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!

COVID-19 Update

Following Governor Whitmer's executive order on March 23rd, and for the health and safety of our team, our office will be closed through April 13th.

We thank you for your patience and understanding through this time of uncertainty.

We will continue to take emergency calls and texts at 734-330-3104.

Thank you.

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.

iTero Element at Hinesly Orthodontics

At Hinesly Orthodontics we utilize the latest technology to create the best orthodontic care for our patients. Our philosophy at Hinesly Orthodontics is combining art, science, and expertise to provide the highest level of orthodontic care possible. One of the pieces of technology at Hinesly Orthodontics is the iTero Element Scanner.

The iTero Element Scanner is a state-of-the-art digital impression system that eliminates the need for messy putty in your mouth. With our iTero Element Scanner, we can digitally capture a detailed 3D model of your teeth and gums. Not only is this process far more comfortable than the old putty based impressions, but it’s faster and can offer a superior clinical endpoint.

• What does this mean for you? 
• No goop or gag to worry about
• A fast, accurate impression
• Ideal for crowns, bridges, implants, and Invisalign clear aligners and retainers
• See a simulation of your potential Invisalign treatment outcome

During the impression process, you can breathe or swallow as you normally would. You can even pause during the process if you need to sneeze or just want to ask a question. The scanner gives us a 3D model of your mouth that can be used for all of your orthodontic treatment needs including the Invisalign.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Best of Elf on the Shelf

Who else is enjoying all these Elf on the Shelf photos as much as we are? At Hinesly Orthodontics, we are so thankful this holiday season. Our offices in Ann Arbor and Tecumseh have been loving all the photos from. Be sure to 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.

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.

Halloween Treats for Healthy Teeth

Happy Halloween! October is also National Orthodontic Health Month. We believe that Halloween is the perfect opportunity for a reminder in sticking to health routines, after consuming all the free sugar. If you just received braces or looking for something different to try this Halloween, here are 2 incredibly delicious alternative to sweet treats and hard candy that can harm your teeth if you have braces.

Graveyard Shakes: 
What You Need:

• 1 ¼ cup milk  
• 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup  
• 1 large scoop chocolate ice cream  
• 1 large scoop vanilla ice cream  
• 2 Oreo cookies, finely crushed  
• 1 soft ghost-shaped marshmallow 

Directions:

Combine milk, chocolate syrup and both scoops of ice cream in a blender.  Mix well and pour into clear glass.  Sprinkle a layer of the finely crushed cookies onto the top of the shake.  Then, set the ghost-shaped marshmallow in the shake to make it appear as though it’s rising out of the top. Serve immediately.  Makes one serving.