Thank You for a Great 2019

2019 was a fantastic year at Hinesly Orthodontics! Our goal is to enhance the quality of life for those who come to us for their orthodontic health care. We are committed to achieving excellence in our orthodontic treatment and to creating an environment that is open, comfortable and friendly. When our patients leave the office, we want them to feel better about themselves. We dedicate our time, talents and energy to this purpose.

We are so thankful for our fantastic communities of Ann Arbor and Tecumseh and all the wonderful people in our communities. We have seen countless smiles this year through both of our offices in Ann Arbor and Tecumseh and look forward to a new year of new smiles transformed.

Holiday Treats that are not Braces Friendly

The holidays are here and whether you are cozying up with hot chocolate or baking cookies, you may be wondering if there are any types of treats you should steer clear from, especially if you have braces. The answer is yes! Here are a few holiday treats that are not braces-friendly.  

• Candy Canes
• Fudge
• Popcorn 
• Peanut Brittle 
• Anything with nuts or crunchy crusts
• Caramel - avoid this sticky treat that can easily get caught up in your braces

Avoid these sweet holiday treats that are not braces-friendly 🎄😄. pic.twitter.com/V1Cb5OQ62T

— Dr James A Hinesly (@smilefast) December 11, 2019

Avoid Candy Canes this Holiday Season

The holidays are just around the corner and Christmas is less than a month away! No holiday season in Ann Arbor is complete without all the holiday treats! One of those treats to stay away from is candy canes. Whether you love them or don’t, candy canes are everywhere during the holidays. However you feel about candy canes, if you have braces, you may want to avoid candy canes this holiday season. 

Candy canes are one of the worst foods for teeth. Candy canes are 100% sugar. Sugar can lead to cavities, tooth decay, and loss. Candy canes are also one of the hardest treats to eat. One of the types of foods you should stay away from if you have braces (during orthodontic treatment) are hard foods and candies and candy canes fit the criteria perfectly. 

Candy canes also take a while to eat, which gives the sugar a reason to linger around longer and form into bacteria, leading to cavities. Here are other treats to stay away from this holiday season that is harmful to our teeth. 

4 Thanksgiving Foods to Avoid

Thanksgiving is a great time for family, reflecting on what we are thankful for and of course, celebrating around food. Our goal is to enhance the quality of life for those who come to us for their orthodontic health care. Whether it is braces, Invisalign or preventive care, you should always take care of your smile.

If you have braces, there are a few foods you may want to stay away from during Thanksgiving.

1. Uncooked Vegetables - uncooked vegetables, in their raw form are too hard to bite and chew and may damage braces. Instead, cook or steam your vegetables, which will be much softer for your teeth.

2. Corn on the Cob - on the cob, corn can do some damage to braces, but there is no problem if it is cut off. Just be sure to floss, so it does not get stuck to your teeth.

3. Nuts - nuts is an obvious food to avoid because it can damage brackets and cause wires to come loose. Watch out for nuts, often found in pies and other desserts.

4. Caramel - caramel is another obvious dessert to stay away from on Thanksgiving (and beyond during the holidays). It is sticky and can get easily stuck to your braces.

Hinesly Orthodontics Celebrates 25 Years

We are celebrating 25 years at Hinesly Orthodontics! In 25 years, we have seen a lot of amazing smiles transformed in our communities of Ann Arbor and Tecumseh. We have hosted countless events, given tours to classrooms and have seen many smiles shine before, during and after orthodontic treatment.

For 25 years, we have combined art, science and expertise to provide the highest level of orthodontic care possible. We value our communities' trust and confidence and will work to exceed expectations.

For 25 years, we have been committed to delivering the most beautiful smiles and we are confident that you will receive orthodontic care that will truly make a difference in your life.

Band-it Contest Winners

Drum roll!! 🥁 Announcing Hinesly Orthodontics Band-it contest winners 🤩😃

Find Band-it and Celebrating 25 Years

We have released all of our clue's on our website! Participate in finding Band-It all around town We have some incredible prizes to giveaway real soon. All of our clues for our scavenger hunt have been released. We are releasing 25 clues for 25 days, asking our Ann Arbor and Tecumseh communities to find Band-it.

You will receive 1 point for each correct location submitted to our office between September 2nd and September 26th.

