My Braces are Giving Me Bad Breath

Photo provided by thehealthsite.com

After getting braces, new patients may develop bad breath from not cleaning their teeth properly. Simply doing a quick job brushing your teeth is not enough to keep your teeth in great shape, especially when you wear braces. Bacteria feeds on food particles leftover after you eat, and this sneaky bacterium creates an unpleasant odor.

We certainly understand bad breath can be uncomfortable to talk about, but it happens to most of us. The important thing to do if you’re experiencing bad breath (or know someone who is) is to determine the root of the problem. The most common factor for bad breath our patients is almost typically caused by poor oral hygiene.  It's important to brush immediately after every meal or snack or at least rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash if you aren’t able to brush. Bad breath-causing odors and bacteria can also cling to removable orthodontics (like a retainer or clear aligners), so be sure to remove them before eating, even if you're only having a snack.

If you need a new tips to keep your Hinesly Orthodontics smile looking it's best, please ask at your next appointment! We're here to help!

The Benefits of Braces

Photo provided by 3m.com

Our dedication to providing extraordinary personal service with compassion and consideration to the unique needs of each of our patients is our top priority. We feel open communication is extremely important in creating a positive environment for our patients and ensuring a successful treatment outcome. Here at Hinesly Orthodontics, we consider dental health to be an integral part of overall good health. We believe that good dental health can instill a sense of well-being, provide a lifelong smile, and promote good overall health.

To that note, let’s talk about the truth about our teeth. Our bone and gum tissues are supported by our teeth. If this support is lost or is poorly aligned, then our bone and gums can begin to erode. If the teeth are properly aligned the bone and gums are less likely to erode.

Your teeth play an important role in digestion. Before your food ever enters your stomach, it has to be chewed by your teeth. This process is called mastication. The food has to be partially broken down before entering your stomach to be properly digested. Braces straighten your teeth and give you the alignment you need to properly chew your food. 

If you are concerned about your alignment, or simply have questions on how to improve your dental health, let’s talk! Our caring team takes pride in providing exceptional care to patients of all ages. 

Thanksgiving Countdown!

It seems like the month of November has really flown by! Thanksgiving is just a week away and we’re all looking forward to time with family and friends – not to mention all of the delicious food! While some holidays spotlight foods that might traditionally be a challenge to manage when you have braces, Thanksgiving is typically filled with foods that are braces approved!

If you’re looking to add a new side dish or two to your Thanksgiving table this year, we’ve found two contenders that will not only look spectacular but might also become a new favorite for your family. Both of these would be perfect to bring to a potluck meal since they can both be assembled in advance and each takes less than 30 minutes to heat.  

Maple Cranberry Sweet Potatoes

• 4 lbs. sweet potatoes
• 1 cup maple syrup
• 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries
• 3 tbsp. butter
• 1 ½ tsp. salt

Place whole sweet potatoes in a large pot with just enough water to cover and one teaspoon of salt. Heat to a rapid boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer covered about 30 minutes or just until potatoes are fork-tender. Drain. Set aside until cool enough to handle.

Meanwhile, in a saucepan, heat maple syrup to boiling on high. Reduce heat to medium, and boil gently for 10 to 15 minutes or until reduced to 1/2 cup. Stir in cranberries, butter, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook just until cranberries pop, typically about 5 minutes.

When ready to bake:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut cooled sweet potatoes into 1-inch-thick slices and arrange in shallow 3-quart ceramic or glass baking dish, overlapping slices if necessary. Spoon maple-cranberry syrup evenly over potatoes and bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until hot.

Green Bean Cheddar Casserole

• 3 lbs. green beans
• 2 cups stale bread
• 3 tbsp. olive oil
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 3 tbsp. cornstarch
• 2 ½ cups milk
• ¼ tsp. nutmeg
• 1 cup cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
• Salt & Pepper to taste

Bring a large saucepot of salted water to boil. Add green beans to the boiling water and cook for 2 minutes. Drain well and set aside.

In a food processor, pulse bread into coarse crumbs. Transfer to a bowl and add olive oil and sliced green onions. Toss to combine and set aside.

