Your questions

Why Should I Choose An Orthodontic Specialist?

All Orthodontist are dentists, but only about six percent of dentists are Orthodontists. Would you trust your child's smile to a part-timer? Dr. Spencer Bailey DDS, MSD has completed the requirements set forth by the American Board of Orthodontics to become a Board Certified Orthodontist.

Less than 50% of Orthodontists achieve this certification. Admission to orthodontic programs is extremely competitive. It takes an additional 2-3 years post-dental school for a dentist to become an orthodontist....More

All Orthodontist are dentists, but only about six percent of dentists are Orthodontists. Would you trust your child's smile to a part-timer? Dr. Spencer Bailey DDS, MSD has completed the requirements set forth by the American Board of Orthodontics to become a Board Certified Orthodontist.

Less than 50% of Orthodontists achieve this certification. Admission to orthodontic programs is extremely competitive. It takes an additional 2-3 years post-dental school for a dentist to become an orthodontist. An orthodontist is a specialist in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.

Beware of the many dentists who practice orthodontics along with general dentistry who do not have the experience necessary to help you achieve your goals and have not completed an accredited specialty program through a college or university. These dentists attend weekend courses and then advertise that they are now able to do your braces.

Dr. Bailey has been treating patients for over 15 years and has created over 5,000 thousand healthy smiles. Trust your treatment to Dr. Spencer Bailey DDS, MSD and the team at Bailey Orthodontics where you will receive the most professional and expert care available. 

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What Is Orthodontics? 

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. The technical term for these problems is “malocclusion,” which means bad bite. The practice of orthodontics requires professional skill in the design, application, and control of corrective appliances, such as braces, to bring teeth, lips and jaws into proper alignment to achieve facial balance. 

What Are The Early Signs Of Orthodontic Problems? 

Although determining if treatment is necessary is difficult for you to assess, the following signs may help in prompting you to seek orthodontic advice: crowded or overlapping teeth, gaps between the teeth, front top teeth not lining up with the bottom teeth, top front teeth not meeting with bottom teeth, and top front teeth covering more than 50% of the bottom teeth. If you see any misalignment or shifting of the jaw, your child may have a skeletal problem, which may require early orthodontic t...More

Although determining if treatment is necessary is difficult for you to assess, the following signs may help in prompting you to seek orthodontic advice: crowded or overlapping teeth, gaps between the teeth, front top teeth not lining up with the bottom teeth, top front teeth not meeting with bottom teeth, and top front teeth covering more than 50% of the bottom teeth. If you see any misalignment or shifting of the jaw, your child may have a skeletal problem, which may require early orthodontic treatment. These are only some of the obvious symptoms of orthodontic problems. 

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What Are The Benefits Of Early Orthodontic Evaluation?

Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Prudent intervention guides growth and development, preventing serious problems later. When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, an orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment , if needed, when it is ideal. 

Why Should Malocclusions Be Treated? 

According to studies by the American Association of Orthodontists, untreated malocclusions can result in a variety of problems. Crowded teeth are more difficult to properly brush and floss, which may contribute to tooth decay and/or gum disease. Protruding teeth are more susceptible to accidental chipping. Crossbites can result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear. Open bites can result in tongue-thrusting habits and speech impediments. Ultimately, orthodontics does more than make a prett...More

According to studies by the American Association of Orthodontists, untreated malocclusions can result in a variety of problems. Crowded teeth are more difficult to properly brush and floss, which may contribute to tooth decay and/or gum disease. Protruding teeth are more susceptible to accidental chipping. Crossbites can result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear. Open bites can result in tongue-thrusting habits and speech impediments. Ultimately, orthodontics does more than make a pretty smile – it creates a healthier you. 

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Is Orthodontic Treatment Painful?

Orthodontic treatment has improved dramatically. As a rule, adjustments 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 treatments 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. 

Does Everyone Need A Phase I Treatment? 

Not every child needs a Phase I treatment. Only some children with certain bites require early intervention. All others can wait until most, if not all, of their permanent teeth erupt. However, it is still important that every child be evaluated by age seven. 

What Are The Advantages Of Interceptive Treatment? 

Some of the most direct results of interceptive treatment are:

• Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth

• Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth

• Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth

• Preserving space for unerupted teeth

• Reducing the need for tooth removal

• Reducing treatment time with braces 

What Is The Difference Between Extraction And Non-Extraction Therapies?

Each treatment is a way to address crowding of the teeth. Extraction therapy is a technique where one or more permanent teeth are removed to make room for the other teeth in the mouth. This is in contrast to non-extraction therapy where one expands a patient’s jaw and/or adjusts the size and shape of some teeth to make them fit within the jaw. Our office’s treatment philosophy is very conservative, and we do make every effort to avoid extraction. However, for severe crowding and severe jaw discr...More

Each treatment is a way to address crowding of the teeth. Extraction therapy is a technique where one or more permanent teeth are removed to make room for the other teeth in the mouth. This is in contrast to non-extraction therapy where one expands a patient’s jaw and/or adjusts the size and shape of some teeth to make them fit within the jaw. Our office’s treatment philosophy is very conservative, and we do make every effort to avoid extraction. However, for severe crowding and severe jaw discrepancy, the extraction approach may be required. 

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Is Orthodontic Care 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. 

Examples Of Sticky Foods To Avoid: 

  • Gum (sugar-free or regular)

  • Licorice

  • Toffee

  • Tootsie Rolls

  • Caramels

  • Starburst 

Considering Direct-To-Consumer Orthodontic Companies?

