We’re Sharing Smiles, Not Germs

Much has changed since we saw you last and we wanted to update you on our office and the steps we have taken to ensure we do everything possible to keep our patients and team healthy. 

 

 

Here are some things to know when preparing for your next appointment:

1. Send your child in or call us so that we can come out and meet them at the vehicle. 
2. We ask that parents wait in the car during their child’s appointment. 
3. The waiting room will be closed. 
4. The game room will be closed. 
5. We will check your temperature before entering the office. 
6. We will ask each patient to sanitize each their hands. 
7. Our team will be wearing protective gear to keep everyone safe. 
8. We take extra care in sanitizing out tools. 
9. Please brush your teeth before your appointment as the brushing station will be closed. 
10. Each chair is six feet apart to social distance. 
11. Parent’s can facetime their children during their appointment if necessary. 
12. We will provide a report on the next appointment and make your next appointment for you, which you can call to reschedule if needed. 
13. We will walk your child back to the car after their appointment is finished.

We are incredibly grateful for the amazing patients and families that we get the privilege of working with everyday. You all have been so patient, understanding, and kind as we process and navigate through our current situation. If you have any questions or concerns regarding ournew safety precautions, please don't hesitate to contact our office.

We are in this together. We can't wait to see your smiles again soon!

3 Foods that Help Your Smile Shine

March is National Nutrition Month and this month we are sharing 3 foods that help your smile shine by keeping your teeth healthy and white. Nutrition plays a key role in the health of your smile, and often an easy adjustment to make that can have positive effects.

1. Dairy: 
Dairy can have health benefits for your teeth. Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy foods most often.

2. Fruits and Vegetables:
It's not secret these foods can keep you healthy overall, but fruits and vegetables can aid you in keeping your smile healthy. Your mouth, teeth, and gums are more than just tools for eating. They’re essential for chewing and swallowing—the first steps in the digestion process. Fruits and vegetables are good choices for a healthy smile since they are high in water and fiber, which balance the sugars they contain and help to clean the teeth.

3. Nuts: 
Foods containing calcium — such as cheese, almonds and leafy greens — and foods high in phosphorous — such as meat, eggs and fish — can help keep tooth enamel strong and healthy, according to the American Dental Association.

Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry devoted to creating beautiful smiles by bringing teeth, lips and jaws into proper alignment and is a wonderful investment with lifelong returns. At Hinesly Orthodontics, our mission is to provide you with orthodontic services of unmatched excellence, warmth and sincerity and to treat all of our patients as lifetime friends.

Protecting Your Enamel

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. Start the new year off with a consultation with a great smile. 🦷😀☀️ Schedule one directly online! It's that simple.

Did you know your tooth enamel is the hardest mineral substance in your body? It is stronger than your bones. This hard, outer surface layer of your teeth, protects against tooth decay. It acts as a protection shield against your teeth. Being that it is on the outside of your teeth, it is easy to damage it over the foods we eat and by neglecting care for our mouth. Here are 2 ways you can prevent enamel damage such as decaying or discoloration.

1. Eliminate Acidic Foods:
Eating foods that are high in acidic such as berries, sugar, honey, lemon, and others can contribute to the decaying of your enamel. A simple step to start is by eliminating sugary fruit juices and soda from your daily diet intake.

2. Utilize Mouthwash: 
Using mouthwash after eating to wash away food particles or simply for a fresh breath, can help maintain your smile and enamel healthy.

3. Use a Specific Toothpaste:
Use a toothpaste designed to help enamel remain strong or combat the sensitiveness of enamel loss.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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!

Thank You for a Great 2018

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 mission is to provide you with orthodontic services of unmatched excellence, warmth and sincerity and to treat all of our patients as lifetime friends.

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

Elf on the Shelf Contest

At Hinesly Orthodontics, we are gearing up for the Holiday season. Our elf is out and about, roaming our office, during the Holidays.  🎄 We want to see your elf. Send us your photos by tagging us on Facebook or on Twitter. We will pick one winner each week to win 2 tickets to Emagine Saline.🎁 Perfect for a night out.

Summer BBQ and Braces - Hinesly Orthodontics

Summer just around the corner! Here at Hinesly Orthodontics, one of our favorite things about summer is a good BBQ with family and friends! Summer is of course, the defining moment for kids. Everyone is out of school and ready to relax. With relaxation and an abnormal routine, it is easy for kids (or anyone really) with braces to forget two important food categories they’re supposed to avoid: hard foods and sticky foods!

