Orthodontic Facts vs. Myths

Are you considering orthodontic treatment for an alignment problem?

Do you have braces or Invisalign to correct crooked or misaligned teeth?

Are you looking for an orthodontist for adult braces in Ann Arbor, but haven’t found a practice with doctors you can trust?

Having issues with your teeth can be frustrating, and we know it can sometimes cause low self-esteem. At Stieper & Brust Orthodontics, we can help get you a beautiful smile that you’ll want to show off!

Read about common myths about orthodontic treatment on our website!

If you’re considering orthodontic work, make sure you have all the facts! At Stieper & Brust, we work hard to create an environment that makes you feel welcome and at ease.

If you’re in need of braces or Invisalign in Ann Arbor or the surrounding communities, we can help put you on the path to straightened teeth and a beautiful smile! We have offices in Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, and Taylor to serve patients all over Southeast MI. Call us today to get started.

Make a Healthy New Year's Resolution for 2021

Have you already made New Year’s Resolutions for 2021?

As the holidays come and go, it’s time to look towards the future! If you’ve been wanting to get a better handle on your overall health, orthodontic treatment could be the key to making sure you get the perfect smile you’ve always wanted!

You can work with an orthodontist to achieve a healthy smile at any age! Braces and Invisalign are made for children, teens, and adults, and the process is easy for everyone in the family. Regular checkups as a part of your overall health plan in partnership with your primary care physician and dentist make a more complete picture of your health.

Did you know there are 3 big items you can check off your to-do list to prioritize your oral health in the New Year?

Read more on our website!

Stieper & Brust Orthodontists has offices conveniently located in Ann Arbor, Dexter, Saline, Chelsea, and Taylor.

At our offices, we work hard to create a welcoming environment that sets patients at ease. Whether you are looking for convenient and low-profile choice like the Invisalign® series of inserts or you’re trying to find a resource for more traditional bracket-backed braces, we work to ensure that you receive education, comfort, and care whenever you step into our office.

Contact us today to get started! We look forward to hearing from you and becoming a trusted partner in your health.

Prioritize Your Oral Health in 2021

Are you trying to get a better handle on your health in 2021?

Before New Year’s Eve, have you already made resolutions to set up doctor’s appointments and stick to them?

Many of us prioritize our health during the first few months of a new year. Have you considered adding orthodontic treatment to your list of calls to make?

You can work with an orthodontist to achieve a healthy smile at any age! Braces and Invisalign are made for children, teens, and adults, and the process is easy for everyone in the family. Regular checkups as a part of your overall health plan in partnership with your primary care physician and dentist make a more complete picture of your health.

Read more on our website!

Stieper & Brust Orthodontists has offices conveniently located in Ann Arbor, Dexter, Saline, Chelsea, and Taylor.

At our offices, we work hard to create a welcoming environment that sets patients at ease. Whether you are looking for convenient and low-profile choice like the Invisalign® series of inserts or you’re trying to find a resource for more traditional bracket-backed braces, we work to ensure that you receive education, comfort, and care whenever you step into our office.

Contact us today to get started! We look forward to hearing from you and becoming a trusted partner in your health.

Why Do You Need an Orthodontist?

Have you recently been told that you need to see an orthodontist?

Do you think that your teeth are straight enough, and wonder why you have to see a specialist for treatment?

Straight, beautiful teeth are just one if the outward signs of orthodontic treatment, but there are many other reasons to continue seeing your orthodontist!

Orthodontic treatment isn’t just about straightening your teeth. It also includes:

• Monitoring changes in jaw bones, facial bones, and soft tissue
• Regularly planned treatments and exams to develop a custom plan for care
• Assessments of tooth movement and oral health (with adjustments to treatment as needed)

Read more on our website! 

If you’re looking for an orthodontist in Dexter, Chelsea, Saline, Ann Arbor, and the surrounding communities, look no further! We have 5 offices in Metro Detroit for your convenience, and a wide range of appointment times.

Contact us today to find out more! Note: due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve updated our office policies to keep you safe! Please be sure to read our office policies before scheduling your appointment. Please call us if you have any questions!

Orthodontic Treatment for Overbite or Underbite Issues

If you have an overbite or underbite, we know how it can affect your self-esteem. More than that, bite issues and jaw misalignment can cause serious health issues. 

Everyone is different, and everyone has a different smile. Because of that, there are a variety of problems associated with misalignments.

How your teeth grow in, alignment of your jaw, and even childhood behaviors can have long lasting impacts on the shape of your mouth, and could contribute to misalignments. 

Read more on our website!

If you want to get your jaw misplacement issues taken care of, it’s time to see an orthodontist! 

The perfect smile you’ve always wanted is within your reach! Our friendly doctors will provide a free smile consultation and put together a care plan specifically tailored to your needs. We have offices in Ann Arbor, Taylor, Dexter, Saline, and Chelsea to serve you.

Contact us today to find out more! Note: due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve updated our office policies to keep you safe! Please be sure to read our office policies before scheduling your appointment. Please call us if you have any questions!

Bite Problems: How do I Know when it’s time for Orthodontic Treatment?

Everyone is different, and everyone has a different smile. Because of that, there are a variety of problems associated with misalignments.

How your teeth grow in, alignment of your jaw, and even childhood behaviors can have long lasting impacts on the shape of your mouth, and could contribute to misalignments. 

Orthodontists regularly see all different types of bite problems that affect patients of all ages. The following types of bite problems are typically ones that need comprehensive orthodontic treatment:

1. Underbite: The underbite is very common, especially among children. When your lower jaw is set forward and the lower row of teeth cover part of the upper row, it can cause rapid tooth wear, damage to the enamel, and stress on the jaw joints. 
   
