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!

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.

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!

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!

Happy Thanksgiving

Wishing you all a luxurious holiday filled with love, joy, great food and wonderful company. Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at Hinesly Orthodontics!

Have A FaBOOLous Halloween

Happy Halloween from Hinesly Orthodontics!

Straighter Teeth, Healthier Smiles

At Hinesly Orthodontics, Dr. Hinesly and staff strive to give patients the best services while straightening their teeth. We know having a beautiful straight smile is the ultimate goal of our patients, but we can’t deny the fact that their orthodontic treatment also assists in a healthier smile too. The fact is, straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene and an increased chance of healthier teeth later in life.

Another wonderful fact about straight teeth is they are less prone to decay because they collect less plaque. When you visit Hinesly Orthodontics for your initial consultation, Dr. Hinesly will examine all aspects of your teeth, face, smile, and jaw.

If you’re curious whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, please give us a call to set up an initial orthodontic consultation at our convenient Ann Arbor or Tecumseh offices. Dr. Hinesly can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Questions? Give us a call, ask us below or on our Facebook page!

Let Braces Be Another Reason You Quit Smoking

We don't need to tell you smoking is bad for your lungs because chances are you’re already aware of that and several other health concerns smoking can bestow upon you. Besides the link between tobacco and heart disease, stroke, emphysema, and cancer, smoking can lead to oral health problems too. At Hinesly Orthodontics, it is our duty to inform you of problems that may arise when you wear braces and smoke.

We’ve decided to create a list to update you on oral health problems that smoking can cause.

Bad breath: when you have braces, there are just more areas for bacteria. Smoking with braces often leads to more severe odor.

Tooth discoloration: smoking stains your teeth – when you have braces it is harder to brush increasing the likelihood of obvious tooth discoloration following the removal of your braces.

Inflammation of the salivary gland openings on the roof of the mouth

Increased loss of bone within the jaw; compromising your treatment time. Increased risk of developing gum disease, a leading cause of tooth loss

Delayed healing process; making mouth ulcers more painful and longer to heal.

Hinesly Orthodontics urges you to be wise and consider using your decision to invest in braces as an opportunity to quit smoking and invest in your overall oral health. There are plenty of resources and support groups out there willing to help. If you have any questions on oral health problems that can occur, contact Hinesly Orthodontics.

"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

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!

National Dolphin Day is Flipping Awesome!

Every year on April 14th people in the United Sates participate in National Dolphin Day. Though thousands are involved, there are still many people in the nation that are unaware of this national holiday. Right now, Hinesly Orthodontics has a goal to help raise animal awareness, so recognizing a day such as this is a wonderful way for us to help our patients learn a little more about this amazing creature.

Keep reading to learn some fun facts about dolphins.

Did you know…

• Dolphins are cetacean mammals that are related to whales and porpoises.
• They range in size from 4 ft to up to 30 feet,
• Dolphins are among almost forty species in 17 genera.
• They are found worldwide, and they prefer the shallower seas of the continental shelves.
• As carnivores, their diet consists of mostly fish and squid. 
• Male dolphins are referred to as a bull. 
• Female dolphins are referred to as a cow. 
• Young dolphins are referred to as a calf. 
• A group of dolphins is called a school or pod. 

Dolphins are friendly sea creatures known to have acute eyesight both in and out of water, as well as a well-developed sense of touch. They live in pods of up to a dozen dolphins and are highly social animals. The United States national Marine mammal Foundation conducted a study that revealed that dolphins, like humans, develop a natural form of type2 diabetes which may lead to a better understanding of the disease for both humans and dolphins. Though National Dolphin Day is an unofficial holiday, it is listed as part of the American Veterinary Medical Association Pet Health Awareness Events.

Hinesly Orthodontics is trying to give back this month and next by donating $1 to our local humane society for every new Facebook like we get. Please help us to spread animal awareness, and generate donations by Liking us on Facebook.

Attn Peeps: Easter Candy To Avoid

Easter is a holiday surrounded by tons and tons of decorative candy that is hard to avoid. Like most holidays, when gathering with friends and family a common tradition for most is to indulge in food and desserts without being too cautious about what you’re consuming. For our patients that wear braces, we urge you to keep your eyes open (and mouths closed) to Easter candy that can be damaging to your braces.

