Thursday, September 24, 2015

Invisalign Vivera Retainers


Retention is an important phase of the orthodontic treatment process. After we remove your braces the retention stage of treatment begins. During this stage patients must wear a retainer to help retain the beautiful smile you and Dr. Bailey have worked hard to create.

The retention phase focuses on holding your teeth in the position they have been moved to by braces treatment. The retention phase lasts for a minimum of 24 months. At this time you will have to wear a removable retainer, many of our patients are choosing Vivera Retainers.

What are Vivera Retainers?
Created from the makes of Invisalign, Vivera retainers are custom made clear thermoplastic retainers. The Vivera retainers work for patients who have used Inivisalign or traditional braces. These retainer are made from impressions created from our iTero digital scanner, therefore we know the fit is a perfect match for you.

Vivera Retainers are offered as a set of four custom retainers at a discounted price for patients, other benefits include:


Retainers that are 30% stronger than other clear retainers
Retainers need to be strong enough to maintain tooth position and correct minor relapse if necessary. Our testing shows that the proprietary thermoplastic material in Vivera Retainers is more than 30% stronger than other leading clear retainer materials. In fact, our retainers can self-correct (back to the final retained position) certain types of minor relapse, up to .25mm per tooth.

Retainers that are durable
Vivera lab testing indicates that many leading retainer materials begin to deform after as little as two months of simulated daytime use.  Other retainers aren’t guaranteed to protect your smiles.
Retainers that work with your retention philosophy
Whether you’re prescribed full-time wear, nights only, or a few nights a week, it is important to have the confidence that your retainer is providing consistent working retention. Vivera Retainers come with four custom retainers for four times the retention coverage.

Offers convenience
Vivera Retainers also works well for kids who go between mom and dad’s house. Patients can keep one set at each home, an extra set while traveling, or have a pair simply for peace of mind in case accidents that may occur (Pets love to eat them for some reason). After the 4 retainers have been used more are easily ordered, at an additional cost, without taking new impressions because the scan is saved.

If you have any questions about the retention process or Vivera Retainers contact our office today and we will answer any questions you may have. 


Friday, September 18, 2015

Play Hard, Play Smart


Fall sports have kicked off, from grade-school to collegiate and professional sports, and athletes are ready to get physical. If you are taking the field this fall we want you, your teeth and your appliance to be safe. How can you protect your mouth? By wearing a mouth guard.

What is a mouth guard? (source: mouthhealthy.org)
Mouth guards, also called mouth protectors, help cushion a blow to the face, minimizing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to your lips, tongue, face or jaw.

How mouth guards work?
They typically cover the upper teeth and are a great way to protect the soft tissues of your tongue, lips and cheek lining. Knowing how to prevent injuries like these is especially important if you participate
in organized sports or other recreational activities.

Why should athletes wear mouth guards?
  • A study reported by the American Academy of General Dentistry (AAGD) found that mouth guards prevent more than 200,000 injuries to the mouth and/or teeth each year.
  • Sports-related injuries often end-up in the emergency room; however, the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that more than 600,000 of these visits involve injury or damage to the teeth and mouth.
  • It used to be that only males were considered when it came to needing mouth guards. However, recent studies have revealed that the growing interest and participation of females in these same sports and activities makes it just as important for them to protect their teeth.

If you are one of our athlete patients please contact us to find out what type of mouth guard might be right for you and your appliance. If you have any questions about protecting your teeth give us a call and schedule an appointment, for more information about mouth guards visit www.mouthhealthy.org 


Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Our Coolest Tool, The iTero Digital Scanner

One of the most advanced products, and used by our office, is our digital scanner. We utilize a digital scanner that allows us to capture digital images of your teeth and bite rather than using uncomfortable, unpleasant-tasting, messy and sometimes inaccurate impressions. In our office we use the iTero Digital Scanner. "As of March 2015, iTero scans have been used in more than 1.2 million restorative crown, bridge, and custom implant cases and more than 1.3 million iTero orthodontic scans, including more than 600,000 Invisalign® scans" (iTero.com).
Using a digital scanner allows us to create computer generated models of teeth within minutes. Unlike digital techniques, traditional techniques involve using multiple materials and steps. Patients view digital scanning as a much more comfortable process. There is much more room for efficiency and accuracy when using digital scanning. Also, it is possible for the doctor to send impressions to the lab via email rather than sending them through mail.