What Causes Orthodontic Problems? 

Most malocclusions are inherited, and some are acquired. Inherited problems include crowding of teeth, too much space between teeth, extra teeth, congenitally missing teeth, and a wide range of discrepancies of the jaws, teeth, and face. Acquired problems can be caused by trauma, thumb or finger sucking, airway obstruction by tonsils and adenoids, dental diseases, and premature loss of baby or adult teeth. Many of these problems affect not only the alignment of teeth but also facial development and appearance as well. 

At What Age Should My Child See An Orthodontist?  

Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. Beginning treatment at this time ensures the greatest result and the least amount of time and expense. 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. 

Why Is Age 7 Considered The Optimal Time For Screening? 

By the age of 7, the first adult molars erupt, establishing the back bite. During this time, an orthodontist can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. For example, the presence of erupting incisors can indicate possible overbite, open bite, crowding or gummy smiles. Timely screening increases the chances for an incredible smile. 

Do You Treat Adults? 

We get asked this question a lot. Yes, we treat adults and they are some of our favorite patients! It is never too late to get the smile you've always wanted. About 30% of our patients are adults, with the oldest patient we've treated being 83!

Age is not a factor in considering orthodontic treatment for adults. Any adult in good general health with healthy gums and good bone support for the teeth is a candidate for orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontic treatment at later stages in life can dramatica...More

We get asked this question a lot. Yes, we treat adults and they are some of our favorite patients! It is never too late to get the smile you've always wanted. About 30% of our patients are adults, with the oldest patient we've treated being 83!

Age is not a factor in considering orthodontic treatment for adults. Any adult in good general health with healthy gums and good bone support for the teeth is a candidate for orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontic treatment at later stages in life can dramatically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem. Improving the health of your teeth and gums is equally important. Crooked teeth and a bad bite can contribute to gum and bone loss, tooth decay, abnormal wear of the tooth enamel and surfaces, headaches and jaw joint (TMJ/TMD) pain.

The new techniques and appliances we use greatly reduce discomfort levels, decrease the frequency of visits, shorten treatment time and may allow you to choose from several options.  

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What Is Phase I (Interceptive) And Phase II (Comprehensive) Treatment?

Phase I, or Interceptive Treatment, usually starts while the child has most of his or her baby teeth and a few of his or her permanent front incisors. This stage in development is usually between the ages of seven and nine. The goal of Phase I treatment is to intercept a moderate or severe orthodontic problem early in order to reduce or eliminate it. These problems include skeletal discrepancies, cross bites, and severe crowding.

Phase I treatment takes advantage of the early growth spurt and tur...More

Phase I, or Interceptive Treatment, usually starts while the child has most of his or her baby teeth and a few of his or her permanent front incisors. This stage in development is usually between the ages of seven and nine. The goal of Phase I treatment is to intercept a moderate or severe orthodontic problem early in order to reduce or eliminate it. These problems include skeletal discrepancies, cross bites, and severe crowding.

Phase I treatment takes advantage of the early growth spurt and turns a difficult orthodontic problem into a more manageable one. This often helps reduce the need for extraction or surgery and delivers better long-term stability. Most Phase I patients require a second phase of treatment in order to achieve an ideal final bite.

Phase II, or comprehensive treatment, usually occurs a number of years later. Usually, we are waiting for the remaining permanent teeth to erupt, including second molars, before Phase II begins. This most commonly occurs at the age of 12 or 13. The goal of Phase II treatment is to achieve an ideal bite with all of the permanent teeth. 

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What Is The Duration Of Orthodontic Treatment?

Are we there yet? How much longer? Til I say so! Actually, that is partially the correct answer. Everyone is unique and no case is the same, which is why it is so important to see a board certified orthodontist. Dr. Bailey completed 4 years of dental school and then an additional 2 years in orthodontics focusing on the growth, development, and movement of teeth. There is a science to moving teeth in a very prescribed way. When you come for an exam, he will use a visual exam of the teeth as well ...More

Are we there yet? How much longer? Til I say so! Actually, that is partially the correct answer. Everyone is unique and no case is the same, which is why it is so important to see a board certified orthodontist. Dr. Bailey completed 4 years of dental school and then an additional 2 years in orthodontics focusing on the growth, development, and movement of teeth. There is a science to moving teeth in a very prescribed way. When you come for an exam, he will use a visual exam of the teeth as well as cutting edge technology from our icat 3-d imaging to find the best treatment plan for you as an individual. The average for most individuals is 2 years, but many times, if you are a 5 star ortho patient (meaning doing your part of compliance in the prescribed treatment plan) this time can be lessened to as little as 18 months! So in reality, the time in braces or invisalign is dependant on you and I, working together as a team. 

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What Foods Do I Need To Avoid? 

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. Avoid any liquid but water while wearing your Invisalign aligners. Nail biting, pencil and pen chewing and chewing on foreign objects should be avoided. 

Examples Of Hard Foods To Avoid: 

  • Ice

  • Nuts

  • Hard taco shells

  • French bread crust/rolls

  • Corn on the cob

  • Apples and carrots (unless cut into small pieces)

  • Bagels

  • Chips

  • Jolly Ranchers

  • Pizza crust 

Only Once A Day: 

  • Soda

  • Sweetened tea

  • Gatorade

  • Kool-Aid

  • Drinks with sugar 

Minimize Sugary Foods Like: 

  • Cake

  • Ice Cream

  • Cookies

  • Pie

  • Candy

No Liquids, Except Water, While Wearing Invisalign Aligners