Braces and retainers play an essential role in creating and protecting a healthy, well-aligned smile. At Bailey Orthodontics, we tailor every treatment plan to each patient’s needs, helping children, teens, and adults move through treatment with expert care and long-term support.
Braces help correct issues like crowded teeth, spacing, bite problems, and teeth that are not aligned properly. Straightening your teeth can improve the look of your smile, the function of your bite, your overall oral health and can greatly boost self esteem.Teeth that are properly aligned are often easier to clean, which can help reduce the risk of plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum problems. A healthier bite can also help reduce uneven wear on the teeth and support better long-term dental health.
A retainer is a custom-made orthodontic appliance designed to keep your teeth in their new, properly aligned positions after braces or Invisalign treatment is complete. Once teeth have been moved, they naturally have a tendency to shift over time, especially if they are not supported during the retention phase. Retainers play an essential role in protecting the investment you made in your smile by helping maintain your results and reducing the risk of teeth drifting out of place. Worn as directed by your orthodontist, a retainer helps preserve the straight, healthy smile you worked hard to achieve.
If you have crowded teeth, gaps, bite issues, or teeth that seem out of alignment, braces may be recommended. The best way to know for sure is to schedule a consultation so we can evaluate your smile and treatment needs.
There is no one perfect age for braces, since every smile is different. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends screening every child by age 7 to monitor for any eruption or developmental issues, but that doesn’t mean treatment will always start then. That being said, braces can be a great option for both kids and adults.
Treatment time varies from patient to patient,treatment length will depend on your specific orthodontic needs and smile goals.
Most braces patients come in about every 6 to 8 weeks so we can monitor progress and make any needed adjustments.
You should avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods that can damage brackets or wires. This includes foods like popcorn, gum, caramel, hard candy, and ice.
Brushing and flossing with braces takes a little extra time and care. Be sure to brush around your brackets and along the gumline, and use floss threaders or orthodontic flossers to clean between your teeth and under the wires.
If you break a bracket or have a poking wire, contact our office so we can help. Depending on the issue, we may recommend a quick repair appointment or give you instructions to stay comfortable until we can see you.
Retainers are an important part of keeping your smile straight after treatment. Most patients will need to wear their retainers long-term to help prevent teeth from shifting.
If you stop wearing your retainer, your teeth can begin to move out of alignment over time. Consistent retainer wear helps protect the results you worked hard for.
Retainers should be cleaned regularly with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, since it can warp the material, and follow any care instructions given by our office.
If your retainer is lost or broken, contact our office as soon as possible. Replacing it quickly is important so your teeth do not have time to shift.
The lifespan of a retainer depends on the type of retainer and how well it is cared for. Some retainers last for years, but they may need to be replaced sooner if they become worn, damaged, or no longer fit properly.
Yes, teeth can shift naturally over time, which is why retainers are so important after braces or Invisalign. Wearing your retainer as instructed helps maintain your results.
For most patients, retainers are worn full-time at first and then nightly long-term to maintain their new smile. Wearing them as directed is the best way to keep your teeth from shifting over time.
Every smile has a story. Nothing makes us prouder than hearing how our patients feel about their experience and their new smile.
We just love Bailey Ortho!! We have been to the beautiful Verrado office a couple time now and we just love it!! Amazing staff and incredible doctors. We look forward to our visit!!
Bailey Orthodontics has been nothing but stellar. We tried a different provider for the start of my daughter’s orthodontic treatment which turned out to be a waste of time and money. We are so so thankful we found Dr. Bailey and his team.
We have 3 kids in braces right now! Dr. Bailey along with his team are personable and experienced. Check in is easy and I have never waited past our appointment time.
Our family loves this office! We’ve had great experiences. My husband had Invisalign here and now all three of our kids have braces.
If you’re looking for an orthodontic office, this place is truly something special.
Our family began our orthodontic journey with Bailey Ortho back in 2016, and almost ten years later we just wrapped up with kiddo number four. All four of my children have had wonderful experiences and have walked away with beautiful smiles.
