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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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/

Review Us On Google

Reviews on Google provide valuable information about our business to both us and our customers. Business reviews appear next to our listing in Maps and Search, and can help our business stand out on Google.

Leave us a review on Google by clicking here. You will need a Google account to leave review. If you are not sure how to create a review. Click here to create a Google account, then come back and leave us a review!

TO LEAVE A REVIEW: https://goo.gl/maps/5e1xmwX2TxD2

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. 

Merry Christmas

May this holiday season sparkle and shine, may all of your wishes come true, and may you feel this happiness all year round! With love, from Hinesly Orthodontics!

No More Blue M&M's?

This Halloween the blue M & M’s will be difficult to find. In response to growing pressure from consumers across the globe, MARS (the maker of M&M’s), announced in February that over the next five years it would remove artificial colors from the processed foods it makes for human consumption. Pigments found in natural substances would take their place. MARS has joined a growing list of global food manufacturers removing artificial dyes from some or all of their products. The companies include Nestle’ USA, General Mills, Kraft, Frito-Lay, Campbell’s, Kellogg’s and Mondelez International, the makers of Oreo’s, Tang and Sour Patch Kids.

The challenge for MARS is the color “blue”. Blue is a rarity among plants and animals. When blue does occur in nature it often is not truly blue but rather a trick of diffraction or the scattering of light; which is the case for bird feathers, sky, water and iridescent butterfly wings. A blueberry is actually more red than blue when you mash it.

The orange glow of Krafts revamped macaroni and cheese now comes from paprika, turmeric and annatto; a coloring extracted from tree seeds. General Mills experimented with 69 different natural dyes before it released a naturally colored Trix.

One would think that it would be relatively simple to find “blue”. In 2013 MARS began experimenting with the microscopic algae spirulina to make the first natural blue dye approved for use in the US. The problem is it is the incorrect blue, the color degrades and fades. So researchers are still looking everywhere for naturally occurring blue pigments. They have found a berry in Central & South America, the huito, a blue gardenia flower, red cabbage, aged red wine, a bacteria used to make swiss cheese, the Japanese Kusagiberry, butterfly pea-flowers and tree root fungi. All of that for the blue M & M. Let’s hope it tastes as good as the red ones.

"Give Me S'more" Cake - National S'mores Day Recipe

If you want to celebrate National S'mores Day today, we encourage you to do so! Take our s'mores challenge and try something different by adding some flare to your s'mores! Try out this new s'more recipe and let us know what you think!

Do you have a s'more recipe you'd like to share with us? Post it on our Facebook wall!

"Give Me S'more" Cake

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk

MARSHMALLOW FROSTING:

• 4 egg whites
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1-1/2 cups miniature semisweet chocolate chips, divided

Directions

1. Line bottoms of two greased 9-in. round baking pans with parchment paper; lightly coat paper with cooking spray. In a large bowl, cream the shortening, butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine cracker crumbs and baking powder; add to the creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition.
2. Transfer to prepared pans. Bake at 350° for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
3. In a large heavy saucepan, combine the egg whites, sugar and cream of tartar over low heat. With a hand mixer, beat on low speed for 1 minute. Continue beating on low over low heat until frosting reaches 160°, about 8-10 minutes. Pour into a large bowl; add vanilla. Beat on high until stiff peaks form, about 7 minutes.
4. Place a cake layer on a serving plate; spread with 2/3 cup frosting and sprinkle with half of chips. Top with remaining cake layer. Frost top and sides of cake; sprinkle with remaining chips. Yield:12 servings.

"Give Me S'more" Cake Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Cosmetic Mouthwash VS Therapeutic Mouthwash

The next time you’re ready to buy mouthwash, make sure you know your mouthwash and the differences between cosmetic mouthwashes and therapeutic mouthwashes. Just like toothpaste, there are different types of mouthwashes to do different things for your mouth. This is why it’s important to know the key differences between cosmetic & therapeutic mouthwashes.

Cosmetic mouthwashes act as a mask for bad breath or help whiten teeth. Similar to a mint, cosmetic mouthwashes will merely cover your bad breath and give you a more agreeable taste in your mouth. Aside from that, there are also some cosmetic mouthwashes that help give you a brighter whiter smile.

Therapeutic mouthwashes, however, have clinical purposes for oral hygiene that go beyond masking the smell of your breath. Therapeutic mouthwashes serve to fight plaque, attack bacteria, and strengthen teeth with fluoride making them a better choice for our patients at Hinesly Orthodontics.

Myths About Braces

Some myths being discussed around the web regarding braces are legitimate concerns people may have. Keep reading to see what some of these myths about braces are.

If you kiss with braces, your teeth will get locked together. Unless you are really smashing your faces together there is a very small chance of your braces locking since the modern brackets slim.