As stated by yourdentistryguide.com digital scanning benefits include:
Improved image/impression quality for better-fitting restorations
Less chair time
No need for distasteful impression materials that cause some patients to gag
More comfortable, less anxious experience for patients
Reduced possibility of impression-taking errors and elimination of material inaccuracies for fewer restoration mistakes
Patients tend to appreciate the new technology and state-of-the-art dental care, so they become more engaged in, and better informed about, the treatment process because they can see their impressions on-screen chairside.
The scan of the teeth being restored, as well as the opposing teeth and bite, can be completed in
just three to five minutes.
The digital impression can be stored electronically indefinitely, which saves space, contributes to efficient recordkeeping, and supports a paper-free environment.
Green dentistry and eco-friendly aspects include eliminating the need for disposable plastic trays and impression materials, which otherwise would be polluting landfill space; digital data is eliminated with the "delete" button.

To learn more about the technology and techniques used in our office call us today and schedule an appointment.

Thursday, August 20, 2015

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. 


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

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

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

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.

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.

Thursday, August 13, 2015

Beautiful Back to School Smiles

It is that time of the year again, the kids are settling into their new classrooms and transitioning from the routines they became accustom to during their carefree summer days. With the beginning of this new chapter you want to make sure your kids are getting off to a good start, and what better way to start than making sure their oral health is up to par.

It is said that one of the first things people notice about you is your smile. Your children will come in contact with hundreds of other students daily and you want your child to be showing off their best smile. As we state on our site and fully stand by, “A healthy, straight smile is an investment that will last a lifetime.” Whether your child is entering the 2nd grade or second year of college, visiting the orthodontist is important.

Early orthodontic treatment can prevent serious problems with the teeth and jaw from developing. At older ages all hope is for oral correction is not lost. Orthodontic treatment at later stage can dramatically improve oral health and enhance personal appearance.

So while you’re making your back to school to-do list be sure to add Bailey Orthodontics as a priority and schedule your appointment today!

School has started and we are back to our regular office hours!
Office Hours:
Monday-Wednesday 9am-5pm
Thursday 7am-12noon

Do you know a Teacher who could use supplies?
Bailey Orthodontics has boxes of paper notebooks available for pick up!
Please come by the office during normal business hours and help yourself to a box. Give the office a call at 623-977-0707 if you would like us to reserve one for you. This is first come, first serve but we have over 50 boxes to give away.

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Pool Party Donation Drive

During Dr. Bailey's Annual Pool Party on August 7th we will be taking donations for one of our favorite charities, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Phoenix.

Dr. Spencer Bailey

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Phoenix is a welcoming “home away from home” for families with children facing medical challenges, providing an atmosphere of comfort, hope and courage. There are three houses in the Valley to help families.

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)

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

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!

Friday, July 17, 2015

What Toothpaste is Best For Your Teeth?

Toothpaste serves a vital component to oral hygiene. It is recommended that you brush your teeth four time a day and what do you need to brush your teeth ? (other than a toothbrush) TOOTHPASTE!

While shopping we're sure you have noticed that there are many different types of toothpaste available from different brands all promising different results. So how do you pick a toothpaste, well it all depends on what your teeth need.

Types of toothpaste:

Anti-decay toothpaste

They contain Fluoride Compounds such as Sodium Fluoride , Stannous Fluoride, or Monofluorophosphate.  If the fluoride content is 1,000 ppm (parts per million) or above. they are all effective in preventing tooth decay.  Children toothpaste contains 500ppm fluoride and is usually flavoured, e.g. fruit flavour, candy flavour, which is more appealing to children.

Desensitizing toothpaste

The active ingredients provide relief from dentine hypersensitivity symptoms in 2 ways.  First, they interrupt the neurone response to pain stimuli; second, they occlude the dentinal tubules of dentine. There are many different types of desensitizing toothpastes marketed by different brand names. Their various functions on different active ingredients they contain. Therefore, you are advised to consult the dentist and undergo a thorough check-up to explore the cause of tooth sensitivity before using desensitizing toothpaste

Anti-plaque toothpaste

This kind of toothpaste inhibits plaque accumulation, reduces the toxic effects of the bacterial toxin on the tooth surrounding tissues, thereby reduces the chances of getting gum disease. In the market, different anti-plaque toothpastes contain different active ingredients. For example, Triclosan or Zinc Citrate.

Whitening toothpaste

This kind of toothpaste contains relatively coarse abrasives which function by abrading the stains on the tooth surface, giving a whitening effect.

Natural toothpaste

Natural toothpaste is that it does not contain artificial flavors, sweeteners or colors. Instead, it uses natural ingredients such as xylitol and stevia for sweetness, herbs, fruits and spices for flavor and naturally occurring titanium dioxide for a white color. They may or may not contain fluorides and some of the surfactants found in conventional toothpastes.

If you need help choosing which toothpaste is best for you please consult with us or your dentist during your next check-up.


Bailey Orthodontics