   
2. Crossbite: Posterior and anterior crossbites can affect a single tooth, or multiple teeth. They can also occur with both baby and permanent teeth. A posterior crossbite is when the upper teeth fit behind the lower teeth, and anterior is when the lower teeth fit behind the upper teeth. Crossbites are one of the more serious problems. It can cause a range of issues like lopsided jaw growth, and excessive wearing down of the enamel.

Visit our website to read the full list!

The perfect smile you’ve always wanted is within your reach! Our friendly doctors will provide a free smile consultation and put together a care plan specifically tailored to your needs. 

Contact us today to find out more! Note: due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve updated our office policies to keep you safe! Please be sure to read our office policies before scheduling your appointment. Please call us if you have any questions!

How's Your Flossing and Brushing Routine?

According to the American Academy of Orthodontics, “a simple two-step routine can not only effectively remove dental plaque and strengthen your teeth but can also help to minimize your time in orthodontic treatment.” 

Remember: your oral health care doesn’t end after you leave your dentist or orthodontist office! You’re a big partner in the process to getting straight teeth and a beautiful smile.

You can play your role in the orthodontic process by:

1. Brushing for two minutes after every meal or snack or rinsing your mouth with water if you can’t brush. 
2. Flossing at least once a day, ideally before you brush.
3. Seeing your general dentist every 6 months for check-ups.
4. Avoiding sugary foods and drinks that can contribute to tooth decay.

Trust Stieper & Brust Orthodontics to Take Care of Your Teeth!

We have 5 offices for you to choose from to fit your schedule and routine. Call us today to schedule an appointment! Please visit our website to learn about our updated policies and procedures as we navigate the way forward with COVID-19.

Braces-Friendly Options for Summer Party Treats

For some of us, summer is the best time of year. The summer sun, barbecuing, bonfires, and best of all; the food! Those of us with traditional braces or clear aligners like Invisalign know about the constant struggles that come with enjoying traditional summer treats.

We have some small tricks for you so that you don’t have to worry about those endless seeds stuck in your teeth!

• Toothpicks are your best friends! - Carrying around some toothpicks in your bag will be the most helpful thing for your smile. If seeds or food ever get stuck in your mouth, the toothpick is there for a quick pick-me-up!
• Choose what you eat wisely. Making small swaps to your diet will immediately help your teeth Switch from berries to seedless fruit, cubed to crushed ice, and choosing a veggie tray over chips are all small changes you can make! Click here to read the full article on our website!
• Keep up with brushing! - Brushing your teeth regularly will have your smile looking brighter than the sun itself!
• Don’t forget about your regular cleaning - Most people over look this task, but it is so important to fit this time in. Before diving into the pool, give your orthodontist a call for a quick check up.

At Stieper & Brust Orthodontics, we’re committed to helping you enjoy summer and the delicious foods that come with it while keeping your smile healthy at the same time.

Enjoy all of your favorite summer foods even while having braces!

 Can’t seem to find the middle ground maintaining your beautiful smile while still enjoying yummy summer foods? Trying to find healthier options for summer treats?

Bring on the summer treats now that warm weather is here! Your mind is now overtaken with the thoughts of barbecuing, sweet fruit, and tasty cold treats to cool you off. However, this time of the year can be tricky for those of us with traditional braces or clear aligners like Invisalign.

We’ve created some simple summer tricks to help you fulfill your summer treat needs while still caring for your teeth!

• Veggie over everything - According to the American Dental Association, carrots, celery and raw broccoli are like natural toothbrushes! Choose a veggie tray instead of chips and dip at your party to satisfy that need for a crunch, but stay away from the chips that often end up settling in the pits of your teeth
• More cheese, please! - Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese are low in sugar but rich in calcium, which can strengthen and protect enamel.
• Go seedless - Try to stay away from seeds by going for hotdog and hamburger buns without sesame and poppy seeds. For fruit options, try to stay away from raspberries, kiwis, and blackberries, which have small seeds that get easily stuck in teeth.
• Look out for ice - Crunching on hard foods like ice can cause broken teeth and can damage enamel. Crushed iced cubes are a better option for your guests.
• Stay away from soda! - Water is one of the best things you can drink, especially on hot days when it’s so important to stay hydrated. To satisfy a sweet tooth, try infused water!

Take care of your teeth and save money on the cost of braces in the long run with these tips and more! Our friendly team of orthodontists have the knowledge to answer any of your questions and will make sure you’re comfortable with your braces or Invisalign. Contact us today! We want to make sure your smile is as bright as ever!

Meet the Newest Addition to Our Team - Dr. Leen Khatib!

Stieper and Brust Orthodontics is excited to announce the addition of Dr. Leen Khatib to our practice! Leen is an Ann Arbor/Saline native and feels very fortunate to have the opportunity to practice in the community where she grew up.

After graduating from Saline High School in 2008, she attended University of Michigan where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Biomedical Engineering.

 Dr. Khatib earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, graduating near the top of her class. Upon graduating, she attended Indiana University where she completed her Orthodontic Residency and obtained her Master of Science in Dentistry.

Dr. Khatib was born and raised in the Ann Arbor/Saline area. She was very active with the sports community, participating in basketball, tennis, and golf throughout her years at Saline High School. She enjoys being outside, water sports on the lake and cheering on the Wolverines (Go Blue!).

It takes significant effort to find someone who we know will uphold the high quality of care and service that patients experience in our practice. Dr. Khatib is passionate about creating a fun environment for her patients where they can come to realize their best smile. Our goal is to make our office visits the highlight of their day! Additionally, we are thrilled that Dr. Khatib’s addition will allow for increased availability and more flexible hours for our mutual patients.