

Arizona Orthodontics

It's Spring Break season so this means vacation traveling. Even when you are not in the comfort of your own home don’t let your healthy teeth habits fall to the wayside. Having a clean mouth is important. Brushing and flossing removes a thin sticky film of bacteria that grows on your teeth. This sticky film, called plaque, is the main cause of tooth decay and gum disease.

The best way to keep your teeth healthy while on the road you must keep a kit with you to make sure everything you need is on hand while under Orthodontic treatment.

Here are some of the items that need to be in your kit:

Travel Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Mouthwash
Threader floss
Rubber bands
Mini Mirror

& in case of a dental emergency
Dental wax
Cold pack
Over the counter pain killers

Putting together a mini dental travel kit is the easiest way to support your healthy habits while on the road. Also, your kit will make sure you have your emergency items for your braces on hand. Get a small bag that can easily fit in your carrier and fill it with all the items you need. Also, make sure you keep a contact card with Dr. Bailey's information inside your kit just in case you have an emergency and need to contact our office.

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Protect Your Face! #NationalFacialProtectionMonth


As temperatures rise during spring more people are enticed to partake in outdoor activities. Most of the time those activities are physical sporting activities, and with physical activity we have to make sure we taking the necessary precautions to protect our bodies from injury.

Each year during the month of April the Academy for Sports Dentistry, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and the American Association of Orthodontists sponsor National Facial Protection Month.

National Facial Protection Month focuses on spreading awareness about the importance of protecting children and adults from oral and facial injuries. Many injuries that do occur during sporting activities could have been prevented had the proper protective gear had been worn. An estimated 12 million people between the ages of 5 and 22 years suffer a sport-related injury annually.  A recently published study by the University of Alabama at Birmingham analyzed data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), a database of injuries treated at hospital emergency departments, for the period 2001-2008. Researchers found the five most common causes of childhood injuries were, in order of frequency, basketball, football, bicycling, playgrounds and soccer.

bailey orthodonticsFor our patients we want to remind you that it is important for you to protect your mouth during treatment. For protection you must wear a mouth guard. A mouth guard can help prevent injury to the teeth, mouth and even jaw. Mouth guards are made of flexible material that is fitted to protect yourupper and lower teeth. You can buy a stock mouth guard or get a custom guard made. The right fit mouth guard will act as cushions protecting your mouth from hits and preventing serious injury.

The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons advise that you to take five, and take in these five simple safety tips:

  • Mouth Guards are a Must. Mouth guards are significantly less expensive than the cost to repair an injury, and dentists and dental specialists can make customized mouth guards that hold teeth in place and allow for normal speech and breathing.  
  • Helmets are always Helpful. Helmets absorb the energy of an impact and help prevent damage to the head.  
  • Have 20/20 Vision with Protective Eyewear. Eyes are extremely vulnerable to damage, especially when playing sports.
  • Face Shields Save Skin…and more. Hockey pucks, footballs and racquetballs can cause severe facial damage at any age.
  • Cheer and Shout Out Your Support for Mandatory Protective Gear.  Athletes who participate in football, hockey and boxing are required to wear mouth guards. If mouth guards have been proven to significantly decrease the risk of oral injuries, why is it not mandatory in every sport for kids to wear them?
To learn more about National Facial Protection Month please visit AAOMS.org

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

EGG-cellent Easter Activities


You may have noticed bunnies and eggs popping up everywhere, along with dazzling spring colors.. well that’s because Easter Day is coming. Easter is this Sunday, April 5th and with the beautiful weather that spring has brought on it is a perfect time to get outside with your family and get involved in Easter themed activities.

Easter Day activities are fun for kids, but can bring joy to the family as a whole. And the great part about these activities is that you can pick up supplies at your local store for a round of DIY fun!

Here are 3 EGG-cellent Do It Yourself activities:


Dying Eggs
Traditionally eggs are off-white, but with beautiful colors blossoming from nature why not add a little life and color to our eggs on this holiday. The main things you need are eggs are food coloring. For detailed instructions on dying eggs click here. Here are a few egg design ideas.



Hunting Down Eggs
The day of Easter is the perfect time to invite family and friends over so kids can enjoy a fun-filled Easter egg hunt. What you’ll need is plastic eggs and mini treats. You’ll need to put the treats inside the plastic eggs, after you fill the eggs it is time to strategically hide the eggs in your yard. Let the kids run wild and find the hidden eggs. To make the hunt more fun you can pick a grand prize for the child who finds the most eggs!



Bunny Crafts
Since Easter is synonymous with bunnies, having your kids create bunny crafts can be fun! Here are some ideas for bunny crafts.



Share your Easter day fun with us on Social Media:

Post pictures on our Facebook wall 
Tag us on Instagram @BaileyOrtho_AZ
Or Tweet us @BaileyOrthoAZ #BaileyOrthodontics