Reducing Jaw Stress with Braces

Do you have jaw pain?

Does your jaw pop or crack when opened?

If so, you might need braces. Braces are not just for closing gaps in teeth. Orthodontic care can change jaw alignment and even entire facial structures. If you have crooked teeth, they could be adding to your pain.

Straight teeth have a proper jaw alignment, meaning no underbite or overbite. Crooked teeth can cause underbites and overbites and put unneeded stress on the jaw. This leads to pain, headaches, and sometimes serious problems like joint issues in your jaw. Teeth straightening can fix bite issues such as overbites or underbites that contribute to jaw pain and joint issues.

Experienced teeth straightening in Michigan

Do you dream of a straight, healthy smile? We can make it a reality!

At Stieper and Brust Orthodontics, we provide convenient options for teeth straightening, such as metal braces and Invisalign for both children and adults. With personalized care tailored to each individual patient, your treatment will succeed with quality technology, techniques, and expert care available from our office.

We have offices in Ann Arbor, Dexter, Chelsea, Taylor, and Saline. If you’re ready to improve your smile and health, visit our webpage to see which office is right for you.

How Braces Improve Your Smile, and Your Health!

Do you have crooked teeth?

Do they make brushing or flossing hard?

Straight teeth aren’t just aesthetically pleasing! They can actually improve your health in many ways. While teeth straightening can improve self-confidence, it can also help with oral health, jaw problems, and prevent sickness and disease.

A healthy mouth can mean a healthy body too. The mouth is the entrance to the digestive and respiratory systems, so if it’s kept clean, the risk of disease goes down. The bacteria found in crooked teeth can cause pneumonia and kidney disease, and gum disease has even been linked to an increased chance of heart disease.

Experienced teeth straightening in Michigan

Do you dream of a straight, healthy smile? We can make it a reality!

At Stieper and Brust Orthodontics, we provide convenient options for teeth straightening like metal braces and Invisalign for both children and adults. With personalized care tailored to each individual patient, your treatment will succeed with quality technology, techniques, and expert care at our office.

We have offices in Ann Arbor, Dexter, Chelsea, Taylor, and Saline. If you’re ready to improve your smile and health, visit our webpage to see which office is right for you:

What Is the Best Way to Care for Invisalign?

Caring for your Invisalign is pretty straightforward. Most importantly, you want to prevent the buildup of odor and bacteria. This means taking care of them much like you take care of your own teeth.

Keep them clean! You can use Invisalign cleaning crystals, or a denture cleaner. Brush them just like you would your own teeth with a separate toothbrush before putting them back in.

As a rule, whenever you clean your teeth, clean your Invisalign too. Once in the morning and once in the evening is enough.

And remember to floss your teeth before putting your Invisalign back in!

Read more about Invisalign in Ann Arbor.

Why Should You Continue to See Your Orthodontist?

Orthodontic treatment isn’t just about straightening your teeth, even though that is the biggest part. Other treatment includes:

• Monitoring changes in the jaw bones and facial bones
• Looking for any changes in soft tissue
• Regularly scheduled treatments and exams to develop a custom plan for care
• Assessments of tooth movement
• Assessments of overall oral health

Read more about why continuing orthodontic treatment is important to your overall oral health on our website!

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!

Having Straight Teeth Isn't Just About Looks!

Did you know having straight teeth isn’t just about looks?

Did you know that there are many health benefits to having your teeth straightened?

 If you’re wondering whether you should consider traditional braces or Invisalign, we know that it can be a tough decision, especially for adults. However, the benefits of having straighter teeth are more than just aesthetic!

Visit our website to learn more!

Braces or Invisalign Improve Your Overall Health!

If any of the symptoms listed above sound like issues you’ve been having, it’s time to schedule an appointment with Stieper & Brust! Our orthodontists are friendly and work hard to make sure you’re comfortable and at ease as they develop a personalized treatment plan for you.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation. We can’t wait to see you and get you on your journey to better health!

See Your Favorite Orthodontists in Ann Arbor Before Summer Vacation

Even if you’ve lived in Michigan your entire life, there’s a high chance that there’s some great vacation spots you haven’t visited yet!