In a saucepan, whisk cornstarch and 1/2 cup milk until all cornstarch is dissolved. Add nutmeg and a little salt and pepper. Heat slowly over medium heat, and slowly whisk in remaining 2 cups of milk. Allow sauce to boil for 2 minutes, keep whisking! Reduce heat to low, and add in cheeses one handful at a time, waiting until cheese melts before adding the next handful. Once all cheese has been added and the sauce is smooth, remove from heat. Toss with green beans until well coated with sauce. Transfer mixture to a 3-quart baking dish until ready to bake.

When ready to bake:

Sprinkle reserved breadcrumb mixture over green beans. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until breadcrumbs are golden brown.

Recipe Swaps:

·         To save time, purchase fresh green beans in a microwaveable bag and skip the boiling all together!

·         Use your favorite store-bought breadcrumbs to save additional time in lieu of making them yourself. Panko breadcrumbs are also an excellent substitution, adding even more crunch to the topping of this dish.

We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving! All of us at Hinesly Orthodontics are thankful for each and every patient we’ve had the pleasure of serving. Now, what are you going to make with all of the leftovers?

Out With The Old & In With The New

With cold and flu season starting, germs seem to be lurking everywhere! While it’s difficult to avoid catching the office cold or flu bug, you can help keep your number one oral hygiene accessory in great shape by replacing your toothbrush regularly. Toothbrushes help keep your teeth and mouth clean, but how long should you a keep a toothbrush? It is recommended that you switch out that old toothbrush for a fresh new one every 3 to 4 months, and directly after any cold or flu. Replacing your toothbrush is essential since they are constantly being exposed to germs and bacteria. If you notice the bristles of your toothbrush have become worn, that is a clear sign that you need a new toothbrush. People who wear braces will likely need to replace their toothbrushes frequently, as braces break down and fracture bristles which makes the toothbrush lose its effectiveness.

It's helpful to keep a pack of toothbrushes available in the house at all times for easy replacement. You may be thinking "My toothbrush is fine, I have it broken in just the way I like it”. While that could be true, did you know that your old toothbrush could actually be harming your mouth?

3 Reasons to Change Out Your Old Toothbrush

1.     Bacteria - Your toothbrush is a tool for removing bacteria from your teeth…but it doesn’t actually kill bacteria. Some of the bacteria from your teeth stay on your toothbrush after you are done brushing. Now, this isn’t a problem initially, but imagine three to four months of bacteria build up on your toothbrush. That old bacteria ridden toothbrush is in your mouth at least twice a day…yuck.

2.     Bristles - Like any tool, a toothbrush wears down. Worn bristles are tough on your enamel and can wear it away over time. Not only that… an old, worn toothbrush can be up to 95 percent less effective at removing plaque.

3.     Illness - Always change your toothbrush after you’ve been sick, even if it’s not “technically” time to switch out your toothbrush. Do we need to say it again? Germs and bacteria in your mouth twice a day, every day.

If you feel like changing your toothbrush every three months is wasteful, we’ve got a solution! Put that old toothbrush to work doing odd jobs around the house. Old toothbrushes are great for cleaning around facet fixtures and tile grout. They can even be used to clean tools, computer keyboards, and tennis shoes! Make sure to mark your calendar as a reminder to replace your toothbrush at least every 3 to 4 months. If you need a few tips on keeping your smile in tip-top shape, make sure to ask during your next appointment at Hinesly Orthodontics. 

Four Flavorful Fall Smoothies

With Fall in full swing and with it the hectic holidays just a step further down the road, we thought we’d put together a list of a few fall-themed smoothies that can serve as a great (and easy!) breakfast or after school snack.

Pumpkin Banana Smoothie
If you’re a pumpkin fan, this smoothie is for you! While pumpkin is a trendy item, especially this time of year, what you might not know is pumpkin has both fiber and protein which makes for a healthy and filling smoothie.

• 2 tablespoons canned pure pumpkin
• 5 tablespoons milk
• 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
• 1 banana, frozen
• ½ teaspoon honey
• ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
• pinch of nutmeg
• ¼ cup ice

Helpful tip: If you’re finding that you have several over ripened bananas that you aren’t able to eat in time, toss them in a freezer bag! Frozen bananas are the perfect addition to smoothies and help make preparation even easier for those hectic weekday mornings. 