Hinesly Orthodontics has taken the time to dig a little deeper into this for our patients. Keep reading to learn Easter candy totally unsuitable for our patients with braces.

• Jelly Beans
• Gummi Bears
• Licorice
• Starburst
• Snickers
• Life Savers
• Ring Pops
• Twix
• Skittles
• Sour Patch Kids

Today’s braces are very high tech. It’s important for you to be aware of what you, or your child, are eating this Easter to avoid from damaging braces, and dodge costly repairs. Keep an eye on items that will potentially be putting braces at risk for repairs.

Invisalign is offered at Hinesly Orthodontics

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.

Are you an Invisalign patient at Hinesly Orthodontics? If you answered yes, please watch this video for great information on patient use & care.

Invisalign: Patient Use & Care
Are you an Invisalign patient at Hinesly Orthodontics? If you answered yes, please watch this video for great information on patient use & care.
Posted by Hinesly Orthodontics on Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Not a patient but interested in Invisalign with Hinesly Orthodontics? No problem!

With Invisalign, there are no metal brackets to attach and no wires to tighten. You just pop in a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks, until your treatment is complete. You’ll achieve a great smile with little interference in your daily life. The best part about the whole process is that most people won't even know you're straightening your teeth. Contact us now to set up your initial appointment at our Ann Arbor or Tecumseh office.

It's Children's Dental Health Month

Did you know in the United States alone 51 million hours of school is missed by American students due to oral health problems?  That’s why it’s so important to emphasize the recognition of February being National Children's Dental Health national month, because every hour of school that is missed creates more problems for children in the classroom. This is why Hinesly Orthodontics encourages you to utilize this month to remind your kids about dental health.

Check out a couple of tips we wanted to share with you to make dental health creative when teaching your kids how to have healthy smiles!

Fun Toothbrushes

Another way to make dental health more interesting for children is to opt for fun style toothbrush. When replacing their toothbrush, let them pick one in their favorite color or with their favorite character. Also, a new toothbrush option that is growing pretty rapidly is the gaming toothbrush, such as the Grush. The “Grush” takes brushing to another level. This toothbrush is coupled with interactive and instructive mobile games guiding kids’ through proper brushing techniques while they think they are simply playing a game. These brushes also provide tracking for parents to see growth in results.

Create Memories

Show your children that taking care of their dental health is fun and memorable by adding a little flare to it. Brush and floss with them, sing songs, and help them brush while encouraging them to learn the proper skills. Also, there are several fun books and videos designed specifically for children to learn about dental health. Read to them and watch educational videos together. These efforts alone will provide great oral health habits with your children and long lasting memories.

Don't forget, according to the American Association of Orthodontists, the best age for children to be seen by an orthodontist for the first time is 7.  If you're child is ready for his or her first visit, bring them to Hinesly Orthodontics and let us assist you with treatment options.

Meet AcceleDent

You want to improve the look of your smile, but does the thought of spending months, or even years, in braces sound like too much of a hassle? With the AcceleDent® System, you can now reduce the time of your orthodontic treatment by 38 to 50%! Using this pain-free, easy appliance, you'll achieve your most perfect smile in no time at all.


How does AcceleDent work?

AcceleDent is a light, comfortable, and hands-free appliance that is used 20 minutes per day as a complement to braces to accelerate tooth movement. The patented technology gently vibrates the teeth and surrounding bone, allowing teeth to move more freely. The best part of the AcceleDent System is that it's completely safe! You may experience a slight tingling sensation, much like that of the vibration of an electric toothbrush, but it should diminish after you become accustomed to using the appliance.


The benefits of AcceleDent will make you smile!

• You'll accelerate your orthodontic experience without sacrificing aesthetics
• AcceleDent can be used for adolescents, teens, and adults, and it is completely safe for patients of all ages.
• The AcceleDent appliance is lightweight and comfortable. You may even forget you're using it!
• The hands-free design allows you to achieve a beautiful, straight smile faster than you ever thought possible – even while reading, watching television, listening to music, or doing school work.