 As the weather warms up and the kids get out of school, it’s time to explore your own backyard! We’re looking forward to summer too, so we’ve put together a list of hidden gems here in Michigan that are perfect for a weekend getaway.

Check out our website to learn more!

Catch Up with Your Favorite Orthodontists in Ann Arbor Before Your Trip!

Make time to schedule an ortho checkup before you hit the road! We have convenient hours to fit your busy schedule while you’re juggling work, kids, errands, and planning a vacation. We’ll make sure you don’t have any issues while traveling, and we can even give you some tips for taking care of your braces or Invisalign while you’re away from home.

Michigan Road Trip Ideas for You and Your Family

Are you planning summer vacation ideas for you and your family? Are you trying to think of ways to keep the kids occupied and having fun when school is out of session?

If a big multi-state road trip or trip flying across the country isn’t in the cards for your family this summer, consider exploring your own backyard! Some of the coolest places in Michigan lie along rural backroads and in the heart of the state’s biggest cities.

Check out our website to learn more!

Catch Up with Your Favorite Orthodontists in Ann Arbor Before Your Trip!

Make time to schedule an ortho checkup before you hit the road! We have convenient hours to fit your busy schedule while you’re juggling work, kids, errands, and planning a vacation. We’ll make sure you don’t have any issues while traveling, and we can even give you some tips for taking care of your braces or Invisalign while you’re away from home.

Don’t Let the Cost of Braces in Ann Arbor Deter You from Your Dream Smile!

To improve your health, you probably think about working out, getting enough sleep, drinking enough water, and a healthy diet. Have you considered smiling more as an approach to better health? It’s true! Smiling and laughing can improve your overall health by promoting good relationships, decreasing stress, and even boosting your immune system. If you’ve always wanted to improve the look of your smile, now is the time! Even if you’re an adult, it’s not too late for braces or Invisalign. You can finally have the smile you’ve always wanted, and reap the benefits.

Don’t Let the Cost of Braces in Ann Arbor Deter You from Your Dream Smile! 

We’ve been helping people feel great about their smiles for years, and we can help you too! We will develop a care plan especially for you, and be up front about the cost and procedures from your first appointment. Don’t just take it from us, listen to some of our happy patients!

These are not fabricated reviews! 

“I cannot say enough good things about Stieper and Brust! The office atmosphere is vibrant and upbeat, unlike any other dentist or doctor office I've been to. Between the friendly and knowledgeable staff and their high level of technology, you can rest assured that you are in good hands. Both Dr. Stieper and Dr. Brust are personable and amazing at what they do. I always leave their office feeling confident and better about my smile. My Invisalign treatment through their office has been affordable, convenient and a fun process to watch my teeth shift so quickly! I was nervous to start Invisalign at first but as I near the end of my treatment, I am so happy I made the decision to follow through with it and especially at Stieper & Brust Orthodontics!” – Lindsey C. 

Click here to read the full article on our website!

Plan a Family Day Trip to Celebrate Spring and Summer!

Are you getting ready to start planning summer vacation for you and your family?

Now that the sun is out more often, the travel bug is spreading!

Check out some of these great day trip options in Michigan:

1. Lake Huron Bay – The Great Lakes Bay region, all easily accessed by I-75, have some of the area’s best, lesser-known attractions. Visit Bay City and see one of the narrated history tours, operated by Bay City Boat Lines. 
2. Frankenmuth – Not only are the chicken dinners a must-have, but there’s also river tours, or wine and chocolate tasting cruises! In addition, two companies offer horse-drawn carriage rides around the Bavarian streetscapes. You can also experience Christmas in July at Bronner’s! 

Check out the full list on our website!

While you’re making plans for the summer, don’t forget about your check-ups at Stieper & Brust Orthodontics! We want to make sure you can enjoy your summer to the fullest, and that means making sure there are no dental mishaps while you’re gone.

 Making sure you keep up with your orthodontic appointments is the best way to cut down on braces cost in Ann Arbor.  Ask us about how to take care of your braces and Invisalign aligners while traveling!

Make This Year's Spring Break a Stay-cation!

Sticking around the Mitten for spring break this year?

 Are you looking for some fun but educational ways to keep the kids entertained?