Cranberry, Pear, & Orange Smoothie
That’s quite a mouthful, and trust us, you’ll love this nutrient-packed smoothie!  It chocked full of filling fiber from the pear, Vitamin C from the orange, and antioxidants from the cranberries. If you’re using whole cranberries for the first time, this smoothie might be a bit tart! Add a bit of extra honey to tone down the tart zing.

• ¾ cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1 pear, core removed & chopped
• 1 small orange
• ½ cup low-fat plain yogurt (or Greek yogurt)
• 1 teaspoon honey

Feeling adventurous? Add in any of the items below to give this smoothie even MORE flavor!

• A handful of fresh spinach
• A frozen or fresh banana
• A few frozen strawberries, blueberries, mango, or pineapple
• 1 teaspoon of chia seeds

Caramel Apple Smoothie
This smoothie is a great alternative to the traditional sticky treat and delivers all of the delicious flavor! Smoothie staples Greek yogurt and almond milk add filling protein and frozen banana adds plenty of sweetness.

• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 frozen banana
• ½ cup vanilla Greek yogurt
• ½ cup applesauce
• ¼  tsp caramel extract
• Caramel sauce & cinnamon for topping

Recipe swap: This recipe is very adaptable - the trick is to use what you have! Experiment with different types of milk and yogurt. If you don’t have caramel extract on hand, add a bit of caramel sauce right to the blender! Many of the applesauce pouches that are so popular with kids come in fun flavors too. The options are endless, have some fun with it!

Green Monster Smoothie
When you are ready to move on from using spinach in your green smoothies, Swiss chard is a great next step. Swiss chard has a delicate flavor and softer leaves that blend well in most blenders. It is actually in the same family (amaranthaceae) as spinach and beets!

• 2-3 cups Swiss chard, destemmed and roughly chopped
• 2-3 ripe bananas, fresh or frozen
• 1 tart green apple, chopped
• 1 medium whole grapefruit, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup white cranberry juice or water
• 2 cups ice

This recipe makes plenty, so freeze individual portions for those extra hectic mornings!

Loose Wires and Broken Brackets

Photo provided by oralb.com

We know even despite your best efforts, the wires and bands on your braces may come loose. If this happens, please contact Hinesly Orthodontics as soon as possible so that we can check and repair your appliance. If any piece of your appliance comes off, be sure to save it and bring it to the office with you.

In an emergency, you can temporarily fix the loose wire by using the back of a spoon or the eraser end of a pencil to carefully and gently push the wire back into place. If the loose wire is causing irritation to your lips or cheeks, put wax or a wet cotton ball over the broken wire to relieve the pain until your appointment.

Don't hesitate to reach out to us at in our Ann Arbor office at (734) 769-7600 or our Tecumseh office at (517) 423-6300 immediately if you experience any issue with your braces. 

We’ve All Suffered From Pizza Burn, Right?

According to Gallop Poll, approximately 3 billion pizzas are sold in the US every year, and we consume about 251,777,000 pounds of pizza per year. If you’ve done your fair share of eating some of the 3 billion pizzas sold nationwide, then chances are you’ve also had your time of suffering from pizza burn. Pizza burn can happen in that micro second it takes to indulge in your first bite of that hot, cheesy, saucy pizza that you just could not wait to bite into. Though burns may be a little out of the orthodontists’ league, we wanted to take a second anyway and give you some helpful tips to get you through the pizza burn pain. When it comes to your mouth, Hinesly Orthodontics has you covered.

So whether it is a pizza burn, or another hot food you should have waited on before biting into, chances are you’ve burned your mouth before. There are several symptoms that can occur with this unfortunate mishap, from tears in the roof of your mouth to blisters. Check out these important steps to take to soothe your mouth next time you have this accident, and help it heal correctly.

Applying or sucking on ice can relieve the stinging. Gargling cold water or eating ice cream are other options.

An over-the-counter pain reliever can help, if the pain is really distracting.

Squeezing Vitamin E from a capsule over the wound can speed up healing. It will regenerate new tissue and heal the wound.

Resist touching the burned area. This may be difficult, but by touching the affected area, the lesion may become irritated further.

