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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

3 Summer Health Tips for Your Smile

Summer is officially here! That means summer vacation, kids are at home and some free time for your family. Summer is the perfect time to schedule orthodontic appointments or to begin treatment. Summer can also be a hard time to keep up with oral hygiene routines. According to a nationwide survey by Delta Dental, nearly 30% of parents say summer vacation is the most difficult time to get their children to keep up good oral health.

Here are three tips to help keep your smile and teeth healthy all summer long.

Replace Your Toothbrush - Toothbrushes should be replaced every 3-4 months, so summer is the perfect opportunity to get a new one. A new toothbrush will help you ensure your teeth are being brushed and cleaned properly.

Stock Healthy Snacks - With kids at home and some free time, sugary treats are bound to end up in our diet. Stay ahead of the curve and stock some healthy snacks such as fruits and vegetables already cut up and within reach. Additionally, avoid sugary drinks such as soda, lemonade and sports drinks which can damage your teeth.

Travel Set: Grab a travel size toothbrush, toothpaste and floss to keep handy for vacations, slumber parties and day trips.

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 goal is to enhance the quality of life for those who come to us for their orthodontic health care.

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

2 Unique Benefits of Invisalign

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.

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 of to show off. 

Here are two unique benefits to choosing Invisalign for orthodontic treatment. 

1. Food Restrictions:

Thanks to the removable aligners, Invisalign allows you to continue to eat and drink without the restrictions braces would cause. It's no secret that braces, come with food restrictions. Simply remove your aligners before a meal and place them in after. 

2. Easier Care:

With Invisalign, you do not have to worry about cuts, scrapes and wires poking out such as with braces. It is easier to care for aligners by simply brushing them. In addition, your oral hygiene routine should also be focused on brushing your teeth and flossing, to ensure a healthy orthodontic treatment. Learn more about caring for you Invisalign aligners. 

Schedule your complimentary orthodontic evaluation and see how easy and convenient Invisalign can be for you.

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.

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.

Invisalign for Adults

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.

When adults think of orthodontic treatment, they may think of braces and teenagers, however orthodontic treatment today is so much more different. At Hinesly Orthodontics, we combines art, science and the latest technology and expertise to provide the highest level of orthodontic care possible.

As adults, you may have noticed your teeth may have shifted a bit and your smile isn’t what it once was. The common approach we see adults take is Invisalign. 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. 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.

This is a perfect approach for adults who want to reshape their smile into a confident smile, being the best version of themselves. Each partient varies on orthodontic treatment, however usually a full treatment averages 6-15 months.

Schedule your complimentary orthodontic evaluation and see how easy and convenient Invisalign can be for you.

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.

July Podcast Recap: Invisalign or Braces?

“Everyday I am asked by patients and parents, which one is better, Invisalign or braces? Which one should they choose? My answer is always the same. Invisalign and braces are methods to introduce light continuous forces on the teeth, causing them to move into an ideal position.”

It’s easy to think Invisalign is better because the aligners are less noticeable. However with both, there is a level of commitment. At Hinesly Orthodontics, both Invisalign and braces cost the same price.

The Differences: 

With Invisalign, there are no food restrictions that happen with braces. It is less challenging to maintain oral hygiene because the aligners are removable. When it comes to braces, at times when teeth are shifting, some wires may poke, these are called “pokies.” With Invisalign that is not an issue.

Invisalign aligners are designed to be worn 22 hours a day. This means that they should only be taken out for eating and drinking beverages other than water. This means that you should sleep with Invisalign aligners.

Our office, Hinesly Orthodontics, was named a platinum provider by Invisalign. We treat almost any malocclusions with Invisalign. Invisalign also works great with patients who were treated in their teenage years but have now some relapsed.

Now, with all the information, the question remains, which one will you choose? Invisalign or braces?

If you have any questions, please give our office a call.