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!

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 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.

Invisalign - Over and Under Bite

Did you know Dr. Hinesly is an Invisalign Platinum Provider? This is perfect for anyone who is searching to improve their smile in the Ann Arbor and Tecumseh communities. Invisalign takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, giving you a beautiful smile. Using a custom-made series of aligners created for you and only you, Invisalign, 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.

Invisalign can help treat abnormal bites such as overbites and underbites. An underbite is when you close your mouth and your lower front teeth are in front of your upper teeth. In many cases, this is actually a problem with your lower jaw being too far forward. An underbite can make it hard for one to chew properly and speak clearly.

An Overbite is when your upper front teeth overlap with your lower front teeth. Most people have at least a little overbite. However this can cause problems, from your teeth wearing down to pain in your jaw, if your overbite is too deep.



Based upon our treatment plan, customized Aligners will be constructed for each individual situation. Full treatment averages 6-15 months. Call or schedule for your complimentary orthodontic evaluation at our Ann Arbor or Tecumseh communities, and see how easy and convenient Invisalign can be for you!

New Technology at Hinesly Orthodontics

Happy New Year!

We hope everyone had a fantastic new year with their loved ones, friends and family. We are beginning the new year at Hinesly Orthodontics with a few updates in our offices in both Ann Arbor and Tecumseh locations. 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.

Check out our new 3D printers.

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.

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.

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.

Crowd Pleasing Braces Friendly Game Day Recipes

If you're still searching for a few more snacks to add to your Super Bowl menu, we've got two that will be sure to score with your friends & family.

Hot Ham & Cheese Party Rolls

• 1 can refrigerated pizza crust
• 1 lb. deli ham (thinly sliced, but not shaved)
• 12 slices Swiss cheese

Glaze:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray
2. Unroll the pizza dough onto a cutting board. Press into an approximately 13x18-inch rectangle. Top with ham and cheese slices. Starting on the longer side of the rectangle, roll up the edge tightly. When you reach the end, pinch the seam together and flip the roll so that the seam is face side down. Cut into 12 slices. Arrange in the prepared baking dish. 
3. Next combine the butter, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and poppy seeds in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until the butter is melted and glaze is smooth. Pour evenly over the top of the rolls.
4. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until golden brown. 

Tip: Make these rolls a day ahead! Refrigerate rolls up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to warm up the glaze so you're able to pour it on top of the rolls!

Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs

• 1 bag frozen meatballs (any brand)
• 1 jar chili sauce
• 1 can jellied cranberry sauce

Directions:

1. Add chili sauce and cranberry sauce to a medium mixing bowl. Use a whisk to mix ingredients until semi-smooth.
2. Add half the bag of meatballs to your crockpot. Top with half of the sauce mixture. Repeat with remaining meatballs and sauce. 
3. Cook on low until heated through, typically 3-4 hours. 

This crowd-pleasing favorite can easily be adapted for a larger group! Just double the recipe and increase your heating time to 5-6 hours. In a time crunch? Heat meatballs and sauce on your stovetop until warm. Transfer to your crockpot for a quick, delicious addition to your game day party!

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!

The Benefits of Braces

Photo provided by 3m.com

Our dedication to providing extraordinary personal service with compassion and consideration to the unique needs of each of our patients is our top priority. We feel open communication is extremely important in creating a positive environment for our patients and ensuring a successful treatment outcome. Here at Hinesly Orthodontics, we consider dental health to be an integral part of overall good health. We believe that good dental health can instill a sense of well-being, provide a lifelong smile, and promote good overall health.

To that note, let’s talk about the truth about our teeth. Our bone and gum tissues are supported by our teeth. If this support is lost or is poorly aligned, then our bone and gums can begin to erode. If the teeth are properly aligned the bone and gums are less likely to erode.

Your teeth play an important role in digestion. Before your food ever enters your stomach, it has to be chewed by your teeth. This process is called mastication. The food has to be partially broken down before entering your stomach to be properly digested. Braces straighten your teeth and give you the alignment you need to properly chew your food. 

If you are concerned about your alignment, or simply have questions on how to improve your dental health, let’s talk! Our caring team takes pride in providing exceptional care to patients of all ages. 

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!