Drinking milk can coat the scorched area.

Avoid acidic, crunchy, and other hot foods, or even very salty and spicy dressings. This will stop the burn from getting irritated further.

Maintain good oral hygiene while your mouth is burnt, keeping it as clean as possible to promote healing and prevent further infection.

Make sure you allow your burn to heal; it usually takes about a week for soreness and blistering to pass. Also, let us know if you have any home remedies that we didn’t list, or any interesting stories about a time you burned your mouth. Leave a comment or post it on our Facebook wall! Also, check out this video we found with more helpful tips for fighting pizza burn!

Back To School With Braces

Caring for braces especially for students in school can be quiet hectic due to the restrictive devotions to maintain the braces and for this reason, Hinesly Orthodontics has decided to put up an article which will make caring for orthodontic braces easy in school. As a student who just had an orthodontic treatment, you should be rest assured that it is the best that can happen to give you the perfect smile again but the care for your teeth and gums help make it very effective. Take a look at your new braces, you can notice a lot of nooks and crannies that can trap food and plaque and that means a great risk of tooth decay is imminent if not properly cared for, therefore you need to pay special attention to cleaning your teeth. This might look hectic but right here the team of Hinesly Orthodontics has a few great tips to keep your braces in top condition.

1. WATCH YOUR DIET

As an orthodontic patient with braces, it is very important for you to select your diet with caution. We know that there are several foods in school which tastes great but don't look great in your braces. Certain foods can either break a bracket or some foods are sugary and can have negative effects on the natural ability to brush behind the bracket. Be sure to make decisions on foods based on what is healthy, tasty, and won't harm your brackets.

Food to avoid: As an orthodontic patient we would advise that you desist from:

• Sticky or gooey foods 
• Hard foods
• Sugary foods
• Acidic drinks 

2. WEAR A MOUTHGUARD
With braces on your teeth, you might be wondering if you should desist from sports or retire from being the captain of your favorite sports team, but the truth is orthodontics does not affect your ability to play sports. You can keep on with your braces and sports if and only if you have your mouth guard on. Mouth guards are safety measures that can mean the difference between just a bruised, fat lips and thousands spent in orthodontics repair work. While you are in any kind of physical activity (including gym classes), it is advisable that you wear a mouth guard which can protect your teeth and braces from flying sports balls, swinging elbows or an accidental fall or hit.

3. BRUSH AND FLOSS REGULARLY
Braces can easily trap food, and this trapped food can lead to other inimical dental problems. Because of this, it is very important to brush your teeth after every meal and to floss at least once a day.

4. DON'T CHEW ON PENCILS
Pencils, pen, and rulers are all hard objects and most times when you get bored, anxious or plainly destructive you are tempted to chew on them in class. Obviously, this can be destructive in the moment and can be grossly inimical over time. It is important that you don't practice these habits while wearing braces.

We know that maintaining braces in school is can be tough. That is why we ensure to give you the best plans of action to help you out.

For more questions and inquiries that you may have, we are always at your service. You can always contact Hinesly Orthodontics.

There's No Age Limit On A Beautiful and Healthy Smile

Don't let age stop you from having the straight teeth you've always dreamed of. Braces aren't just for kids anymore. Parents are still making regular trips to the orthodontist's office, but these days more and more are leaving their kids in the waiting room.

As you age, your teeth break down. Unfortunately, it's one of the most visible signs of aging. As teeth wear, the lower and the upper jaw move closer together. Shortening of your teeth causes your lips to change, creases to form on the sides of your nose and mouth, a deep crease develops between your chin and lower lip and jowls develop on the sides of your jaw. Crooked teeth and a bad bite can also contribute to gum and bone loss, tooth decay and abnormal wear of the tooth enamel.

Orthodontic treatment at later stages in life can dramatically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem. Numerous technological advances have made braces less noticeable, less painful and even less time-consuming.

As America's baby boomers have become more health conscious, they're rejecting the notion that loosing teeth and dentures are a routine part of growing older. These days people are exercising more and eating healthier and braces are another way of demonstrating that you care about yourself and your overall health. Some adults shy away from braces because they want to avoid having a mouth full of metal. Fortunately, with the advancement of technology we have also advanced our treatment options.