There’s tons of fun things to explore in Ann Arbor and the surrounding areas for you and the entire family. Plan a day out and check out some great attractions, including:

• The Henry Ford 
• The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum 
• Air Time Trampoline and Game Park 

To see the full list and learn more about some of these attractions, visit our website!

Spending Spring Break at Home? Check Out These Fun Activities!

Are you and your family looking for ways to enjoy spring break at home?

 If traveling isn’t in your plans this year, you can still find fun things to do as a family right here in Ann Arbor! Here’s some suggestions for some fun things to do to enjoy spring break as a family:

• Ann Arbor Hands on Museum: Open 7 days a week, this museum has something for everyone! With 4 floors and 250 exhibits, this museum’s mission is “creating engaging STEaM (science, technology, engineering, and math) experiences for our more than 300,000 annual visitors”. They also have special programming every weekend and evening workshops. 

 To see the full list, check out our website!

Getting Ready to Start Invisalign? Read This First...

Are you or someone in your family getting ready to start wearing invisible aligners?

Do you know what to expect? Are you nervous, or excited? A little bit of both? It’s normal to feel a mix of emotions when beginning new orthodontic treatment.

At Stieper & Brust Orthodontics, we want you to feel comfortable in your new routine. Visit our website to check out our 5 tips to get you on the right track, and keep you there!

Trust Stieper & Brust Orthodontics to Help You Establish a Healthy Routine! 

We now have locations in Chelsea, Dexter, and Saline to better serve you! Expect the same great service you get at our Ann Arbor and Taylor locations. Our team of trusted orthodontists in Ann Arbor are ready to help you! Contact us today to find out more and start the journey to beautiful, straight teeth.

Getting Used to Wearing Invisalign Braces

Are you or a family member nervous about getting used to wearing Invisalign?

Are you excited?

Either way, the first week or so getting used to Invisalign is a big change if you don’t know what to expect. Many orthodontists in Ann Arbor say the best advice for people about to begin wearing clear aligners is to establish a consistent, healthy routine that you can maintain throughout your treatment.

Check out our website to see 5 tips to Get on & Stay on Track with Clear Aligners.

Trust Stieper & Brust Orthodontics to Help You Establish a Healthy Routine!

We now have locations in Chelsea, Dexter, and Saline to better serve you! Expect the same great service you get at our Ann Arbor and Taylor locations. Our team of trusted professionals are ready to help you! Contact us today to find out more and start the journey to beautiful, straight teeth.

What You Need for a Braces Cleaning To-Go Kit

Do you have a hectic schedule that requires you to clean your teeth and braces on the go?

Wondering how you can prepare for on-the-fly dental hygiene?

Not sure what you need to take care of your braces and teeth when you’re out all day?

Dental hygiene is always important, but your teeth do need some extra care when you have braces.

The Ann Arbor orthodontists at Stieper and Brust recommend their patients (and anyone with braces) put together a to-go cleaning kit to be prepared for whatever the day throws at you! Check out our simple list of what to include in your to-go braces cleaning kit.

• Storage: keep your kit organized and easy to grab by putting everything in a water resistant cosmetic or toiletry bag.
• Toothbrush: you can’t get the best clean without one of these! Try a travel size to save space or special brushes designed for cleaning braces.
• Floss: mini flossers or a small pack of dental floss and threaders are a must-have for your cleaning kit.
• Mirror: it’s much easier to see you’re getting a thorough clean with a mirror, so pack a compact mirror in your kit. 
• Toothpaste: freshen your breath and get squeaky clean when you include a travel-sized toothpaste in your to-go kit.
• Dental Wax: not everything about caring for braces focuses on cleaning! Keep a bit of dental wax in your kit to address irritations when you’re on the go.
• Pain Reliever: unfortunately, braces have been known to cause occasional discomfort, especially after adjustments. Be prepared with a pain reliever in your kit.

Stieper & Brust Orthodontics Know How to Care for Your Smile

The orthodontic experts of Stieper & Brust have much more to offer than great advice on to-go cleaning kits for your braces. Whether you’re looking for a consultation or need to come in for a braces check-up, we’re ready to help you achieve your goals. Give us a call today!