First place winner will receive 4 football tickets to the U of M vs. Michigan State game on Nov. 16th.  2nd & 3rd place winners will also receive amazing prizes.

Contest begins Monday, September 2nd. Everyone is eligible to play. Winners will be announced Monday, September 30th.

Celebrating 25 Years: Scavenger Hunt

We are celebrating 25 years of Hinesly Orthodontics in a big fun way. We are releasing 25 clues for 25 days, asking our Ann Arbor and Tecumseh communities to find Band-it.

Visit our website every day to receive a new clue. Once you figure out Band-it's location, submit your guess to our office between September 2nd and September 26th via email at julie@hineslyorthodontics.com.

You will receive 1 point for each correct location submitted to our office between September 2nd and September 26th.

First place winner will receive 4 football tickets to the U of M vs. Michigan State game on Nov. 16th.  2nd & 3rd place winners will also receive amazing prizes.

Contest begins Monday, September 2nd. Everyone is eligible to play. Winners will be announced Monday, September 30th.

Taking Care of Your Invisalign Aligners

Did you know over 6 million people across the U.S. have had orthodontic treatment using Invisalign? That includes many right here in our Ann Arbor and Tecumseh, including our surrounding communities.

Invisalign takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using a custom-made series of aligners created for you and only you. These aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible plastic that you wear over your teeth. Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place, based on the exact movements that Dr. Hinesly plans out for you.

It is important that your take care of your invisalign aligners to ensure they are being their best in helping shape your teeth with according to your plan.
Because invisalign trays are easily removable, cleaning them should be part of your routine. Brushing your teeth after every meal or snack is essential so food and plaque do not get trapped in the aligners, which could lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

You can keep your aligners clean, by brushing them and then rinsing them with lukewarm water.

Also, please keep in mind that while wearing clear aligners is very different from wearing braces, the importance of retaining your post-treatment results is exactly the same.

Thankful Thursday: Patient Appreciation

Thank you to all of the incredible members of our communities in Ann Arbor and Tecumseh. We are so thankful for everyone who takes the time to leave us a review.

Crossbite and Invisalign in Ann Arbor

Invisalign is preferred by many teens and adults who wish to receive orthodontic treatment with as little interruption in their everyday life. Invisalign treatment is a technique that straightens your teeth without braces, using a series of clear, removable aligners that are custom-modeled to fit your teeth. The virtually invisible aligners gradually reposition your teeth into a smile of which you will be proud. “Over 6 million people, including more than 1.4 million teens, have used Invisalign clear aligners to transform their smiles,” according to Invisalign.

Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign has no metal bands or wires to trap food and plaque. Maintaining a good oral hygiene program will also reduce chances of plaque buildup, tooth decay and periodontal disease.

Of course most patients choose Invisalign because of the clear, clean look and overall aesthetic. However an effective treatment for a crossbite is Invisalign.

A crossbite happens when some upper teeth sit inside lower teeth rather than outside. A crossbite can cause your teeth to chip and wear down and even cause gums to recede. It can also cause difficulties speaking and chewing. A crossbite may also make it difficult for your teeth to be clean. Invisalign can be used to move incorrectly positioned teeth into the right place and treat a crossbite.

3 Common Questions in Orthodontics

Our philosophy at Hinesly Orthodontics is combining art, science and expertise to provide the highest level of orthodontic care possible. We value your trust and confidence and will work to exceed your expectations. Our goal is to make our patients as comfortable as possible during their appointment. A friendly reminder.

Why do you need braces if teeth are straight but bite is off?
Orthodontics isn't only for pretty teeth. A good healthy bite helps eliminate other health problems in later years. It also helps save teeth from premature wear.

How long do I have to wear my retainers?
Typically retention is based on how long the patient was in treatment. Remember, retention is a lifetime endeavor. You are going to love your smile.

Do I continue to see my Dentist for regular visits during Orthodontics Treatment?
Yes, you should continue to visit your dentist every 6 months for teeth cleaning and regular checkups.

2 Common Bites in Orthodontics

Our smiles are uniquely ours. However so is our bite. “In orthodontics, “bite” refers to the way the upper and lower teeth come together. A bad bite, called a “malocclusion,” happens when teeth meet improperly, or they don’t meet at all,” according to the American Association of Orthodontist.