Options for adult braces include:

Traditional metal braces

"Clear" ceramic braces

Ceramic braces are similar to traditional braces, but their brackets are made of tooth-colored

porcelain, and so only the connecting wires are visible.

Lingual braces

These braces are attached to the back of the teeth, facing the tongue. Though you cannot see lingual braces, they can be irritating to the tongue and may be more difficult for your orthodontist to adjust.

Clear aligners

Clear aligners are custom-fitted, removable appliances that are placed over your teeth. The major advantages are that aligners are essentially invisible and are easier to clean than braces because they can be removed during eating. You will wear each set of aligners for about two weeks, and then put on a new pair to further adjust your teeth. 

                

Don't let you age be the reason you pursue a healthy and beautiful smile. Contact us today for a consultation to find out what treatment options may be best for you. 

Benefits Of A Beautiful Smile

Everyone wants a naturally aligned and beautiful smile, and it is no secret that orthodontic braces or clear aligner therapy can help deliver one. There are greater benefits to wearing braces than just having straight teeth. You will gain many oral benefits in addition to cosmetic ones.

Oral Health: Crooked and/or crowded teeth often overlap each other making it difficult to keep those tight spaces clean.  Brushing and flossing become more difficult allowing bacteria and plaque to build up.  This can eventually lead to periodontal disease and decay. With orthodontic treatment your teeth will become properly aligned which will allow more effective brushing.

Speech Impediments: The position of you teeth play a role in speech.  When the dentition is out of alignment, either the teeth are too far out or pushed back too far, this can affect speaking patterns and possibly cause embarrassment and frustration.  Orthodontic treatment can readjust the positioning of the teeth to allow for clearer and more professional speech.

TMJ prevention: TMJ (Temporomanibular Joint) can be prevented by receiving braces as orthodontic treatment. TMJ can occur from stress on the jaw joint in people that have an incorrect bit pattern or misalignment of the bite. Teeth that have been aligned by braces also have a better bite pattern and this helps with chewing.

Our goal is to the enhance the quality of life for those who come to us for their orthodontic health care. If you have any questions regarding braces as orthodontic treatment feel free to contact us today.

Hinesly Orthodontics 

Tecumseh Office 

126 Herrick Park Dr.

Tecumseh, MI 49286

(517) 423-6300 office

Ann Arbor Office

2433 Oak Valley Dr., Ste. 200

Ann Arbor, MI 48103

(734) 769-7600 office

Dentist vs Orthodontist

Recently there has been a lack of understanding about who should be providing your orthodontic care. Most patients contemplate on whether they should seek treatment for braces or clear aligners from their general family dentist, or a certified orthodontic specialist. Making the decision to get orthodontic treatment is an important one that will affect your dental health for a lifetime, so it’s important that consumers are informed of the significant differences in care between a certified orthodontist and a general dentist.

In reality, just like not all doctors are the same, the same fact is true when it comes to dentistry. Did you know that all orthodontists are dentists, but only 7% of dentists are orthodontist? This is determined by training, as all general dentists complete 8,000 hours of dental training for their dental degrees, orthodontists start with this same training and continue on with over 4,000-6,000 hours in an accredited residency program to learn orthodontic basics. A general dentist is wonderful for routine dental work, but the scope of their practice is preventive, cosmetic, and restorative. Orthodontists, on the other hand, are trained specialist and have the expertise in smile and facial aesthetics, jaw function, facial growth and development, tooth movement, alignment of teeth and jaws, and straightening of teeth. Thus, orthodontists have the best experience, judgement, and certifications to give the best orthodontic treatment for all patients with braces.

You will notice today several general dentists are advertising orthodontic care such as Invisalign, as well as offering special discounts for these treatments. We urge you to recognize that these general dentists are not orthodontic specialists recognized by the American Dental Association.

At Hinesly Orthodontics we understand that your smile is priceless and want you to be confident in knowing that our orthodontic office is the clear choice for braces.

Instances Where Clear Aligners Aren't The Answer

Below, Dr. Hinesly and the Hinesly Orthodontics team cover some of the instances where clear aligners just aren't the answer.