How to Keep Your Teeth Healthy with Braces and a Crazy Schedule

Not sure how to manage your hectic schedule and keep your teeth clean with braces in Ann Arbor?

Are you struggling to keep up with good oral hygiene because of your go-go-go schedule?

Want a simple routine you can follow to keep your teeth healthy with braces?

When you deal with a busy schedule, it seems impossible to fit in any extra commitments. So if you have or are considering braces, the requirements to take care of them may seem overwhelming. But with a simple routine for your oral hygiene, you’ll see that you can manage! Check out our how-to guide for taking care of your braces with a crazy schedule.

• Be Prepared: One of the hallmarks of a crazy schedule is that you’re often out of the house and probably not in the same place at the same time every day. Under these circumstances, the best way to be prepared to clean your teeth and braces is to bring supplies with you. Put together a to-go kit to make this easier.
• Drink Up: Drinking water throughout the day will help flush your mouth of debris and bacteria. It’s a super easy and healthy way to keep your mouth clean. You can also rinse with water after eating meals and snacks at times when you can’t brush or floss. Carry a reusable cup or bottle to make this easier.
• Brush: The standard advice of brushing your teeth after eating still holds true. It’s perhaps even more important with braces because of the tendency for food to get stuck in brackets and wires. Even a quick brush without toothpaste helps clear debris. Get a travel toothbrush or inter-dental toothbrush to make this easier.
• Floss: Your teeth are hard at work when you have braces, so this is really the time to pamper them with a great flossing routine. Carry threaders and a small pack of floss to make this easier.
• Wax On: Braces often aren’t without irritation. Whether it’s your gums, cheeks, or lips a slight irritation could become a bigger problem, so you should address it right away. Carry and apply dental wax to make dealing with irritations easier.
• Avoid Trouble: Stay away from ortho no-nos like gum, whole apples, chewing ice, and popcorn. Keeping these things off limits will help you avoid problems and extra trips to the orthodontist that your schedule can’t afford. Make this easier by treating yourself to braces-friendly foods like ice cream, sliced apples, mints, etc.

Fit Stieper & Brust Orthodontics into Your Schedule to Improve Your Smile

Now that you see how keeping your braces clean in Ann Arbor can fit into your schedule, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Whether you’re looking for a consultation or need to come in for a braces check-up, we’re ready to help you achieve your goals.

How to Keep Your Beautiful Smile After Braces

Are you seeing an orthodontist for help with misaligned teeth and jaw position?

Are you worried that after orthodontic treatment, your teeth will go back to where they were?

 Do you wear retainers since having an orthodontic treatment?

If you wear retainers, you should contact your orthodontist if:

• You notice an unwanted change in your bite or your smile 
• If you lose a removable retainer or damage a fixed retainer (one that is bonded in behind teeth)

If you have questions about retainers, or your post-braces orthodontic treatment plan, give us a call today! Our friendly staff will help you schedule a consultation with a doctor, who will put you on the path to a straighter, more beautiful smile.

Visit our website to learn more!

Worried Your Teeth are Shifting After Braces?

Are you worried that after orthodontic treatment, your teeth will go back to where they were?

Just as your body changes throughout your life, your teeth change too! As you grow, there can be problems with tooth placement and jaw position. An orthodontist can help transform misaligned teeth into a healthy, radiant smile.

If you have retainers after wearing braces, you should contact your orthodontist if you notice a shift in your teeth, or are concerned your teeth are moving around!

Read more on our website!

Trust Stieper & Brust Orthodontics with Your Smile 

Our patients say it best:

“I love this office and their staff! Knowledgeable doctors and assistants. They go out of their way to make sure you and your children have the best experience possible! I refer all my friends and family. Wouldn't go anywhere else.” – Jamie Price Lusby

 If you’re self-conscious about your teeth and want to get expert advice, contact a member of our team today! Our friendly staff will help you schedule a consultation with a doctor, who will put you on the path to a straighter, more beautiful smile.

Regular Orthodontist Visits Benefit Overall Oral Health

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)

Your orthodontist plays a big role in keeping you healthy! To continue to see improvements with your teeth and overall oral health, regular visits to your orthodontist are necessary.


To learn more, visit our website!