Invisalign in the Summertime

Invisalign Teen

Summer is here! And who doesn’t look forward to summer? Summer is usually a time for taking time off work, going on vacation, or just enjoying the extra time with family and friends. But did you know that summer is also the perfect time to start Invisalign clear braces treatment?  

One reason why summertime is the perfect time to start Invisalign is that you can get used to wearing your aligners before returning to work or school. Incorporating a new routine when you have downtime makes it easier to do when you aren’t so busy. Therefore, starting your Invisalign treatment during the summer, when you have downtime from school and/or work, will make your transition when you back that much easier.

Another great reason is…you don’t have to worry about missing out on any of your favorite summer foods. Delicious foods like corn on the cob, hard tortilla chips and sticky candies are off limits to people wearing braces because foods like that can break brackets and wires. With Invisalign clear braces, the aligners are removable so you’re eating habits won’t be affected. That means you can say yes to all of your favorite summer treats!

Also…Invisalign makes going on vacation much easier. Traditional metal braces require a visit to Dr. Hinesly’s orthodontic office every 6 – 8 weeks…more often if you happen to experience a broken bracket or wire. When you travel with Invisalign, you don’t have to worry about orthodontic appointments (or broken brackets) because Invisalign only requires an orthodontic visit every 10- 12 weeks.

But the main reason why summertime is the perfect time to start Invisalign clear braces treatment is…depending on your treatment plan, your smile may be perfect by next summer! Invisalign works fast with full treatment time averaging 6 to 15 months!   

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment for you or your teen, please call our Ann Arbor or Tecumseh office to learn how you can benefit from Invisalign! Request a consultation today…initial exams at Hinesly Orthodontics are always free!

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.

Find Band-it and Celebrating 25 Years

We have released all of our clue's on our website! Participate in finding Band-It all around town We have some incredible prizes to giveaway real soon. All of our clues for our scavenger hunt have been released. We are releasing 25 clues for 25 days, asking our Ann Arbor and Tecumseh communities to find Band-it.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Out With The Old & In With The New

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

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

3 Reasons to Change Out Your Old Toothbrush

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

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

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

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

Four Flavorful Fall Smoothies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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