• If you're looking for the fastest treatment possible – Clear aligners usually can't move teeth as quickly as fixed appliances. So if you're looking for the fastest way to achieve your desired result, clear aligners may not be the best bet.
• If you need to move molars – Molars have much stronger roots than your other teeth and would require significantly longer to move with clear aligners. A fixed appliance is the best choice in this instance, especially if you have a substantial overbite or underbite that needs to be dealt with.
• If you're the type who often forgets or loses things –If you would forget to wear your aligners for the prescribed amount of time (usually at least 22 hours per day), clear aligners are probably not the best choice for you. Forgetting to wear them can delay treatment and even make it so you need to regress to the previous set of aligners to be able to move forward with treatment. Also, losing aligners delays treatment and is expensive since you need to buy replacements to stay on course. Replacing a lost set of aligners usually takes between seven and ten days.
• If drastic tooth movement is required – Fixed appliances deliver much more significant tooth movement. So if your case is a drastic one, clear aligners may not be the best choice.

Feel free to talk with Dr. Hinesly about your options regarding braces and clear aligners. We know there are pros and cons to both, so let’s find the option that works best for your life and for your specific needs in terms of treatment.

EASY MICROWAVE RECIPE | Low Carb Cinnamon Roll Mug Cake

Try this super fluffy and moist cinnamon roll inspired mug cake which packs a protein punch and is low carb. It’s also ready in under a minute and completely braces friendly!

Ingredients

• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (32-34 grams)
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 T coconut flour
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 T granulated sweetener of choice
• 1 large egg OR 1/4 cup liquid egg whites (see notes for Vegan option)
• 1/4 cup milk of choice (I used unsweetened almond)
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

For the glaze (optional)

• 1 T coconut butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp milk of choice
• pinch cinnamon

Directions:

1. Grease a microwave safe bowl with cooking spray and add the protein powder, baking powder, coconut flour, cinnamon, sweetener of choice and mix well.
2. Add the egg/whites and mix into the dry mixture. 
3. Add the milk of choice and vanilla extract- If the batter is too crumbly, continue adding milk of choice until a very thick batter is formed. granulated sweetener of choice and extra cinnamon and swirl over the top. 
4. Microwave for 60 seconds, or until just cooked in the center. 
5. Top with glaze and enjoy!

Have Fun This Spring

Spring is in the air! As the flower buds are peeking out and birds are starting to chirp, it's time to leave those thoughts of snowstorms behind. Spring can be a wonderful time to explore the outdoors or go for a walk around town. Get your family moving together and establish some healthy habits, away from the electronics indoors. We have 5 fun ideas to get you in the mood for the loveliest season of the year.

1. Dust off the sports gear. Find a kick a ball, throw a Frisbee, shoot hoops, whatever sports activity that you and your family enjoy doing.

2. Get dirty in the yard. Mow the grass. Pull weeds. Till flower beds. Replant. Cut back. Find the fun in getting sweaty, and teach your kids how to manage the landscaping while you do it.

3. Explore the outdoors. Hike a trail and check out the plants budding out of the ground.

4. Go to a baseball game. The beginning baseball season is one of the annual markers that warm weather is just around the corner. If you don't have it in your budget for pricey pro tickets, look into local league games, college, or even high school games to watch.

5. Make Something. Whether you're experimenting with a new recipe or creating a new craft, making something new will give your kids a sense of satisfaction.

After being cooped up all winter, everyone's ready for some fresh Spring air. We hope you will step into the warm weather with suggestions of fun activities for the entire family.

LAYERED STRAWBERRY TRIFLE RECIPE

INGREDIENTS:

SYRUP:
1/4 cup granulated white sugar
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 cup water
LAYERS:
12 ounces pound cake or butter loaf (store bought is ok)
8 ounces (1 package) cream cheese, at room temperature
1/3 cup granulated white sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
6 cups fresh strawberries

DIRECTIONS:

1. Prepare the lemon syrup: In a small saucepan, bring the sugar, lemon juice and water to a boil over medium heat. Stir to dissolve sugar completely. Let cool.
2. Slice the cake into 3/4-inch slices. Brush lemon syrup over both sides of each cake slice. Quarter each slice.
3. Use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese with the sugar on high speed until light and fluffy. Reduce the speed to medium and slowly add the cream. Continue beating until the mixture resembles soft whipped cream.
4. Arrange half of the cake pieces in the bottom of a glass serving bowl or dish (2 quart size is sufficient). Spoon half the cream-cheese mixture over the cake in dollops; spreading to the sides of the dish. Scatter half of the strawberries on top. Repeat layering with cake, cream cheese and berries. Pile additional strawberries on top.
5. Cover and refrigerate until chilled (about an hour). You may also refrigerate overnight.