There are various bites that affect how we speak, eat and our overall mouth. Two common bites, orthodontic treatment can fix is a crossbite and underbite.

A crossbite occurs when the upper teeth fit inside of lower teeth. Can be caused by misalignment of teeth or a misalignment of the bone; can affect a single tooth or groups of teeth. Your jaw may shift to one side if not corrected and wears down on your tooth enamel.

An underbite happens when the lower jaw sits in front of the upper jaw. An underbite impacts tooth wear and adds a stress on your jaw joints. Through orthodontic treatment, these bites can be corrected and help keep you healthy, beyond an aesthetically pleasing smile.

Dr. Hinesly is a Roth Williams-trained orthodontist. The Roth orthodontist is one who has taken a special advanced course, in addition to the three-year graduate program after dental school. Graduates of this course have been trained on how to correct the bite as well as align the teeth to achieve a healthy, functional, attractive smile.

At Hinesly Orthodontics, we are committed to delivering the most beautiful smiles and we are confident that you will receive orthodontic care that will truly make a difference in your life. Request a free consultation today online. 

3 Summer Health Tips for Your Smile

Summer is officially here! That means summer vacation, kids are at home and some free time for your family. Summer is the perfect time to schedule orthodontic appointments or to begin treatment. Summer can also be a hard time to keep up with oral hygiene routines. According to a nationwide survey by Delta Dental, nearly 30% of parents say summer vacation is the most difficult time to get their children to keep up good oral health.

Here are three tips to help keep your smile and teeth healthy all summer long.

Replace Your Toothbrush - Toothbrushes should be replaced every 3-4 months, so summer is the perfect opportunity to get a new one. A new toothbrush will help you ensure your teeth are being brushed and cleaned properly.

Stock Healthy Snacks - With kids at home and some free time, sugary treats are bound to end up in our diet. Stay ahead of the curve and stock some healthy snacks such as fruits and vegetables already cut up and within reach. Additionally, avoid sugary drinks such as soda, lemonade and sports drinks which can damage your teeth.

Travel Set: Grab a travel size toothbrush, toothpaste and floss to keep handy for vacations, slumber parties and day trips.

At Hinesly Orthodontics, we are committed to delivering the most beautiful smiles and we are confident that you will receive orthodontic care that will truly make a difference in your life. Our goal is to enhance the quality of life for those who come to us for their orthodontic health care.

A Comfortable Experience

Our goal is to make our patients as comfortable as possible during their appointment. A friendly reminder.

We now have weighted blankets, noise canceling headphones and fidget cubes for our more anxious patients to feel more comfortable. If you believe your child would benefit from any of these, please don’t hesitate to ask during your appointment.

Invisalign Treatment: Over Bite

Invisalign at Hineslty Orthodontics is all about the patient. As one of the best places for Invisalign treatment in Ann Arbor, invisalign takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using a custom-made series of aligners created for you and only you. These aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible plastic that you wear over your teeth. Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place, based on the exact movements that Dr. Hinesly plans out for you.

Invisalign is able to treat a variety of bites, including an overbite. An overbite is when your upper front teeth overlap with your lower front teeth. Most people have at least a little overbite. Like any other uncommon bite, it can have an affect on your speech, the way you eat food and can cause unnecessary wear and tear on your jaw and teeth.

This is how an overbite is transformed over time using clear aligners.

Based upon our treatment plan, customized Aligners will be constructed for each individual situation. Full treatment averages 6-15 months. Call today for your complimentary orthodontic evaluation and see how easy and convenient Invisalign can be for you!

When Should I wear a Mouth Guard?

April is National Facial Protection Month! National Facial Protection Month serves as a reminder over the importance of wearing mouth guards during sports, protecting your beautiful smile.

67% of parents surveyed by the American Association of Orthodontists said their child does not wear a mouth guard, yet 70% said their biggest fear is their child getting hurt when playing sports. The most effective way to protect your childs teeth and prevent injuries is to wear a mouthguard.

About 80% of traumatic dental injuries occur to the two front teeth. Injuries can happen at any age and any skill level. So when should you wear a mouth guard? Here are just a few.

• Basketball
• Baseball
• Football
• Soccer
• Skiing
• Rugby 

Our philosophy at Hinesly Orthodontics is combining art, science and expertise to provide the highest level of orthodontic care possible. We value your trust and confidence and will work to exceed your expectations.