Here are some great and not so great classic summer foods that are great for kids (or anyone really) who has braces.

• Casseroles 
• Salads 
• Jell-O desserts 
• Chicken 
• Steak  
• Hamburgers 
• Soft fruit

Here are some not so great classic summer foods to stay away from. 

• Chips
• Nuts 
• Beef jerky 
• Hard pretzels 
• Rice Krispies treats 
• Hard/sticky candy (i.e., with caramel or nuts) 
• Soda 

Source: https://www.luvmysmile.com/blog/enjoy-classic-summer-foods-braces/

I Just Got Braces....Now What?

Hinesly Orthodontics

At Hinesly Orthodontics we believe you have taken the first step toward a healthier and more beautiful smile but you are probably wondering what comes next. 

The first week is the biggest period of adjustment, and there is a lot to learn in this short time. What to eat?  How to brush?  No worries, in a very short time your braces will feel completely natural. 

On the first day, your braces will probably feel sort of like a mouthful and it may take time to get used to them. By the second day, you may feel some soreness or discomfort. If you are going to experience any discomfort, the second and third days are when it will happen. If you do experience discomfort it can be dealt with by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as Tylenol. 

If you have any questions or concerns our team is here to help you! You can call us at our Ann Arbor office at (734) 769-7600 or our Tecumseh office at (517) 423-6300. We can also help with a few tips at your next appointment,  just ask! 

The Rules of Retainers

Hinesly Orthodnotics

Retainers are custom-made for each patient and are advised to wear after treatment in order to keep the teeth from shifting. Retainers fit the top of the teeth and mouth. Though some retainers may look similar, no retainers are alike because they are made to fit individual needs.

Here are a few things you need to remember when receiving your retainer from Dr. Hinesly:

• You are instructed to wear your retainer for a year full time, which means 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. After a year, you will need to wear it 2-3 nights a week for your lifetime.
• Don't fold it in your napkin or leave it on the table at a restaurant. Garbage cans don't make happy hunting grounds.
• Don't put your retainer in your pocket. You might sit on it and break it. OUCH!
• Take your retainer out when swimming in a lake or ocean. If it falls out, you may not be able to find it. Wearing it in a swimming pool is OK.
• Animals and younger children love to play with it. Please make sure your retainer is in your mouth at all times.
• Your retainer should only be out of your mouth when brushing.
• Your lower retainer may be a fixed retainer bonded to your teeth. It is not considered permanent and can be broken or detached from your teeth if you are not careful with it.
• Bring your retainer to check-up appointments. If anything happens to your retainer (i.e. it doesn't fit, it's broken, or it's lost) please call us ASAP. If your lower bonded retainer wire comes out, keep it and bring it to your next appointment for rebonding.
• The first set of retainers is included in your treatment fee. Any repair to or replacement of your retainer, or rebonding of your lower retainer, will result in an additional charge to your account.
• Keep things clean! Be sure to brush your teeth without your retainers in. Do not boil your retainer or put it in hot water. Brush your retainer with a toothbrush using toothpaste, water or non-alcohol mouthwash.

What Type of Floss is Best?

Photo provided by oralb.com

If you’ve visited the dental care aisle recently, the sheer number of options available can be overwhelming. We often have patients ask us which floss is the “best” type of floss. In essence, all of the options on the market today do the same thing, and at the end of the day it comes down to personal preference. We’ve listed a few of the options below.  

Flossers: Flossers are small plastic instruments with a single floss strip and a pick on the opposite end. This option can be both effective at cleaning the areas in between your teeth and scraping off plaque. These flossers come in flavored varieties as well. They are a great “on the go” option.

Gentle Dental Floss: Some people will find that regular dental floss is too harsh on their gums. For that reason, several options are available that have soft coatings that are less abrasive on the gums. Typically, gentle floss is just as effective as regular floss and an ideal match for anyone looking for a more sensitive approach to flossing.

Flavored Dental Floss: Flavored dental floss will freshen your breath while you floss! We suggest flavored dental floss if it prompts you to floss your teeth regularly.

Of all of the options, it is difficult to choose the absolute best type of floss. However, Dr. Hinesly and our team feel that the type of floss that works best for you, giving you the greatest chance of succeeding at regular flossing, is the ultimately best choice. For more information on floss, or flossing with braces, ask us at your next appointment. There are many ways to make it both easy AND effective.

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!