Tips For New Patients

Are you a new patient at Hinesly Orthodontics? You may or may not be excited about wearing your braces, but regardless we know you will be thrilled with the result of your new smile. As with any change, adjusting to something new can be a little confusing and overwhelming sometimes, so we decided to help you out with a few tips on adjusting to your braces.

The first tip is to give yourself some time. Your braces may not be what you expected or wanted, but after a while when your teeth start shifting you will notice how incredible your teeth and smile alignment look. Pain may occur after your appointments, just give it a few days after each adjustment and you should feel more comfortable.

Another thing to remember is to be confident. Don't worry about how your braces look and don't be afraid or embarrassed to smile with your braces. Depending on the type of braces you're treated with, people may not even know you're wearing braces. Be proud and flash those pearly whites often!

Lastly, be sure you know what to do if you're experiencing pain or problems with your braces. Before you leave checkups, feel for any wires poking out so you can have us correct the agitation and avoid pain. If a problem arises after your appointment, don't be afraid to call us; chances are it's a simple fix. For more information about adjusting to your braces, visit our website or give us a call.

ENTER TO WIN!

Head over to our website to enter this awesome contest for a chance to win 2 tickets to the new Emagine Theater in Saline!

http://www.hineslyorthodontics.com/

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Do You Know How To Take The Perfect Selfie?

Taking a selfie is an art form in itself. A great selfie is more than just a quick camera click, it actually takes a level of skill to capture and edit the perfect one. After some practice and a few hundred captured pictures (we're only joking) these simple techniques we just know will make you a selfie master in no time at all.

• Capture Your Best Angle. Instead of taking the picture head-on, turn your head a little to the right or left, or maybe hold your camera a little higher. Try different angles to show off your best features.
• Show Off Something New. If you decide to take a selfie to show off something new, like…oh we don’t know, maybe your braces, make sure that you frame the photo in a way that highlights the new accessory that has you so excited.
• Have Expression. You can never go wrong with smiling! Play around with different smiles and expressions and have fun! No matter what, a smile is the best expression you can wear.
• Focus on Lighting. A great light source is an essential part of taking any photograph. Natural light is best, so start taking those selfies near a window or outdoors.
• Don't Use a Mirror. Just stretch your arm out, point the camera toward your face and click.You can use your face forward camera to make it easier!

Ok, now you’re ready! Upload those selfies to all of your feeds…Instagram, Facebook, anywhere and everywhere. Are you a patient of Hinesly Orthodontics? Then tag us in your selfies, we'd love to see your smiling faces! Use #HineslyOrthodontics!

The Details On DIY Braces & Why You Should Avoid This

Hinesly Orthodontics and the American Association of Orthodontists have a prompt announcement for consumers about “DIY” orthodontic treatment. It is with great urgency that we emphasize to you all to be cautious about the trending “DIY” orthodontic treatment because straightening your teeth on your own can lead to lifelong dental problems.

Do-It-Yourself videos and websites are popular among today’s culture, and while so many great ideas come from several of these outlets, there are some things that you just shouldn’t do yourself! Straightening your teeth or attempting to move your teeth as a “DIY” project is definitely one of the things you should not be doing. 

Moving and straightening teeth is a medical procedure that needs to be supervised by an orthodontist. It’s important for you all to be wary of any videos or websites that advise you to use objects such as rubber bands, dental floss, or anything else in order to get straight teeth. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, “Moving teeth without a thorough examination of the overall health of the teeth and gums could result in the permanent loss of teeth, which may result in expensive and lifelong dental problems.”

If you have any further questions regarding “DIY” orthodontics or are curious about straightening your teeth, please contact us at our Ann Arbor or Tecumseh office.