National Facial Protection Month

Hinesly Orthodontics

The team at Hinesly Orthodontics wants to remind our athletes to play it safe by wearing a mouth guard during recreational and organized sports. 

A mouth guard is an essential piece of athletic gear that should be part of your standard sporting equipment. A properly fitted mouth guard may be especially important for people who wear braces. A blow to the face could damage the brackets or other fixed orthodontic appliances. A mouth guard also provides a barrier between the braces and your cheek or lips, which will help you avoid injuries to your gums and cheeks.

There are three types of mouth guards:

1. Stock mouth guards come ready to wear. They are inexpensive and can be bought at most sporting good stores and drug stores. However, little can be done to adjust their fit.

2. Boil and bite mouth guards can also be bought at many sporting goods stores and may offer a better fit than stock mouth guards. The "boil and bite" mouth guard is made from thermoplastic material. It is placed in hot water to soften, then placed in the mouth and shaped around the teeth using finger and tongue pressure.

3. Custom-fitted mouth guards are individually designed and made in our orthodontic office. Due to the use of the special material and because of the extra time and work involved, a custom-made mouth guard may be more expensive than the other types of mouth guards, but a custom-made mouth guard provides the most comfort and protection.

If you are an athlete and a patient at Hinesly Orthodontics talk to Dr. Hinesly about selecting a mouth guard that will provide the right protection for you.

For more information give us a call our Ann Arbor Office at (734) 769-7600 or our Tecumseh Office at (517) 423-6300. Our friendly and knowledgeable team will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

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.

Is it True? 4 Orthodontic Myths

We’ve heard it all. All the “rumors” and “is-it-true” about orthodontic treatment, braces and everything in between. There are a lot of myths about orthodontics and getting braces, some of which have been told so many times, by so many different people, they are now believed to be the truth.

Here are 4 myths about orthodontic treatment and the TRUTH.

Myth: Only kids need to see an orthodontist?
Truth: Everyone, no matter the age can benefit from a healthy straight smile. Every patient is different, the reality is that at any age teeth can impact you. As an adult your teeth may shift and look different. As a child, you may want to bring them in to ensure their jaws, teeth and oral health are all on track to a healthy journey.

Myth: If I wear braces, I have a higher chance of getting struck by lightning!
Truth: NO! That is not true. The chances of a person getting struck by lightning are the same, with or without braces. In the U.S. in any given year, the chance that you will be struck by lightning is 1 in 700,000 no matter what you are wearing.

Myth: I only need to see an orthodontist, while orthodontic treatment
Truth: While you have braces, it can make you more prone to plaque and tartar around your teeth, which is why you should stick with your regular dental check-ups, on top of your orthodontic treatments.

Myth: I can’t play sports with braces
Truth: Having braces, does not mean you have to stop living your life! As long as you wear a mouthguard, braces should not stop you or your child from playing your favorite sport. Ask Dr. Hinesly and our staff for more information on mouthgurads.


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.

3 Health Tips for the New Year

Happy New Year! The new year is the perfect opportunity to reflect and set new goals. One of the most important goals we can set for ourselves is to create or keep up with healthy habits. We are so proud to serve our Ann Arbor and Tecumseh communities. Here are 3 healthy tips to help you start a healthy oral hygiene routine.

1. Floss! Floss! Floss! Flossing every day is even more important when you have braces. If you’re having trouble flossing, just use a floss threader with regular floss, or buy special stiff-tipped floss made for braces wearers.
2. New Toothbrush: It's a new season and a new year, one of the most simple ways to keep up with your habits is to switch out your toothbrush. If you are using an electric toothbrush, you should switch out the toothbrush head as well.
3. Use Mouthwash: Using mouthwash, especially during orthodontic treatment is so important. Mouthwash can easily remove food debris from areas that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush or floss. After brushing and flossing, you can swish it around your mouth for a minimum of 30 seconds. This will remove any lingering bacteria and will even help with inflammation of the gums.

Our philosophy at Hinesly Orthodontics is combining art, science, and expertise to provide the highest level of orthodontic care possible. Schedule a consultation directly online at either of our Ann Arbor or Tecumseh locations.

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.

Holiday Treats that are not Braces Friendly

The holidays are here and whether you are cozying up with hot chocolate or baking cookies, you may be wondering if there are any types of treats you should steer clear from, especially if you have braces. The answer is yes! Here are a few holiday treats that are not braces-friendly.  

• Candy Canes
• Fudge
• Popcorn 
• Peanut Brittle 
• Anything with nuts or crunchy crusts
• Caramel - avoid this sticky treat that can easily get caught up in your braces

Avoid these sweet holiday treats that are not braces-friendly 🎄😄. pic.twitter.com/V1Cb5OQ62T

— Dr James A Hinesly (@smilefast) December 11, 2019

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.

Band-it Contest Winners

Drum roll!! 🥁 Announcing Hinesly Orthodontics Band-it contest winners 🤩😃

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.

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.

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.

2 Habits for a Brighter Smile in 2019

We are still very well into a new year and love all the growth and changes we are seeing into our patients smiles! We love the new year, because it is an opportunity for growth and positive change. At Hinesly Orthodontics, we want to ensure you incorporate healthy habits and take care of your oral health. Here are 2 habits you should implement to ensure you’re smiling brighter this year.