Will braces set off the metal detectors at the airport? The lightweight materials and the small quantity of metal actually in your mouth will not affect metal detectors.

Can braces rust? Absolutely not!

Will braces interfere with radio signals or other electrical devices? No. Radio-loving gadget fanatics can rest easy.

Summer Packing List For Those With Braces

It’s that time again; SUMMER is here. For many of our patients, Summer is a popular time to take a vacation and escape the responsibilities and routine of every day normal life. As we encourage you to take some well-deserved time away and hit the beach, we want you to remember to stay responsible for your braces while you’re traveling.

Be sure to pack more than the essential tooth brush and floss if you wear braces! Check out our tips below for those of you wearing clear aligners & traditional braces

If you wear Invisalign clear aligners, be sure to remember:

• Always take your previous set of aligners, your current set, and your next set of aligners with you.
• Always carry your aligners in your purse or carry-on luggage when flying.
• Take an extra case. 
• Make sure you rinse out your mouth and aligners before reinserting into your mouth if brushing is inconvenient. 

If you wear traditional braces, be sure to pack the follow:

• Orthodontic wax
• Floss & threader
• Proxy brush
• Rubber bands (if required)
• Ibuprofen

We hope these tips help you while you’re traveling this Summer. If you have any questions or concerns while you are traveling please give Hinesly Orthodontics a call. Wishing you all safe travels!

Try This New Braces Friendly Recipe!

Whether you're new to wearing braces or have had them for a while, you probably noticed that certain foods are hard to enjoy while being treated for orthodontics.  Instead of loading up a list of things you can't eat, we suggest creating a list of new foods and recipes you can eat.  This makes wearing braces a pleasurable experience that will leave your smile, and your tummy, very happy!

To help you start this positive orthodontic experience Hinesly Orthodontics found a new recipe that is braces friendly and taste buds approved! Check it out below.

Taco Pizza

Ingredients:
Meat
1 lb Ground beef, lean

Produce
4 Green onions
1/2 cup Tomatoes

Canned Goods
1 (16 ounce) can Refried beans

Condiments
1/4 cup Black olives

Baking & Spices
1 (10 ounce) can Pillsbury pizza dough, refrigerated
1 envelope Taco seasoning mix

Dairy
2 cups Cheddar cheese
Directions: Heat oven to 375 degrees. Brown ground beef in a large skillet, over medium-high heat. Drain grease. Add taco seasoning to the ground beef according to package directions.

Unroll pizza dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet. (I used a 10x15 inch cookie sheet). Let dough sit at room temperature for 5 minutes. Press dough over the bottom and up along all 4 sides the of cookie sheet. Bake pizza dough for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from oven.

Place refried beans into a microwavable-safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute. Stir well and then spread beans evenly over the top of the warm pizza crust. Top with the cooked ground beef mixture, sprinkle with cheese and then add the tomatoes, black olives and green onion.

Return to oven and bake another 5-7 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Store any leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Financial Information Regarding Orthodontic Treatment

When you consider the cost of orthodontic treatment, also consider the lifelong benefits of a beautiful, healthy smile. The cost of orthodontic treatment will depend on many factors, including the severity of the problem, its complexity and length of treatment.

For your convenience, Hinesly Orthodontics will gladly assist you in submitting both predetermination and initial insurance claims pertaining to charges for care rendered in our office. However, please be aware our primary financial relationship is with our patients or their families and not with their respective insurance companies. Final responsibility for collection of benefits from your insurance company rests with the insured party. Our professional services are rendered and charged directly to the patient or their family and they are responsible for payment of all fees incurred.

We believe that finances should never be an obstacle when it comes to a beautiful, healthy smile. Therefore, we offer convenient payment options to help you keep from worrying about the cost of braces and allow you focus on what matters most – your smile!

Orthodontic Treatment For Adults

Orthodontic treatment is no longer just for teens. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists states that one in five orthodontic patients is over the age of 21. Many adults are choosing to receive treatment because they understand the importance of maintaining their health, and they want to feel better about their appearance. Adults everywhere are taking advantage of the opportunity to receive orthodontic care offered at Hinesly Orthodontics, and now you can too. 

Keep reading to learn more about adult orthodontics.

Common reasons why adults are considering orthodontic treatment:

• A bad bite or malocclusion, causing teeth to fit together incorrectly.
• Teeth are crowded or spaced apart, possibly leading to tooth decay or gum disease.
• Abnormal jaw pain or pressure that is caused by crooked teeth.
• Desire for a healthier mouth and a more confident smile.

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.

If you are considering orthodontic treatment in Ann Arbor or Tecumseh, please stop by or call to learn more about Dr. James A. Hinesly.