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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

Protecting Your Enamel

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. Start the new year off with a consultation with a great smile. 🦷😀☀️ Schedule one directly online! It's that simple.

Did you know your tooth enamel is the hardest mineral substance in your body? It is stronger than your bones. This hard, outer surface layer of your teeth, protects against tooth decay. It acts as a protection shield against your teeth. Being that it is on the outside of your teeth, it is easy to damage it over the foods we eat and by neglecting care for our mouth. Here are 2 ways you can prevent enamel damage such as decaying or discoloration.

1. Eliminate Acidic Foods:
Eating foods that are high in acidic such as berries, sugar, honey, lemon, and others can contribute to the decaying of your enamel. A simple step to start is by eliminating sugary fruit juices and soda from your daily diet intake.

2. Utilize Mouthwash: 
Using mouthwash after eating to wash away food particles or simply for a fresh breath, can help maintain your smile and enamel healthy.

3. Use a Specific Toothpaste:
Use a toothpaste designed to help enamel remain strong or combat the sensitiveness of enamel loss.