#1) Switch Toothbrush: Switching your toothbrush is a big step, most people disregard. Replacing your toothbrush can have a valuable impact. The Academy of Dental Association, recommends switching out your toothbrush every 3-4 months for health reasons and because the bristles can become too stiff, which can be too hard for your teeth and enamel. This simple step will keep your mouth and teeth feeling healthy.

#2) Pledge to Floss More: Your smile is what makes you, YOU! This year, pledge to floss more. It’s never too late to begin flossing.

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

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.

Top 2 Candies to Avoid this Halloween

Halloween is here! Halloween is the perfect opportunity to talk to your child and remind them about the importance of sticking to their health routine. This includes brushing your teeth, flossing, wearing your retainers, using mouthwash and other health tips. If you recently received orthodontic treatment such as braces or in the middle of your treatment, we recommend you avoid these sweet treats.

1. Sticky Gummy Candies: Sticky, gummy type candies are the worst type of candy for your teeth. It is harder to remove and stay longer on your teeth. This is especially bad for those who just received orthodontic treatment such as braces.

2. Hard Candies: You want to watch out for hard candies on Halloween and beyond. These can break your teeth and can be damaging if you have braces. On top of that, hard candies can cause the sugar to wash all over your teeth. This is due to having the hard candy for longer periods in your mouth.

Health Tips for Your Family

We recognize that every patient has different needs, and we pride ourselves in the courteous service we deliver to each person who walks through our doors. Whether you're an adult, adolescent or child, our knowledgeable doctors and staff are committed to helping you achieve the smile you deserve - a healthy, beautiful one!

We see family of all types and love to see the initiative to keep your family’s teeth healthy. Here are a few tips to ensure your family is in tip top shape before their next visit with us.

1. Brush Your Teeth Together: Make brushing your teeth a routine every morning and every night. Stick to the routine and ensure that you and your family keep a specific time for brushing your teeth, this will build a great daily habit. 
2. Flossing is Key: Flossing every day is even more important when you have braces. If you’re having trouble flossing, just use a floss threader with regular floss, or buy special stiff-tipped floss made for braces wearers.
3. Use Mouthwash: Using mouthwash, especially during orthodontic treatment is so important. Mouthwash can easily remove food debris from areas that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush or floss. After brushing and flossing, you can swish it around your mouth for a minimum of 30 seconds. This will remove any lingering bacteria and will even help with inflammation of the gums.

Back to School: Hinesly Orthodontics

Summer is fading away and the fall season is quickly approaching. Kids have returned back to school and the normal routines have begun. As summer comes to an end and fall season returns, it can be a busy time for parents and their children. New activities and new routines, it’s easy to forget simple check-ups to the orthodontist.

Why is it important for a check-up during back-to-school season? This is the time to schedule an appointment to measure the progress of your child’s orthodontic treatment. This will ensure your child's treatment is on schedule.

If your child is playing fall sports, be sure to get a mouthguard specifically designed for your child. This is the perfect time to ensure your child is on the road to a healthy beautiful smile.

June Podcast Recap: The Next Health Problem of the Decade?

This month, our monthly podcast is about a new worrisome trend in health, “Juuling.” What is Juuling and what is the big issue?

“This could be the next health problem of the decade” - Dr. Hinesly

The Juul is a smoking device that looks like a flashdrive. It was first developed by Stanford University students to help curb cigarette smoking in adults. “In reality it is attracting teenagers who have never smoked in huge numbers, no device is as worrisome as the Juul because of both its explosion and popularity and the heavy dose of nicotine it delivers,” Dr. Hinesly says. 

Some do not consider it smoking or vaping, with teens thinking it is harmless. Manufacturers have created flavors such as fruit medley, mango or cool mint. The odor is subtle and easily can be mistaken for a lotion or body spray.

Educate yourself and teens on the dangers of this practice. Learn more about Juuling in our podcast and by researching a few articles.

May Podcast Recap: Thumb-sucking

This month, our monthly podcast is about thumb sucking. One of the most common questions we receive from worried parents is “how can we get our child to stop sucking their thumb?”

Thumb sucking can be a source of comfort and stress for children, especially children younger than 5 years old. Thumb, finger sucking or using a pacifier, teaches kids to self sooth, which is a developmental coping mechanism. Too long of this habit, can impact the development of jaws and the palette.

More than ¾ of infants suck their thumb or fingers through first year of life. Most experts agree that a thumb sucker younger than five should not be pressured to stop. Most will stop before entering kindergarten, however there is still a 1 in 5 chance that your child will still suck their thumbs pass the age of five.

Usually kids stop between the age of 3 and 4.

“Because the thumb is in the palette, in can cause cross bites. Larger spaces develop between the teeth.” – Dr. Hinesly

Before insisting the child quit cold turkey, its important to observe how deeply entrenched the habit has become. How often and in front of whom? If it happens only at bed time or in front of family members, it is less serious, than if it is at school or in social situations.

What can parents do?

Contact our office for more advice or questions, we have helped many families. Give us a call at 

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.