Facial Protection Month: Types of Mouth Guards

Did you know from the ages of 7 to 11 years old, children are most vulnerable to sports related mouth injuries? The importance of protecting our smile should be stressed enough and should remind our friends and community how easy it is to protect our teeth.

Wearing a mouthguard is the safest way to protect your teeth while playing sports or just enjoying sports related activities. Athletes are 60 times more likely to suffer a teeth related injury if they’re not wearing a mouth guard.

Here are the three types of mouth guards you can wear, especially if you are currently in orthodontic treatment.

• Custom fitted mouth guards - these are made by your dentist and can be molded to fit your smile perfectly 

• Stock mouth guards - these type of mouth guards are  performed and may be a bit bulky

• Boil and bite mouth guards - are mouth guards that are softened by boiling water and then insert your mouth, to form to the shape of your mouth. 

The Importance of Retainers

Congratulations! You are near the end of your smile journey and your braces are about to be off! Nothing like that feeling. Even long after our braces are off, teeth shift and it is natural as we grow older. There is one thing you can do to ensure your smile remains the best it can be and that is wearing retainers.

No matter your situation, it’s almost a guarantee you will be wearing some form of a retainer after having your braces are removed. It might be removable retainer, which is removed for eating and cleaning or a bonded retainer, placed discreetly behind your teeth.

There might be a minor adjustment period when you first put your retainer on. Don’t worry, this is completely normal and will pass soon enough.

Retainers are essential for helping your teeth stay in place in their new positions after wearing braces.

2 Habits for a Brighter Smile in 2019

We are still very well into a new year and love all the growth and changes we are seeing into our patients smiles! We love the new year, because it is an opportunity for growth and positive change. At Hinesly Orthodontics, we want to ensure you incorporate healthy habits and take care of your oral health. Here are 2 habits you should implement to ensure you’re smiling brighter this year.

#1) Switch Toothbrush: Switching your toothbrush is a big step, most people disregard. Replacing your toothbrush can have a valuable impact. The Academy of Dental Association, recommends switching out your toothbrush every 3-4 months for health reasons and because the bristles can become too stiff, which can be too hard for your teeth and enamel. This simple step will keep your mouth and teeth feeling healthy.

#2) Pledge to Floss More: Your smile is what makes you, YOU! This year, pledge to floss more. It’s never too late to begin flossing.

Invisalign - Over and Under Bite

Did you know Dr. Hinesly is an Invisalign Platinum Provider? This is perfect for anyone who is searching to improve their smile in the Ann Arbor and Tecumseh communities. Invisalign takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, giving you a beautiful smile. Using a custom-made series of aligners created for you and only you, Invisalign, aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible plastic that you wear over your teeth. Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place, based on the exact movements that Dr. Hinesly plans out for you.

Invisalign can help treat abnormal bites such as overbites and underbites. An underbite is when you close your mouth and your lower front teeth are in front of your upper teeth. In many cases, this is actually a problem with your lower jaw being too far forward. An underbite can make it hard for one to chew properly and speak clearly.

An Overbite is when your upper front teeth overlap with your lower front teeth. Most people have at least a little overbite. However this can cause problems, from your teeth wearing down to pain in your jaw, if your overbite is too deep.



Based upon our treatment plan, customized Aligners will be constructed for each individual situation. Full treatment averages 6-15 months. Call or schedule for your complimentary orthodontic evaluation at our Ann Arbor or Tecumseh communities, and see how easy and convenient Invisalign can be for you!

New Technology at Hinesly Orthodontics

Happy New Year!

We hope everyone had a fantastic new year with their loved ones, friends and family. We are beginning the new year at Hinesly Orthodontics with a few updates in our offices in both Ann Arbor and Tecumseh locations. Our philosophy at Hinesly Orthodontics is combining art, science and expertise to provide the highest level of orthodontic care possible. We value your trust and confidence and will work to exceed your expectations.

Check out our new 3D printers.

Best of Elf on the Shelf

It has been another fantastic holiday season here at Hinesly Orthodontics. We hope our Ann Arbor and Tecumseh communities had a wonderful holiday season with their families, friends and loved ones. Here are a few more of our final Elf on the Shelf contest entries.